Meet our 2026 Speakers
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Amy Kean
Stride Renewables
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Andrea Bernard
ENGIE
Anna Collyer
Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC)
Bianca Graham
Windlab
Bridget Abernethy
ERGANZ
Bronwyn See
Australian Gas Industry Trust (AGIT)
Bronwyn Williams
PhD Researcher
Caroline Wang
UNSW
Cathie Metcalfe
Amber Electric
Courtney Paulsen
AGL
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Craig Memery
Justice and Equity Centre
Craig Ypinazar
Jemena
Dani Alexander
UNSW Energy Institute
Daniel Cooper
Endeavour Energy
Fiona Schutt
Clean Energy Council
Georgia Robazza
TasNetworks
Hannah McCaughey
EnergyCo
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Heather Logie
Australia National University (ANU)
Jennifer Eason
PhD Researcher
Jess Padman
National Renewable Network
Jessica Kite
Squadron Energy
Jo De Silva
Australian Energy Council
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Johanna Bowyer
Institute of Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA)
Jordan McCollum
Gas Energy Australia
Kara Bombell
EthicAI
Kim Curtain
NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)
Laura Caspari
Engie
Lyn Bowring
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA)
Meghan Senior
Ausgrid
Melissa Irwin
Endeavour Energy
Natie Victor
Synergy
Nevenka Codevelle
ASL
Nicola Falcon
Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)
Prat Holavannur
Octopus Energy
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Preeti Arora
APA Group
Priya Guha
Flow Power
Renée Anderson
TasNetworks
Ruchika Deora
State Electricity Commission (SEC)
Sabiene Heindl
The Energy Charter
Sabooh Whitelaw
AirTrunk
Sarah Zeljko
EnergyCo
Stephanie McGregor
Marinus Link
Suzanne Westgate
Transgrid
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Tania Palmer
Meridian Energy
Vanessa Ratard
Ekistica
Vonda Malone
Indigenous Energy Australia
Ying Luo
Amplitude Energy
Bronwyn Williams
Keynote Speaker, MentorPhD Researcher
Speaking at
09:00
Negotiation Masterclass: Negotiation Skills - the cornerstone of business success
Jennifer Eason
Keynote Speaker, MentorPhD Researcher
Jennifer Eason is Senior Product Lead, Commodities at the Australian Securities Exchange. With more the 20 years’ experience in financial markets, she specialises in listed derivatives and brings deep expertise in market microstructure across interest rates and commodities. Jennifer leads customer-focused innovation in complex, highly regulated markets. With responsibility spanning power derivatives, she is helping shape ASX’s product strategy at a pivotal moment in the transition to renewable energy.
Thanks also for sending through the updated masterclass information. I will take a look shortly. Apologies for the delay. I am still in the UK but will be back in Sydney next week.
Speaking at
09:00
Finance Masterclass: Understanding how economic thinking shapes Australia’s energy system
Caroline Wang
Professor of Practice, Government and International RelationUNSW
Speaking at
08:55
Opening Remarks from the Chair
Anna Collyer
ChairAustralian Energy Market Commission (AEMC)
Anna Collyer has more than two decades of experience in the Australian energy sector and has worked extensively on industry reform. She was appointed as Chair of the Australian Energy Market Commission on 1 February 2021.
Along with Chair of AEMC, Anna was appointed Chair of the Energy Security Board (ESB) on 1 November 2021, charged with delivering the Post-2025 energy market reforms to create a power system fit for the future. In May 2023, the Energy Ministers agreed for the ESB to transition and become the Energy Advisory Panel (EAP) from 1 July 2023. Anna was previously Chair of the EAP and is now a member. She will resume the rotation role of Chair in July 2026.
As a partner of Allens law firm from 2001 to 2020, and in her early career, Anna focussed on the energy sector throughout its evolution, from the initial reforms of the 1990s to its current period of major transformation.
Drawing on her in depth sector knowledge and strategic approach, Anna advised a broad range of clients in the public and private sectors on major projects and transactions, working closely with energy ministers on a number of occasions.
Anna’s leadership roles have focussed on managing complex organisational change. As Allens’ Head of Innovation she fostered innovation at all levels of the firm, not only in technological developments but also in new ways of working and addressing disruption. In 2022, she became one of Australia’s inaugural ambassadors for the global Energy Equality Initiative, supporting the urgent task of improving female representation in the energy sector.
Anna has a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne.
Speaking at
09:00
Reflecting on progress for women and charting the path forward for the energy sector
15:10
Panel Discussion: If the sector is serious about Equal by 30, what has to change now? What roles are your ambassadors playing in achieving the Equality in Energy Transition?
Laura Caspari
Chief Executive OfficerEngie
Laura Caspari is ENGIE Australia’s Chief Renewables Officer & Managing Director. In this role she is responsible for leading ENGIE’s renewables business in Australia.
Previously Laura was ENGIE North America’s Renewables Senior Vice President of Power Marketing and Commercial Strategy, leading ENGIE’s commercial teams in the U.S. and Canada. Laura’s team signed an industry leading 1.2GW of renewables PPAs in 2023. In 2022-2023 she was responsible for acquisitions of more than 10GW of renewables. Laura was featured in both the 2021 and 2022 “Top 100 North American Power List” by A Word About Wind.
Laura joined ENGIE through the acquisition of SoCore Energy in 2015. While there Laura was honoured with several awards, including Midwest Energy’s “40 Under 40”.
Prior to ENGIE, Laura has held various roles in the U.S. including at Nordex USA. She began her career in her native Australia where she spent three years developing wind in western Victoria from 2006 – 2009.
Speaking at
09:25
Creating intentional career pathways for women, enhancing job retention, and improving career elevation
Stephanie McGregor
Chief Executive OfficerMarinus Link
With over 25 years of international experience in infrastructure and energy, Stephanie has provided strategic direction and execution guidance for projects across the UK, the EU, and Australia. Her expertise spans project delivery, sustainability, regulatory reform, and project financing.
Stephanie’s previous leadership roles include the GM for HVDC Grid Systems UK at ABB and as Director of Offshore Transmission at the UK energy regulator, OfGEM.
In Australia, Stephanie has advised companies including the SEC of Victoria, EnergyCo and Transgrid and held senior leadership roles with AusNet and TSA Riley. Stephanie has also served on the boards and committees of public infrastructure and smart mobility initiatives.
Speaking at
09:50
Marinus Link Presentation
Lyn Bowring
Executive Director Consumer, Community and First Peoples' Energy TransitionDepartment of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA)
Lyn Bowring is an Executive Director in Victorian Government at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, where her leadership of the Consumer, Community and First Peoples’ Energy Transition Division aligns with her passion for putting humans at the centre. She has oversight of policy, programs, and service delivery which focus on a fit for purpose consumer energy market including affordability and protections; enabling self-determination in the energy transition; and supporting community participation in energy.
Speaking at
10:10
The energy transition needs women: why success is dependent on female leadership
Nevenka Codevelle
Chief Executive OfficerASL
Nevenka Codevelle has been leading ASL since December 2023.
Nevenka brings over 25 years’ experience in the energy sector, having had a variety of roles spanning both private industry and government sectors.
This included more than 13 years with APA Group as a member of the leadership team that helped grow the business to be included in the ASX50. Nevenka also founded and led the Energy Charter, which brought together the energy industry to deliver better whole-of-system customer and community outcomes.
Nevenka also held the role of Executive General Manager, Government and Stakeholder at AEMO, was a senior policy adviser with the National Competition Council and started her career as an energy and regulatory lawyer.
Speaking at
11:15
The economics of the energy transition: costs, benefits, opportunities and challenges
Hannah McCaughey
Chief Executive OfficerEnergyCo
Hannah McCaughey is Chief Executive of EnergyCo, leading the infrastructure planning and coordination of renewable energy zones and priority transmission projects in NSW.
Hannah brings over 25 years of experience in the energy sector, having held senior roles in both the UK and Australia, including at APA Group, Ausgrid, Gelion, British Gas, and Centrica.
Throughout her career Hannah has played a lead role in the design, delivery and implementation of multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects, electricity networks, renewable power generation and energy storage.
As a respected voice in energy policy, Hannah has led thought leadership on net-zero industry systems, including industrial REZ development and regional engagement.
Hannah’s expertise spans infrastructure development, stakeholder management, and effective oversight of major projects. She has extensive experience in joint ventures and in managing multi-regional teams to deliver transformative projects within complex regulatory and stakeholder environments.
Hannah believes in putting people at the heart of infrastructure delivery and renewable energy policy. She combines her deep understanding of the energy landscape, people-centred approach, and strong governance expertise to deliver projects that benefit both the regions in which they are built and the people of New South Wales.
Speaking at
11:40
Building capability at scale: preparing the workforce for the next phase of the energy transition
Kim Curtain
Deputy Secretary Energy, Climate Change and SustainabilityNSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)
A governance and finance professional with over 25 years of experience, Kim has deep expertise in both the public and private sectors and is passionate about maximising efficiency and outcomes, whilst balancing risk and financial impact.
After commencing her career in project finance consulting, Kim worked at the UK Department of Health and NHS on various infrastructure and services contracts before returning to Australia to join NSW Treasury. There she held 3 roles, first in the Infrastructure and Structured Finance Unit; second as Deputy Secretary of Trade, Tourism, Investment and Precincts and, finally, as NSW Treasury’s Chief Operating Officer.
Returning to the private sector in 2021, Kim joined Deloitte as a Partner in the Infrastructure and Capital Projects practice where she advised the NSW government in development of its Renewable Energy Zones. Here, Kim developed her passion for climate change and the energy transition. She now leads the Energy, Climate Change and Sustainability team at NSW DCCEEW, with particular responsibility for NSW’s Net Zero policy and Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.
Speaking at
11:40
Building capability at scale: preparing the workforce for the next phase of the energy transition
Amy Kean
PartnerStride Renewables
Amy Kean is a cofounder and Partner at Stride Renewables, Australia, a boutique energy advisory firm. Amy has more than 20 years of experience in energy markets across the public and private sectors, nationally and internationally, and has a background in Science, Arts from UNSW and Law. Amy is a Director of ASX MPower and the Chair of the NSW Decarbonisation Hub.
Prior to establishing Stride, Amy was the NSW Government Renewable Energy Advocate. Amy has also worked at REEEP, Clean Energy Council, Pinpoint Mastercard, Accenture, Hydro Tasmania and was a board member of Renewables SA, Renew and REEEP.
Amy is a recipient of the NSW Green Globe award for Public Sector Leadership, the Energy Minister's Leadership Award and Services to the Duke of Edinburgh Award from HRH Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.
Speaking at
12:20
Panel discussion: Developing the skills to lead successful energy projects from development through to delivery
Priya Guha
Project EngineerFlow Power
Priya Guha is an electrical and renewable energy engineer focused on utility-scale solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems supporting Australia’s energy transition. She works across the design and delivery of large-scale renewable projects that strengthen grid stability and enable higher renewable integration.
She has experience at organisations including Flow Power and AECOM, contributing to solar farms, wind farms, and BESS projects in both design and owner’s engineer roles, from early-stage development through to execution and grid connection support.
She also brings a background in defence and systems engineering, with experience in requirements engineering and verification processes, along with early exposure to AI and software development.
Priya is passionate about delivering integrated renewable and storage solutions that improve reliability, efficiency, and decarbonisation outcomes.
Speaking at
12:20
Panel discussion: Developing the skills to lead successful energy projects from development through to delivery
Preeti Arora
General Manager Infrastructure EngineeringAPA Group
Preeti Arora is General Manager Infrastructure Engineering at APA Group, where she leads engineering services across major power, gas transmission and storage infrastructure projects. With more than 18 years of experience in Australia’s energy sector, she has built a strong track record in project development, engineering leadership and the delivery of complex energy infrastructure.
Passionate about the energy transition, Preeti has led multidisciplinary teams across renewable energy, gas power generation, energy storage and hybrid systems. She is committed to fostering collaboration, innovation and high-performing teams to deliver sustainable outcomes that support Australia’s evolving energy needs.
Speaking at
12:20
Panel discussion: Developing the skills to lead successful energy projects from development through to delivery
Suzanne Westgate
General Manager, Delivery Services & Strategy EnablementTransgrid
Suzanne is GM of Delivery Services and Strategy Enablement, and is an enthusiastic, passionate leader with over 20 years’ experience in the energy and utilities sectors. She leads multidisciplinary teams across safety, environment, technology and supply chain – functions that are integral to the safe, reliable operation and maintenance of Transgrid’s network. Suzanne has deep expertise in planning and environmental law, and a strong track record in connecting strategy with day-to-day delivery in complex operational environments.
Speaking at
12:20
Panel discussion: Developing the skills to lead successful energy projects from development through to delivery
Cathie Metcalfe
Chief of StaffAmber Electric
Cathie is an accomplished executive leader with 25+ years of experience driving complex, first-of-their-kind programs across tech startups, big banking and high-growth tech. She joined Amber in 2026 as Chief of Staff, partnering with co-founders Dan Adams and Chris Thompson and the leadership team to keep priorities aligned and decisions moving as the company scales.
Prior to Amber, Cathie spent seven years at Atlassian, most recently as Chief of Staff to the EVP for Atlassian Platform, and before that led the development and launch of Osko at BPAY, bringing Australia's first overlay service on the New Payments Platform to market across all 13 founding banks. She holds a Senior Executive MBA from Melbourne Business School with international exchanges at UC Berkeley, WHU Germany and IPMI Jakarta.
Speaking at
12:20
Panel discussion: Developing the skills to lead successful energy projects from development through to delivery
Prat Holavannur
Project Manager - Engineering and ConstructionOctopus Energy
Pratiksha (Prat) Holavannur is a renewable energy project leader and strategic consultant with more than 10 years’ global experience spanning solar, engineering, business analysis and sustainable energy innovation. She has led complex renewable energy projects across Australia and internationally, combining technical expertise with commercial insight to deliver practical, high-impact solutions. Prat has held roles with Octopus Investments Australia, RayGen, IIT Madras Research Park, Clean Technology Partners and Shine On, with experience across project delivery, stakeholder engagement, risk management, strategic planning and industry collaboration.
Speaking at
12:20
Panel discussion: Developing the skills to lead successful energy projects from development through to delivery
Bronwyn See
DirectorAustralian Gas Industry Trust (AGIT)
Bronwyn is Strategy & Growth Manager, Vic/Tas SWS at Cleanaway as well as her role at Australian Gas Industry Trust. She is renowned for her expertise in driving sustainable initiatives within the energy and infrastructure sectors. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades in energy and infrastructure, Bronwyn is a trusted advisor to governments and industry leaders, spearheading initiatives to phase out coal and pave the way for a greener future.
As a thought leader for circular economy outcomes in the Australian waste industry, Bronwyn collaborates with diverse stakeholders to develop comprehensive frameworks that balance economic imperatives with sustainability. Working closely with energy professionals throughout Asia, she champions initiatives to accelerate the transition to clean energy, leveraging my acknowledged expertise in green hydrogen and other low carbon fuels. Bronwyn's multifaceted background encompasses a spectrum of roles, from orchestrating large-scale LNG projects to fostering community engagement in renewable energy initiatives to implementing circular economy outcomes. She is an awarded speaker and influencer, inspiring audiences with her adept communication skills and insights into green hydrogen and low carbon fuels.
Bronwyn leads by example, forging strategic partnerships and driving meaningful change. Her commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions underscores her dedication to propelling the world towards a brighter, more resilient future.
Speaking at
14:00
The role of waste in circular energy systems in building a more resilient, commercially viable transition
10:00
Panel discussion: Empowering Indigenous stewardship: involving remote and regional communities in the energy and renewables sector
Nicola Falcon
Executive General ManagerAustralian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)
Nicola Falcon is a highly accomplished executive, with over 25 years’ experience in the energy sector in Australia and overseas. She leads diverse and inclusive teams, applies systems thinking to problem solving, and provides critical thought leadership to help navigate the energy transition to net zero emissions.
In her current role as Executive General Manager, System Design, Nicola is accountable for AEMO’s forecasting and planning responsibilities, including the development of the Integrated System Plan – a roadmap for the energy transition in Australia - along with the onboarding and connections process across the National Electricity Market.
In this role, Nicola is applying her knowledge, experience and stakeholder relationships built over decades in the energy industry to help AEMO continue managing the fast-paced energy transition happening in Australia. As an executive leader, Nicola drives leadership excellence, teamwork, inclusion and performance both within System Design and across the business.
Early in her career, Nicola helped develop system plans in Namibia and South Africa, learning how electricity can truly empower communities. This experience sparked her drive to make a difference in the world through her work, enabling the rapid transition to accessible clean energy.
Nicola is passionate about promoting, supporting and developing future female leaders. She provides strategic advice to AEMO’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and mentors young rising female leaders. She is delighted to be able to continue to advance women in energy through her ongoing contribution as one of Australia’s Equality Initiative Ambassadors.
Speaking at
14:25
Leading the next chapter of the National Electricity Market
15:10
Panel Discussion: If the sector is serious about Equal by 30, what has to change now? What roles are your ambassadors playing in achieving the Equality in Energy Transition?
Sarah Zeljko
Non-Executive DirectorEnergyCo
As the immediate past Chair of Energy Queensland, Sarah Zeljko was at the helm of Australia’s biggest government-owned energy company with an enterprise value of $30B. She is currently on the Boards of EnergyCo, Stockyard Beef and Unitywater and in addition, sits on the not-for-profit Boards of Queensland Rugby Union and the International River Foundation and is one of the five Equality in Energy Transitions Ambassadors.
Speaking at
15:10
Panel Discussion: If the sector is serious about Equal by 30, what has to change now? What roles are your ambassadors playing in achieving the Equality in Energy Transition?
Sabiene Heindl
Chief Executive OfficerThe Energy Charter
Sabiene Heindl is the CEO of the Energy Charter, a pioneering coalition of energy organizations united by a shared passion for putting customers and communities at the heart of the energy transition. With a proven track record of driving transformational change, Sabiene brings a wealth of experience from senior leadership roles in energy, telecommunications, media and legal sectors.
Previously serving in the CEO Office at Energy Consumers Australia, Sabiene has consistently championed innovative, human-centred solutions. Her academic credentials include an Executive MBA from Brown University (USA) and IE Business School (Spain), a BA in Laws (First Class Honours), and a BA in International Business.
With a strong background as a corporate lawyer and a deep commitment to people-driven outcomes, Sabiene is passionate about shaping the future of energy through purpose-driven leadership and inspiring decision-making that creates meaningful impact for all.
Speaking at
15:10
Panel Discussion: If the sector is serious about Equal by 30, what has to change now? What roles are your ambassadors playing in achieving the Equality in Energy Transition?
09:30
Accelerating renewable energy development: turning opposition into engagement
Kara Bombell
Founder and DirectorEthicAI
Kara Bombell is a leader in AI governance and digital transformation, focused on helping organisations make responsible and sustainable decisions about artificial intelligence. She founded EthicAI to support public sector agencies, not-for-profits, and mission-driven organisations in building clear frameworks for ethical and accountable AI adoption.
With 15 years of experience as a senior executive in global digital agencies, including roles as COO at Digitas Australia and Executive Director at Isobar, she brings deep expertise in large-scale technology transformation, organisational change, and digital strategy.
Her work sits at the intersection of AI governance, digital identity, and organisational capability building. She helps organisations develop risk frameworks and internal systems that enable safe and effective AI adoption, informed by practical experience with both successful and failed transformation programs.
Kara is also a member of the Governance Institute of Australia’s AI Expert Panel and the Tech Council of Australia, and has represented Australia as a government delegate at the Global AI Impact Summit in Delhi.
Speaking at
16:20
AI in action: applied skills for the modern workplace
Johanna Bowyer
Lead Analyst for Australian ElectricityInstitute of Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA)
Johanna Bowyer is the Lead Analyst for Australian Electricity at IEEFA. Her research is focused on trends in the National Electricity Market, energy policy and decarbonisation.
Prior to joining IEEFA, Johanna researched distribution networks at CSIRO, worked in solar energy businesses and worked as a management consultant at Kearney.
Johanna has a first-class Honours Degree in Photovoltaics and Solar Energy Engineering from UNSW Australia. While at UNSW she received the Co-op Scholarship, No Carbon Women in Solar Prize and Photovoltaics Thesis Prize.
Speaking at
16:45
Panel discussion: Exploring both sides of the AI surge: energy-smarter step-change or ecological trap?
Andrea Bernard
Managing Director - RetailENGIE
Andrea Bernard has extensive expertise in leadership both within the energy sector and other industries. Andrea joined ENGIE in 2019 and has held the roles of Chief Customer Officer Retail ANZ, and Managing Director ENGIE Digital in Paris, ENGIE’s group digital transformation accelerator. Andrea brings a passion for delivering a consistent, cost effective, and digitally enabled customer experience, along with a high performance culture within the teams she leads. She has proven experience championing new energy propositions for customers and ensuring that ENGIE’s global zero-carbon objectives are fundamental to the local strategy.
Andrea holds a Bachelor of Business with Distinction from RMIT and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Speaking at
16:45
Panel discussion: Exploring both sides of the AI surge: energy-smarter step-change or ecological trap?
Melissa Irwin
Chief Data, People and Sustainability OfficerEndeavour Energy
Melissa is a highly successful human resources executive with more than 20 years’ experience in organisational development, workforce planning, remuneration and benefits, inclusion and diversity and industrial relations.
During Melissa’s career, her strategic yet pragmatic approach has seen her lead workforce optimisation, cultural transformation and employee experience strategies which have resulted in operational efficiencies, cultural change and improved employee engagement.
Melissa’s passion lies in transforming organisations through people and leadership and she is a champion for inclusion and diversity. With a collaborative and inclusive leadership style focused on developing and empowering all team members, her strength lies in her ability to create an environment where people are free to think creatively and challenge and improve the way things are done.
Prior to joining Endeavour Energy, Melissa held numerous consulting roles working with a large variety of organisations and sectors within Australia and New Zealand.
Speaking at
16:45
Panel discussion: Exploring both sides of the AI surge: energy-smarter step-change or ecological trap?
Sabooh Whitelaw
Associate Vice President - Utility & EnergyAirTrunk
Sabooh has over 20 years of Australian and international experience spanning the finance, banking, and energy sectors.
She leads the APAC energy solutions at AirTrunk, responsible for energy procurement and utility partnerships across Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and India. She is responsible for securing reliable, cost-effective energy to support large-scale digital infrastructure, while accelerating the integration of renewable energy into rapidly growing markets.
With qualifications in Chartered Accountants and a Masters of Environment, Sabooh brings a unique blend of commercial acumen and environmental expertise to the renewable energy industry.
She partners with utilities, governments, and industry stakeholders to help shape solutions that meet today’s demand while contributing to a more resilient, low-carbon system for the future. She has a keen interest in enabling the growth of digital economy in Australia and has been a thought leader in the industry in the recent times.
Speaking at
16:45
Panel discussion: Exploring both sides of the AI surge: energy-smarter step-change or ecological trap?
Dani Alexander
Chief Executive OfficerUNSW Energy Institute
Dani Alexander is the Chief Executive Officer of the UNSW Energy Institute, which brings together one of the largest and most diverse grouping of energy experts in Australia. She is also the interim CEO of the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub, elected to the Board of the Energy Efficiency Council, a member of the AEMC Reliability Panel, a Director of the Energy Research Institutes Council for Australia, and an Advisory Board Member of The Energy.
Dani is a passionate advocate for reshaping our energy system to be clean, affordable, reliable and equitable. Her experience in the energy sector is broad having held roles in universities, government, and industrial co-operative research centres. Her background is multi-disciplinary in science and business, reflecting the nature of her work bridging the gap between new technology and transitioning markets.
Dani has a deep knowledge of a wide range of energy technologies, including renewable energy generation, energy storage, clean fuels, energy markets and grid transformation. She takes a customer-focused view of the energy transition, bringing forward the user’s perspective whether it be large businesses, households or energy communities. Her own research focuses on mainstreaming energy innovation across the value chain, accelerating the technology and commercial maturity of new technologies.
Speaking at
16:45
Panel discussion: Exploring both sides of the AI surge: energy-smarter step-change or ecological trap?
Jo De Silva
General Manager – Retail PolicyAustralian Energy Council
Jo De Silva is the General Manager Retail Policy at the Australian Energy Council. Previously, Jo was a senior leader at the Australian Energy Market Operator (ISP Consumer Panel) and Energy & Water Ombudsman SA, experienced in representing the long-term interests of different cohorts of energy consumers in regulatory and technical processes. Jo has served as a member of the Energy Security Board Stakeholder Steering Group and the National Customer Code Council for Comparators and Moving Services.
Jo was a member of the Australian Energy Regulator Consumer Reference Group, all four Energy Security Board National Energy Guarantee Technical Working Groups and the Australian Energy Market Commission System Security Technical Working Group. Heading up energy policy at the South Australian Council of Social Service for around a decade, Jo convened the National Consumer Roundtable on Energy and was an inaugural member of the AER’s Consumer Challenge Panel. Jo is a former Judge of the South Australian Premier’s Mining and Energy Awards.
Speaking at
08:50
Opening Remarks from the Chair
16:30
Panel Discussion: Building visibility, credibility, and opportunity through mentorship and sponsorship
Renée Anderson
Interim Chief Executive OfficerTasNetworks
Renée Anderson is Interim Chief Executive Officer of TasNetworks, Tasmania’s electricity transmission and distribution network service provider.
Renée brings more than two decades of senior leadership experience across energy, government, mining, engineering, education and tourism. Since joining TasNetworks in 2021, Renée has held executive responsibility for people, culture, community, transformation and stakeholder engagement, before being appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer in June 2026.
Throughout her career, Renée has been passionate about developing people, building inclusive workplaces and supporting leaders to create opportunities for others. Her experience spans large and complex organisations, including the Tasmanian Department of Health, Department of Premier and Cabinet, Aurora Energy, Coffey International, Roaring 40s, Santos and Rio Tinto.
Renée is Chair of the Australian Power Institute and a Director of 42-24, with a strong focus on supporting future capability across the energy sector. She is also active in the community, volunteering her HR and leadership expertise to a number of organisations.
As part of Women in Energy and Renewables 2026, Renée will cover off the importance of working with communities to help drive energy development projects.
Speaking at
09:00
Elevating the value of leadership in the energy transition: working with communities
Bianca Graham
Senior ManagerWindlab
Bianca is an experienced corporate affairs professional with expertise in community relations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs across the mining, energy, and public sectors. She has delivered shared value through Reconciliation Action Plans, Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs), and shared-benefits agreements driven by opportunities arising from connecting company and community aspirations. She forms and maintains relationships with people to help shape trust. Bianca is currently the First Nations Senior Manager at Windlab and on the First Nations Advisory panel for the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
Bianca is a proud Torres Strait Islander woman. In 2011, Bianca participated in Robert De Castella’s Indigenous Marathon Project, where she was part of the first cohort of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to run the world’s biggest marathon, the New York City Marathon. She is still heavily involved with the Indigenous Marathon Foundation, including serving as a Board Director.
Speaking at
10:00
Panel discussion: Empowering Indigenous stewardship: involving remote and regional communities in the energy and renewables sector
Vonda Malone
General Manager and Chief AdvocateIndigenous Energy Australia
Vonda Malone is an exceptional public servant and Indigenous leader, serving as the first female Mayor of Torres Shire Council from 2016 to 2022. She was recognised as the McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year in 2017 for her leadership and contribution to public service.
She has experience across all three tiers of government, with strong expertise in strategic planning, organisational development, change management, and community and stakeholder engagement. Her work has also focused on capacity building within regional and remote communities.
Vonda has demonstrated experience in Closing the Gap initiatives, Indigenous primary health care, and hospital and health service delivery. She is committed to improving outcomes for Indigenous communities through effective leadership, policy, and service delivery.
Speaking at
10:00
Panel discussion: Empowering Indigenous stewardship: involving remote and regional communities in the energy and renewables sector
Courtney Paulsen
First Nations Engagement ManagerAGL
Courtney Paulsen is a First Nations Engagement Manager and Indigenous procurement professional at AGL, proudly descended from the Nunukul people of Quandamooka Country (Minjerribah, North Stradbroke Island) and currently living and working on Darkinjung Country.
She leads strategic engagement across major energy projects, working in partnership with Traditional Custodian groups to deliver culturally informed outcomes, equitable benefit sharing, and long-term community value. Her work spans First Nations engagement, Indigenous procurement, and community investment, with a strong focus on embedding respectful, sustainable practices across corporate operations.
Courtney is recognised for building trusted relationships between First Nations communities and industry, and for translating cultural priorities into practical systems and governance approaches. She has led the design and implementation of community benefit frameworks, supported Indigenous business participation in supply chains, and contributed to initiatives that strengthen economic self-determination and capability development.
Passionate about creating culturally safe and inclusive environments, Courtney brings a collaborative and values-driven approach to her work. She is committed to driving meaningful partnerships that deliver shared value and lasting impact for First Nations communities and the organisations she works alongside.
Speaking at
10:00
Panel discussion: Empowering Indigenous stewardship: involving remote and regional communities in the energy and renewables sector
Jessica Kite
Head of Community and Regional InvestmentSquadron Energy
Jessica Kite is the Head of Community and Regional Development at Squadron Energy, leading community investment, First Nations engagement and regional economic development across the company’s renewable energy portfolio. She has worked at the intersection of infrastructure, communities and place‑based development, with a strong focus on partnership‑led approaches and social licence.
Speaking at
10:00
Panel discussion: Empowering Indigenous stewardship: involving remote and regional communities in the energy and renewables sector
Fiona Schutt
Chief Operations OfficerClean Energy Council
Fiona Schutt is Chief Operating Officer at the Clean Energy Council, with extensive experience in financial transformation, corporate strategy, governance and organisational leadership across multinational, statutory and not-for-profit sectors. She leads finance, risk, compliance, technology, legal and corporate governance functions, driving enterprise-wide transformation and sustainable growth. A trusted advisor to Boards, CEOs and government stakeholders, Fiona has a strong track record in strategy development, change management and digital enablement. She also serves on a number of boards and committees, bringing deep expertise in governance, organisational performance and strategic leadership.
Speaking at
11:10
Creating healthier workplace cultures: addressing internalised misogyny and shared responsibility
Heather Logie
Head of Centre for Energy SystemsAustralia National University (ANU)
Heather Logie is an Associate Professor in the practice of Renewable Energy at the Australian National University. She is Head of the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program and Co-Director of the ANU Centre for Energy Systems. In this role, she has been responsible for the leadership and strategic growth of the Centre since February 2024. Previously, Heather has operated as an independent contractor in New Zealand providing business development, operational and logistical support to large renewables projects in the South Pacific, NZ SMEs and non-profit organisations. Prior to this she held a number of senior positions in the Australian Public Sector in the areas of environmental, social and health services information and data management. Heather holds a BA/BSC, a Masters in Public Policy, and a Diploma of Project Management and is Chief Investigator on a number of active grants supporting consumer energy resources (CER) integration and orchestration, and decarbonisation of complex buildings.
With over 20 years’ experience in research, public and commercial sectors across environmental, social and health systems, and including in-country experience delivering large-scale renewable projects in the South Pacific, Heather will lead Research Program 4: social co-design and empowerment.
Speaking at
12:00
Panel discussion: Examining the role male leaders can play in advancing gender equity in the workplace
Jordan McCollum
Chief Executive OfficerGas Energy Australia
Jordan is a dedicated leader in the energy sector, committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for energy customers. As CEO of Gas Energy Australia, Jordan advocates for the role of renewable forms of LPG in the energy transition, ensuring consumers have access to secure, cost-effective, and sustainable energy solutions.
With deep expertise in the gas industry, Jordan has a track record of driving policy and advocacy efforts to support decarbonisation through renewable gas uptake, mirroring the transformation seen in the electricity sector. Beyond this role, Jordan actively contributes to renewable gas technology and business strategy innovations, leveraging extensive experience in commercial operations, innovation, and optimisation. Passionate about building a future-ready energy landscape, Jordan is dedicated to addressing the challenges of developing a new industry and unlocking the potential of renewable fuels.
Speaking at
12:00
Panel discussion: Examining the role male leaders can play in advancing gender equity in the workplace
Craig Memery
Senior Advisor EnergyJustice and Equity Centre
Craig Memery is an energy sector leader with more than 20 years’ experience advancing the transition to a cleaner, more reliable and consumer-focused energy future. He is recognised for developing effective governance, regulatory and market frameworks, leading evidence-based reform, and delivering practical solutions that balance the needs of investors, consumers and communities.
His multidisciplinary expertise spans strategy, policy, regulation, compliance, stakeholder engagement and systems change, complemented by hands-on experience delivering renewable energy projects. Craig is passionate about decarbonisation, electrification, energy innovation and building resilient, sustainable energy systems that deliver long-term value.
Speaking at
12:00
Panel discussion: Examining the role male leaders can play in advancing gender equity in the workplace
Daniel Cooper
Chief Executive OfficerEndeavour Energy
Danny Cooper is an experienced executive leader with more than 25 years of management experience across Australia and international markets. He has successfully led complex, vertically integrated businesses through transformation, cultural change and growth initiatives, delivering strong commercial outcomes and enhanced shareholder value. Danny's expertise spans strategy development, sales transformation, operational excellence, continuous improvement and mergers and acquisitions. Throughout his career, he has led large-scale digitalisation and business improvement programs, built high-performing teams, and delivered sustainable growth through strong leadership, employee engagement and a focus on operational excellence.
Speaking at
12:00
Panel discussion: Examining the role male leaders can play in advancing gender equity in the workplace
Tania Palmer
General Manager – GenerationMeridian Energy
Speaking at
12:00
Panel discussion: Examining the role male leaders can play in advancing gender equity in the workplace
Jess Padman
Director of Energy ProductsNational Renewable Network
Jess Padman is Chief Customer & Compliance Officer at NRN (National Renewable Network), which owns and operates residential solar and battery systems on behalf of the households that host them, and enables retailers to run them as an aggregated 24/7 virtual power plant fleet. She has spent twenty years in energy, including the last ten in behind the meter products; before NRN she was Head of Customer Assets at EnergyAustralia, where she led the development of its integrated behind-the-meter solar and battery offer.
Jess designs from the customer in, not the tariff out, and is sceptical of any product whose business case opens with “we’ll just need to educate the customer.” Her working assumption: households reward flexibility when it arrives as a lower bill, not a new responsibility.
Speaking at
13:40
The frontier of small-scale renewable energy: what’s next for the domestic distribution sector?
Bridget Abernethy
Chief Executive OfficerERGANZ
Bridget Abernethy is the CEO of ERGANZ, which represents New Zealand’s largest power companies that supply almost 90 percent of the country’s electricity.
Bridget has held executive roles in the energy sector in both Australia and New Zealand, previously serving as the head of corporate relations for Shell Australia. She also brings experience from across public relations, politics, and consultancy.
She is a regular contributor to New Zealand’s national energy debate and engages closely with ministers, officials, and industry leaders. Her focus is on enabling a reliable, investment-ready electricity system that can meet growing demand while supporting a lower-emissions economy.
Speaking at
14:30
Navigating the energy transition: how policy and market changes are reshaping the sector
Vanessa Ratard
Chief Operating Officer and Executive Principal EngineerEkistica
Vanessa is a Chartered Engineer and Chartered Environmentalist with over 25 year’s working in industry across remote areas in Australia, the Pacific and internationally.
Vanessa works alongside communities, investors and government, to realise impactful projects from community-owned PV BESS to utility-scale wind farms as well as new tech development, WASH and waste resource recovery.
Vanessa excels in understanding the complexity inherent in developing remote infrastructure and finding pathways through that complexity to identify the most appropriate technical and project delivery solutions.
Speaking at
15:30
Navigating non-linear careers, transferable skills, and opportunities for growth
Craig Ypinazar
Executive General Manager of People, Safety, and GovernanceJemena
Craig is a passionate and skilled senior leader with more than 25 years’ experience working across Australia and overseas in mining, transport, and energy. Since 2021, Craig has led $14.5 billion energy infrastructure company Jemena’s People, Safety, and Governance function with responsibility for HR, environment, sustainability, corporate affairs, risk, legal, and resilience operations. Prior to joining the corporate sector Craig was a lawyer for Herbert Smith Freehills for almost 10 years.
Craig is a passionate diversity and inclusion advocate and Chairs Jemena’s ESG Steering Committee as well as its Reconciliation Action Plan Steering.
Craig completed the Harvard University Advanced Management Program (2022) and is also a Graduate Member of the Australia Institute of Company Directors. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (Queensland University of Technology) and Bachelor of Arts (Modern Asian Studies) from Griffith University and was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland.
Speaking at
16:00
How addressing gender barriers can generate measurable business success
Jo De Silva
General Manager – Retail PolicyAustralian Energy Council
Jo De Silva is the General Manager Retail Policy at the Australian Energy Council. Previously, Jo was a senior leader at the Australian Energy Market Operator (ISP Consumer Panel) and Energy & Water Ombudsman SA, experienced in representing the long-term interests of different cohorts of energy consumers in regulatory and technical processes. Jo has served as a member of the Energy Security Board Stakeholder Steering Group and the National Customer Code Council for Comparators and Moving Services.
Jo was a member of the Australian Energy Regulator Consumer Reference Group, all four Energy Security Board National Energy Guarantee Technical Working Groups and the Australian Energy Market Commission System Security Technical Working Group. Heading up energy policy at the South Australian Council of Social Service for around a decade, Jo convened the National Consumer Roundtable on Energy and was an inaugural member of the AER’s Consumer Challenge Panel. Jo is a former Judge of the South Australian Premier’s Mining and Energy Awards.
Speaking at
08:50
Opening Remarks from the Chair
16:30
Panel Discussion: Building visibility, credibility, and opportunity through mentorship and sponsorship
Ying Luo
Chief Advisor and General Manager StrategyAmplitude Energy
Ying has almost 20 years of experience working in the energy sector in gas, LNG and hydrogen.
She is a Mechanical Engineer and worked in several roles over the first decade of her career with Santos, including Production Engineer, Operations Supervisor and Operations Engineer where she implemented solutions to design and operability issues identified during the commissioning and start-up of the GLNG Project upstream wells and facilities.
Ying also worked in the Corporate Strategy and Planning team, providing oil, LNG and domestic gas market analysis, supporting the development of Santos’ 10-year strategic plan. Her last four years with Santos were as the Project and Strategy Lead for the Energy Solutions division. Ying developed, implemented, and maintained the Energy Solutions strategy and led a portfolio of emissions reduction, carbon capture and storage, renewable integration and hydrogen projects.
She led the development of Australia’s largest renewable hydrogen production and blending project in Albury-Wodonga, Victoria.
She is currently the Chief Advisor & General Manager Strategy at Amplitude Energy, where she works across the organisation as Chief of Staff to the CEO and looks after corporate strategy, external affairs and internal communications.
Ying has a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with First Class Honours; Bachelor of Science (Mathematics, Computer Science) with First Class Honours; Graduate Certificate in Energy and Resources Policy and Practice and an MBA. She was awarded the Sir John Monash Scholarship for Excellence at Monash University, Young Energy Professional Development Award by the Australian Institute of Energy – South Australia Branch and the Exceptional Young Women in Resources from the South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy.
Speaking at
16:30
Panel Discussion: Building visibility, credibility, and opportunity through mentorship and sponsorship
Meghan Senior
Head of Public Affairs & PolicyAusgrid
Meghan Senior is a public affairs and communications professional with expertise in political communication, crisis management, corporate social responsibility, and strategic stakeholder engagement. She has a strong background in developing and delivering communication strategies that support organisational objectives and reputation management.
With experience across public affairs and corporate communications, Meghan is skilled at navigating complex issues, managing stakeholder relationships, and leading effective crisis and media responses. She is committed to helping organisations communicate with clarity, build trust, and achieve positive outcomes in dynamic environments.
Meghan is a graduate of the University of Sydney and brings a strategic, results-driven approach to communications and public engagement.
Speaking at
16:30
Panel Discussion: Building visibility, credibility, and opportunity through mentorship and sponsorship
Ruchika Deora
General Manager – ProductState Electricity Commission (SEC)
Ruchika Deora joined the SEC in February 2024. She has over 20 years’ experience in energy, including extensive international experience in strategic, commercial, and operational delivery.
Prior to the SEC, Ruchika worked with ExxonMobil, EnerNOC (now EnelX), CitiPower, Powercor, and United Energy. She has also helped scale start-ups and small businesses in retail, energy, and consulting. Ruchika is the Founder and Chair of Women in Energy, a professional association dedicated to increasing diversity in leadership in the energy sector.
Speaking at
16:30
Panel Discussion: Building visibility, credibility, and opportunity through mentorship and sponsorship
Georgia Robazza
Head of Commercial and Major InvestmentsTasNetworks
Georgia Robazza is Head of Commercial and Major Investments at TasNetworks, where she leads strategic commercial initiatives and major investments that support the energy transition in Tasmania and across the National Electricity Market. With more than 20 years of experience spanning professional services, infrastructure and major projects, she has held senior strategy and corporate development roles at TasNetworks and Transurban. Georgia has extensive experience leading complex investment decisions, business case development and stakeholder engagement. She is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Queensland.
Speaking at
16:30
Panel Discussion: Building visibility, credibility, and opportunity through mentorship and sponsorship
Natie Victor
Head of RiskSynergy
Natie Victor is an experienced mentor and senior leader who is passionate about helping people build confidence, resilience and strong judgement in their careers. With more than 23 years’ experience across the energy, utilities and resources sectors, he has worked in a wide range of operational and leadership environments, supporting individuals and teams through change, complexity and high‑pressure decision‑making.
A strong advocate for gender diversity and inclusion, Natie actively sponsors and mentors several high‑potential professionals. He is particularly focused on practical development - helping emerging leaders strengthen their communication, navigate difficult conversations, and develop the confidence to make sound decisions in uncertain situations. His mentoring approach is down‑to‑earth, honest and grounded in real‑world experience rather than theory or hierarchy.
Natie values open, authentic dialogue and enjoys creating space for meaningful conversations that support growth and self‑belief. He gets genuine satisfaction from seeing others challenge themselves, step into leadership and succeed on their own terms.
Outside of work, Natie enjoys spending time with his family, playing and following sport, and travelling whenever possible, which helps keep perspective and balance.
Speaking at
16:30
Panel Discussion: Building visibility, credibility, and opportunity through mentorship and sponsorship