This year’s Energy Networks 2021 Conference and Exhibition is fast approaching. The event  is a chance for networks, key stakeholders and industry partners to discuss the transformation of our 20th century electricity system so it can deliver services and value the way consumers of the 21st century demand.

Set over three days, the conference and exhibition will host informative and lively plenary and concurrent sessions along with keynote addresses from internationally renowned speakers from all parts of the energy sector.

Energy Networks Conference key speakers

Energy Networks Australia has announced three highly regarded keynotes who will present at the event.

Dr Alan Finkel AO, Chair, Low Emission Technology Investment Advisory Council

Dr Alan Finkel AO will address the conference in his capacity as Chair of the Low Emission Technology Investment Advisory Council and will give his views on ‘accelerating the move to a hydrogen economy’.

A neuroscientist, engineer and entrepreneur, Dr Finkel almost needs no introduction as one of Australia’s foremost thinkers and scientists.

He was Australia’s chief scientist from 2016 to 2020, during which time he led the National Electricity Market Review, the development of the National Hydrogen Strategy, and the panel that advised the Australian Government on the 2020 Low Emissions Technology Roadmap.

He is Chair of Stile Education, Chair of the Australian Government’s Technology Investment Advisory Council, and Special Advisor to the Australian Government on Low Emissions Technologies.

Distinguished Professor Genevieve Bell AO, Director, School of Cybernetics, ANU.

Genevieve Bell is a renowned anthropologist, technologist and futurist and will give the conference a wonderfully engaging address on ‘What history can teach us about the future of energy.’

Professor Bell completed her PhD in cultural anthropology at Stanford University in 1998 and is best known for her work at the intersection of cultural practice and technology development.

As we create the 21st century energy system, Professor Bell’s insights on human behaviour and engineering design – and how one affects the other – will provide a thought provoking and human-centered presentation on a topic that is often viewed in technical terms.

She is the Director of the School of Cybernetics and 3A Institute (3Ai) at the Australian National University (ANU) and a Vice President and a Senior Fellow at Intel Corporation.

Dermot Nolan, former CEO OFGEM UK

Dermot Nolan helps businesses navigate strategic regulatory and competition challenges, particularly in regulated industries. He will give his address on ‘regulating networks for a low emissions future’.

Dermot was CEO of Ofgem from 2014-2020, and chair of the UKRN, the UK’s umbrella organisation encompassing all of Britain’s economic regulators.

Prior to this, Dermot was Executive Chair of the Irish energy and water regulator. He has also worked in competition policy and telecom regulation. He joined UK consultancy Fingleton as a Director in 2020.

Dermot’s expertise gives him deep understanding into the complex regulatory and policy issues that business leaders face, as well as direct experience in how to resolve them.

He will provide thought-provoking insights into how regulation can help – and hinder – the global energy transformation.

Exhibition Hall and Business Lounge

The Exhibition Hall will feature up to 100 exhibitors from industry and innovation companies including Hitachi ABB, BCG, Schneider Electric and CGI. Delegates will even be able to view the latest in workwear apparel from Stewart & Heaton and Bisley & Tencate. Aeropower will also have a helicopter on display.

During the conference, the exhibition will be visited by state and federal politicians, energy experts and key people within the industry, giving delegates an opportunity to network and form key connections from around Australia.

CGI Central Business Lounge

Delegates will have exclusive access to the Central Business Lounge sponsored by CGI. Delegates will be able to network with old and new business contacts in comfort while enjoying a cup of coffee or take a moment to catch up on emails, without having to leave the conference centre.

Hydrogen Zone

Energy Network’s Australia Hydrogen Zone is not to be missed while visiting the Exhibition Hall. The specially designated area will showcase the leading innovations industry and businesses are making towards a hydrogen zero-carbon future. The Zone will feature hydrogen vehicle demonstrator models from Toyota and Hyundai as well as other cutting-edge innovations set to revolutionise the hydrogen market.

Poster session

There is a poster area sponsored by Accenture which will feature posters of research and projects conducted by energy professionals from around Australia in an accessible and visual way. This area will be adjacent to the Hydrogen Zone and will be a focal point. Poster presentations will be scheduled to occur during breaks throughout the conference and advertised in the program and conference app.

Research poster exhibition

Energy Networks Australia has run a post graduate student poster competition. The six finalists will showcase their research posters alongside their executive colleagues.

Functions

Energy Networks Australia will host two functions in the exhibition hall during the conference complete with live music. The welcome reception will give delegates an opportunity to relax and enjoy refreshments while catching up with friends and colleagues before the conference the next morning. The welcome reception is the official start of the conference and will include speeches from industry leaders and  fashion parades of workwear apparel from our exhibitors.

Happy hour drinks on Wednesday are not to be missed. The reception, just before the conference gala dinner, will be abuzz with the learnings from the day’s sessions. During the event the winner of the student research poster competition will be announced, and delegates are encouraged to mingle with the poster presenters to learn more about their research.

To find out more about the conference, early bird special rates and view the program visit: www.en2021.com.au