In a land as weather beaten as Australia, harnessing natural forces for power seems to be an extremely clever option. Communities and engineers are working on the cutting edge to develop new technologies and systems to meet this goal. But how long will it actually take to achieve? In the ACT we have a 100% renewable target for electricity by 2020 and there is a plan to deliver this. How are we doing this? However, when and how will we be 100% renewable in other sectors such as transport? The National ALP has committed to 100% renewable energy for electricity by 2030 – can we do it sooner. If yes what is needed (except political will!)?

Conservation Council Environment Exchange:
Using Nature for Power: Timelines for a 100% renewable energy future

With:

• Professor Andrew Blakers, Australian National University, 100% renewable energy for Australia and pumped hydro for electricity.
  
  Andrew Blakers is the Foundation Director of the Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems (CSES) at the Australian National University (ANU). CSES is an externally funded group of 60 staff & research students working on various aspects of solar energy conversion (http://solar.anu.edu.au). Work in CSES spans the range from fundamental R&D to applied science & engineering with specific commercial outcomes in mind. ANU is a core member of the Australian Solar Institute. Andrew is a Fellow of the Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering, the Institute of Energy and the Institute of Physics, and is a life member of the International Solar Energy Society and the Australian Conservation Foundation. He has published approximately 200 papers and patents. His research interests are in the areas of photovoltaic and solar energy systems; particularly advanced thin film silicon solar cell technology and solar concentrator solar cells, components and systems. He also has interest in sustainable energy policy. He is a member of the Advisory Committee of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, the Project Evaluation Panel for the Clean Energy Research Program of Singapore and the International Advisory Panel, Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore.
   
• Megan Ward, Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate, progress on 100% renewable electricity, and the ACT's latest industry development initiatives including hydrogen, battery storage and the Hub.
  
  Megan manages the ACT Government’s Renewable Energy Projects unit. This team has policy and implementation oversight of the highly successful reverse auction program for Solar and Wind—delivering the Territory’s 100 per cent renewable electricity target by 2020—as well as a world-leading battery storage and industry development initiatives. "This small but determined team is seriously kicking goals—as demonstrated by numerous ACT, national and international awards." Drawing on a background in environmental science, policy and economics, Megan is passionate about sub-national governments taking real leadership on the development and implementation of evidence-based policy.

Check out a pre-event snippet from Professor Andrew Blakers here.

Click here to reserve your place or call us on (02) 6229 3200.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Our Environment Exchanges provide a chance to be part of an inspiring environment network as we explore a different theme each month. 

Environment Exchange

Meet - Learn - Act

Be part of an inspiring environment network as we explore a different theme each month.

Hear from fascinating guest speakers and engage in open and lively discussion about a range of topics in sustainability and environment.