Australia is in the middle of a major energy transformation. We are a world leader in terms of per capita installation rates for solar and wind energy, and new technologies for energy generation and storage continue to revolutionise the electricity sector. But with each opportunity comes challenges to be overcome.

This Energy Change Essentials professional short course is offered to staff of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). The course provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research and trends in energy technologies, economics and policy, and an understanding of the social challenges of transitioning to a zero-emmissions energy system.

The course is facilitated by the ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions (ICEDS) and brings together leading energy transition researchers from across the University to share the latest research and discuss solutions.

Scope

The Energy Change Essentials short course provides decision-makers in government, industry, non-government and community sectors with access to the latest research and ANU expertise on the energy transition.

The course is delivered live and has a facilitated presentation+discussion design: six topic-based presentations from six ANU-affiliated researchers who work at the interface of science-policymaking-practice, and group discussions with the ANU team and fellow participants who typically come from a diverse range of workplaces and sectors. 

During the course, participants are encouraged to share their thoughts/experiences and discuss ways that the research relates to their broader work contexts. On completion of the course, participants will have:

• An understanding of the key technologies that will enable the transition to a zero emissions energy system.
• Considered the main market, regulatory and policy frameworks underpinning the transition of the energy sector.
• An appreciation of the core social and technological barriers, challenges and opportunities of the transition to a carbon neutral economy in Australia and its region.
• A broader network of people who are working in the energy transition, including with the ANU ICEDS team.

Program

• Welcome and introduction - Rachel Stuart (facilitator)
• Energy transition, trends, options and policy - Professor Kylie Catchpole 
• Renewable energy generation - Emeritus Professor Kenneth Baldwin
• Industrial Decarbonisation - Associate Professor Fiona Beck
• First Nations interest in the transition to renewable energy - Dr Lorrae McArthur 
• Grid integration and storage - Associate Professor Marnie Shaw
• Communities and regions in the energy transition - Associate Professor Bec Colvin 

Please note that this program is subject to change. A detailed version of the course program including the venue, parking arrangements and optional reading materials will be made available to participants before the course begins.

Details

• This course is delivered in-person for ARENA staff only.
• Six broad topics are covered across the day: two sessions per segment, with breaks and group discussions.
• Breaks are allocated for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Full vegetarian catering is provided.
• Course timings are 8.45am - 5.15pm.
• The course will be held at the Australian National University (Acton campus) ACT.
• To receive an ANU Certificate of Participation, participants must attend at least 50% of the course. The ANU Certificate of Participation is not an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualification and cannot be used for course credit or exemption at ANU.

How do I attend?

This course is open to ARENA staff only. Registrations close COB 18 April 2025. For more information, ARENA staff can contact Katherine Hoare (Senior People and Culture Advisor, ARENA). 

To register, ARENA staff can complete the expression of interest form via https://learnhub.gov.au/view_facetoface/9132

Registration privacy notice

By registering for this course, you are also subscribing to the ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions mailing list. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe button at the bottom of correspondence. Find out more information in the course registration privacy notice.