7 Oct 2015
Thousands of delegates descended on the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre this morning for the first day of All-Energy Australia, Australia’s largest clean and renewable energy event.
Formal proceedings began with the Opening Plenary, featuring a ministerial welcome from Minister for Energy and Resources the Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio and an international keynote from Former Group CEO RWE Npower Volker Beckers on lessons Australia can learn from Europe’s electricity market transformation.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten joined the Opening Plenary to formally outline Labor’s ‘catch up, cash in’ policy to help Australia transition to a clean energy economy, stating “like you, I welcome the fact that the Liberal leadership no longer see wind turbines as a horrifying blight on the landscape, a creeping menace lurking on the horizon.”
Enphase Energy CEO Paul Nahi, Clean Energy Finance Council CEO Oliver Yates, DNV GL Regional Manager Asia Pacific, Energy & Renewables Advisory Mathias Steck, Redflow BDM Bruce Ebzery, Powershop Chief Executive Ben Burge and Clean Energy Council CEO Kane Thornton followed with a panel debate on the future of the clean energy evolution and revolution.
Other session highlights included the launch of All-Energy Australia’s dedicated energy storage stream, a debate on innovative ways to for industry and government to use renewable energy chaired by AECOM Wind Practice Leader for Australia and New Zealand, David Millar and the first spotlight session on new technologies and the Internet of Energy promise.
The Clean Energy Council hosted its Women in Renewables lunch to spotlight innovative women in the sector, along with running its Professional Development workshops for solar installers to get their fix of expert advice on the big design and installation issues currently facing the industry.
Enphase Energy and ABB hosted workshops at the Industry Workshops Theatre to help solar installers learn about the latest commercial and residential solar PV product offerings and management systems available on the market.
On the exhibitor floor, delegates explored All-Energy Australia’s four energy zones spanning energy efficiency, energy storage, alternative technologies and solar trends leading the global market.
Highlights included Nearmap’s unique mapping products, test drives of Renault’s Kangoo ZE fleet and the new HD-Wave inverter technology from SolarEdge Technologies.
Federal Minister for Environment Greg Hunt concluded day one of the conference, which was followed by the Grand Networking Event hosted on the All-Energy Australia exhibition floor.
Reed Exhibitions Australia Executive Director John Gorton said the first day of All-Energy Australia had been a success, noting the strong attendance was testament to the quality of sessions,speakers and exhibitors.
“Feedback has been positive from exhibitors and visitors alike, and all seem to be taking advantage of the ample networking opportunities and access the latest announcements and products,” said Mr Gorton.
“In particular, the announcements from our state and federal representatives today have signalled a renewed focus on the clean energy sector, which is promising for industry professionals and consumers alike.”
“We look forward to the second day of the conference and exhibition, including the international keynote address from Lord Deben in the Plenary session at 8.15am and the Grand Closing Debate at 4pm.”
Trade visitors and delegates will be able to register onsite throughout the second day for conference sessions and exhibition entry, however pre-registration is recommended. For more information, visit the All-Energy Australia website.