How can the Australian electricity system transition to net-zero?

Since its inception, Australia’s electricity system has been through several transitions including major changes in technology, ownership and market design. Transitions were generally associated with failures in either the cost or reliability of supply. Australia’s race to net-zero emissions, by 2050 or earlier, differs as it is driven by the climate imperative. The speed and scale of this transition is exceptional, with significant risks and opportunities.

A successful transition is one in which prices and reliability are maintained at a socially and economically acceptable level, while addressing sustainability and maintaining deep community support. This is essential for the transition of the economy as a whole. In the 2022 Solar Oration, Chair of the Australian Energy Market Operator, Drew Clarke AO, will address five critical factors for success in the current electricity transition: technology, markets, infrastructure, governance and social license. The journey is unlikely to be easy, but Australia has the capacity to succeed.

An opening statement on the ACT's progress towards net-zero emissions will be delivered by the Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction, Shane Rattenbury MLA.

The event will be moderated by Emeritus Professor Andrew Blakers, from the ANU College of Engineering & Computer Science.

Please note that light refreshments will be available for in-person participants between 5.30-6pm. The event will commence from 6pm. 

Recent orators comprise:

2017: Audrey Zibelman, CEO of Australian Energy Market Operator

2018: Ivor Frischknecht, former CEO of ARENA

2019: Fleur Yaxley, Head of Development, Australia – UPC Renewables

2020: Mark Jacobson, Stanford University

2021: Matt Stocks, ANU and Marta Victoria Aarhus University, Denmark

About the speaker: 

Drew Clarke is Chair of the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and was until recently a Director of CSIRO. Drew’s earlier career was in the Australian Public Service in science and policy roles. He has been working in energy policy since 2003, including as Secretary of the Department of Resources and Energy, as Australia’s representative on the Governing Board of the International Energy Agency, and in roles establishing ARENA and developing the National Energy Market.

Drew is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and was awarded an Order of Australia in 2016 for services to public administration. He Chairs the Energy Transition Research Committee at the Australian Council of Learned Academies.

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