One week to go: the conversations set to shape the AEC’s inaugural conference

I hear you. Another energy conference? Just this week alone there are two big ones, and the week after next is Australian Energy Week. Do we really need another one?  

Having been to quite a few big energy conferences in recent years, I’ve always felt there was something lacking for those deep in the weeds of developing the practical solutions that will see the transition delivered, and our 2050 targets met. When I was tasked by the AEC to develop an external events capability we spent a lot of time thinking about what our value proposition would be, and how we could stand out in a sea of energy events. For the AEC, our internal mantra is to shift the dial, to influence early, and to collaborate heavily. In a rapidly changing political climate, this mantra has never felt more critical.  

Rather than chasing political keynotes and advertorials, we set out to assemble a list of speakers tasked with delivering the transition from a range of different perspectives, to give our delegates a deeper view, outside of an increasingly messy political spotlight. Our inaugural conference theme focuses on what is needed to deliver on our Energy2050 vision of a system driven by dynamic and flexible wholesale and contract markets that efficiently reward the optimal generation mix, with consumers at the centre – from households to heavy industry – able to participate as much or as little as they choose, with trusted service providers acting on their behalf. 

What is the right conversation to be having right now?  

Reading the newspapers every day it seems like we are moving further and further away from this vision, and it is time for the industry to play a stronger role in the narrative. Our conference, Energy2050: Mapping the way forward, will look to build coalitions to better enable long term success in the energy sector and to deliver a system that genuinely balances affordability (#1 in the eyes of most consumers), security, and sustainability. Underpinning this, in recent years I’ve been pleased to witness a coalescing of key industry bodies towards a shared understanding of what will deliver a future energy system and ultimately a net zero economy by 2050. There are very few groups with real skin in the game that don’t ascribe to the cheapest and most secure energy system of 2050 being predominantly driven by renewables, backed by batteries, long duration storage and pumped hydro, and firmed by gas. But do we really have the signals in place to deliver on that optimal energy mix? Will the types of services we need be there when we need them? Who should pay? 

On the demand side, perspectives are a bit more diverse. How do we incentivise participation (and is that even a good thing)? Who should hold what responsibilities, and how do we balance competitive outcomes with consistent access? How quickly should we expect consumers to electrify, and is there a world where small customers can still access reticulated gas? 

Our program will seek to answer these questions.  

Showcasing diverse expertise 

A one day, single stream conference means a very tight program. We have unashamedly prioritised those with the hand on the tiller, and I’m excited to hear keynotes from three AEC member CEOs on their perspectives of where we are at today, and where we need to get to, in addition to a range of great conversations focused on enablers for delivering the transition.  

Frank Calabria as both the Chair of the AEC and CEO of Origin needs no introduction. His opening keynote will consider the transition with a lens on affordability, and set the tone for the day’s proceedings, highlighting the risks and opportunities of a transitioning system from the perspective of the largest gentailer in the country. 

Dennis Barnes in his role as CEO of Snowy Hydro is tasked with delivering Snowy 2.0, one of the most complex and critical pieces of infrastructure in the system. As a government owned project there is no shortage of commentary on the role and value of Snowy 2.0, but this is an opportunity to hear directly from Dennis about the value of deep storage in the NEM.  

Josef Tadich is the Regional Director of Energy for Tesla. Josef is a passionate voice, with a vision for a future in which energy is abundant. As Australia’s energy independence is tested by the war in the middle east, Josef will talk to the role of batteries and inverter based technologies in delivering a secure and reliable energy grid, the opportunities for EVs to support electrification, and where liquid fuels can complement, rather than solve for energy security.  

Those in the retail regulation space have often mused that if you want to see where our regulators will take the rules, just look to the UK for the answer. From Ofgem’s Consumer Vulnerability Strategy that led to the introduction of the AER and ESC’s Vulnerability Strategies, to the Safety Net Price Caps that led to the Default Market Offer, Australia’s regulatory framework has often followed precedents in UK.  

In 2020, Energy UK developed and introduced a voluntary Vulnerability Commitment, setting out a range of principles-based commitments that suppliers would make to their customers. In 2026, the AEC is considering what an Australian specific Vulnerability Commitment might entail, to better support Australian consumers to get the support they need, when they need it. Ned Hammond is a policy expert at Energy UK, and will join us in the room for a fireside chat with Jo De Silva, our GM Retail Policy, to deep dive into the UK Vulnerability Commitment, to support the framing of a potential Australian iteration.   

The final session of the day is one to stick around for (and not just so you can join us for a drink afterwards). Our Leaders Panel will bring together five prominent voices to talk about what is next. Jeff Dimery, MD of Alinta Energy, Sam Pearce, CEO of Collgar Renewables, Brendan French, CEO Energy Consumers Australia, Renene Windsor, Industry Director at Aurecon, and Michael Weaver, GM Mid-Risk Assets at Australian Retirement Trust will engage in a frank conversation touching on risk, investability, social license, and the challenges of delivering big infrastructure projects in a global supply crunch.  

Secure your spot today: only 20 tickets available! 

If you’re still sitting on the fence about whether or not to attend, I’d encourage you to grab one of the last few spots available. We’ve kept the attendance intentionally small to allow for a more intimate conversation, and give you a chance to engage closely with colleagues and peers across the industry. Sessions will be pitched at those with an understanding of the system and its drivers of success, with no advertorial content filling up the program. 

Discounts are available for consumer advocates, and all tickets include a networking function at the conclusion of the program to have a drink with other attendees and share notes on where the transition is at, and how we can collectively take it to the next level.  

If you just attend one event this year, make it this one. Hope to see you there!   

Please register via Humanitix to secure your spot.