Australia has a number of different industry associations focused on achieving progress for the solar industry.
None of them is perfect, but one thing is for sure – they all work damn hard.
The Clean Energy Council is one of these organisations and you have an opportunity to significantly influence the representation on the Board in next weeks elections.
For those of you who newer to the industry, its worth remembering that the Clean Energy Council evolved out of long history, prior to its current form.
The roots of the CEC come from a body called the Sustainable Energy Industry Association of Australia (SEIAA) who were formed in the early 1980′s and were originally solar thermal focused but then added PV in the early 1990′s when the Government sought a single industry body to help with industry regulation and control. Then in 2002, SEIAA merged with the Australian EcoGeneration Association (AEA) and become known as the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE). Five years later in 2007, the BCSE re-formed into the structure we have today and know as the Clean Energy Council.
Its also worth noting that today, we also have a body called the Sustainable Energy Industries Association (SEIA) which was formed to focus on installer level issues, by many of the original members of SEIAA and the BCSE. You couldn’t mention the history of these related bodies without also mentioning the Alternative Technology Retailers Association of Australia (ATRAA) who were formed in 1973 and continue in a less formal sense today and have been involved along the way in many industry development activities.
All the way through this evolution there has been a natural tension in all these bodies between the need to raise funds and get more done, and the intrinsic influence that members of different levels can potentially have on the direction and focus of the organisation.
I recall vigorous debates about whether (for example) the renewable industry as a whole would be better served by getting the solar, wind and biomass associations to pool its members and align its messages to Government or, whether this would dilute the focus and create competition for renewables policies. I remember countless, long debates about whether (for example) calling for new standards, regulations and accreditation requirements would protect the industry or simply add cost and complexity. I also remember the challenges in developing various membership levels, which are very expensive at the top end but yet, delivering enough value to those members to justify the cost.
Don’t underestimate how tough the road has been to get to where we are today; it hasn’t been easy and nothing is perfect but you know who created the Clean Energy Council and voted on its evolution through every step of the process? It’s members. That would be you.
An important issue that many solar industry members have raised with me is that the way CEC memberships work means that some members have substantially more voting power than others which can skew the results and that the board is currently dominated by Wind companies.
You can look at the CEC website to see a list of the members at different levels and pretty quickly conclude that it does provide an overwhelming voting potential to influence the results to solar installers; the outcome is therefore really determined by the engagement (or otherwise) of you. Sponsoring members get 20 votes for example. Corporate Members get 6 votes, Associate members get 2 votes and Network members get 1.Interestingly, by looking at the top level membership you can also see that 7 of the 11 Sponsoring members are focused on Wind energy.
So now, its election time again.
Next Friday the 29th of November is election day but crucially, if you cant attend in person you can submit Proxy votes and nominate who you want to vote for by sending in a Proxy Voting form not less than 48 hours before the time for holding the AGM. Completed Proxy Forms may also be hand delivered, or scanned and emailed to agm@cleanenergycouncil.org.au.
As a solar company if you are unhappy, then now is your opportunity to make your voice heard.
Stunned by the way voting preferences work and the fact we have some incredulous people as Federal Senator’s?
Don’t be apathetic and let this happen at the CEC. Think carefully about who you are electing and use your valuable vote wisely
Want solar to be the focus of CEC board leaders?
Vote for known and active solar leaders.
Don’t feel like the Board have represented you in the past?
Use your voting power to elect leaders who you believe will represent your interests better.
Frustrated by a sense that solar installers aren’t being heard?
Use the collective strength of installer votes (network members) to elect leaders who you believe will represent your interests better. Tell your peers.
Here is the background on the nominee’s:
Alex Beckitt, Hydro Tasmania, Manager of Policy and Strategy Development
Alex has worked for Hydro Tasmania since 2001 in a variety of roles and is currently
Manager of Policy and Strategy Development. With over a decade of renewable energy
policy, industry development and national and international advocacy, Alex has a unique
perspective on Australia’s clean energy sector. Alex has a long history and commitment to
building a strong and sustainable national association, demonstrated through ongoing
contributions in both executive and non- executive roles with the CEC, and its predecessor
associations.
Alex is focused on the continual building of our industry profile particularly from an
Australian Government perspective. Specific elements include communicating clean energy
policy developments nationally and internationally; interfacing with political, technical,
commercial, regulatory agents; and developing strategies to increase the share of
renewable energy in national energy portfolios – thereby increasing commercial
development opportunities for members.
Richard Brimblecombe, Qantum Power Limited, Managing Director
Richard has held senior executive positions across a range of industries spanning financial
services, commodity processing and marketing, rural services and renewable energy, with
prominent companies including Suncorp Bank, Namoi Cotton Co-operative Ltd, Landmark,
CBA and Quantum Power Limited.
His executive positions in the financial services industry have developed his finance skills,
while his engagement with the agricultural production, processing and marketing sectors
has enhanced his understanding of supply chains and distribution networks.
As the former non-executive chairman and now Chief Executive Officer and managing
director of Quantum Power Limited, Australia’s leading biogas company, Richard has
significant relevant experience in the renewable energy sector.
Richard is currently a non-executive director of the Grains Research and Development
Corporation, sits on the Finance, Risk and audit Committee and is Chairman of the
Remuneration Committee. The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is a
statutory corporation, operating as a research investment body on behalf of Australian grain
growers and the Australian Government. It has an annual budget of approximately $180m.
Lane Crockett, Executive General Manager – Australia, Pacific Hydro
Lane Crockett joined Pacific Hydro in December 2005 and is responsible for leading the
Australian business which develops, owns and operates a range of renewable energy
generation facilities.
Lane has over 20 years of international experience in the energy industries in Australia,
Asia, the UK and New Zealand. Lane has worked in utilities regulation, managed the
performance of electricity and gas operating and maintenance alliance contracts, and led
engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) projects in the oil and gas, and
petrochemical industries.
Lane has a Bachelor of Engineering, Mechanical from Canterbury University in New Zealand
and a Graduate Diploma in Commercial Law from Deakin University.
Miles George, Infigen Energy, Managing Director
Miles is the Managing Director of Infigen Energy Limited and has over 20 years’ experience
in business development, investment, financing and management roles in the
infrastructure and energy sectors in Australia, the US and Europe.
Over the past 14 years Miles has been focused on development, investment, financing
and management in the renewable energy industry. Miles undertook a leading role in the
development of Infigen’s first wind farm project at Lake Bonney in South Australia in 2000.
In 2003 Miles jointly led the team which established the business now known as Infigen
Energy. In 2005 Miles jointly led the IPO and listing of Infigen’s business on the ASX.
Miles was appointed as Managing Director of Infigen Energy in 2009. Since then Infigen’s
technology focus has expanded to include successful developments in utility scale solar PV
projects in the US and Australia.
Miles has established strong relationships with key Federal and State politicians and media
representatives through regular direct dialogue on issues affecting the clean energy
industry. He has also sponsored Infigen’s increased engagement and advocacy funding
initiatives including for CEC’s activities.
Miles holds degrees of Bachelor of Engineering and Master of Business Administration
(Distinction) from the University of Melbourne.
Stefan Jarnason, Suntech Power Australia
As Technical Director for Suntech Power Australia, Stefan leads their team of
engineers in providing industry and technical customer support for the development of
residential, commercial and large scale solar in Australia.
Stefan has 17 years of experience in photovoltaic research, product development,
manufacturing, operations, sales and large scale power plants project development. This
includes designing and installing the world’s first modular PV system Plug&Power;
commissioning automated manufacturing in Germany; developing the world recognised
Combined Cycle lifetime durability program; and leading the Suntech-Infigen Solar
Flagships 150MW tender. Stefan presents and publishes technical articles nationally and
internationally. This diverse experience provides in-depth understanding of the technical,
commercial and policy issues facing our renewable energy industry.
As an elected member of the CEC PV Leadership Committee for the past two years Stefan
has worked with the CEC and industry members to focus efforts on high priority and
attainable policy and regulations. As a passionate advocate for renewable energy, Stefan is
active on CEC directorates and involved in industry wide activities.
Through his broad industry experience, extensive technical knowledge, and
outstanding communications skills, Stefan’s brings demonstrated commitment to the
expansion of the renewable energy industry in Australia.
Mark Kibby, Business Development Manager, AEG Power Solutions
Mark Kibby BBS, MBA has twenty years commercial energy experience working in natural
gas & electricity retail markets prior to a focus on solar PV for the past five years.
Mark’s solar PV experience has been pre-dominantly business development roles in the
commercial and utility market sectors. During his time at Suntech he was fortunate to be
involved in ground breaking commercial and technical activity through participation and
subsequent short listing for the Federal Government’s Large Scale Solar PV Flagships round.
Mark’s role involved working with a wide range of stakeholders including; Federal and State
governments, industry groups, developers, investors, banking institutions, EPC’s, suppliers,
energy companies and a variety of other parties.
Mark’s past industry experience will enable him to work collaboratively with a range of
stakeholders that have varying perspectives & drivers. He also brings a passion for
renewable energy and enjoys the challenge of working from both a commercial & technical
perspective.
For the past two years Mark has worked for AEG Power Solutions which provides DC & AC
solutions with an emphasis on the supply of central solar PV inverters.
In summary, Mark Kibby will bring a fresh, balanced and consultative view to the CEC Board.
Ken McAlpine, Vestas, Director of Public Affairs
Ken McAlpine is the Director of Public Affairs for Vestas Wind Systems in the Asia Pacific
region. Vestas is the global leader in the manufacture, distribution, installation, and service
of wind power systems.
Ken has been with Vestas for almost 6 years, and has worked on issues including the
Renewable Energy Target, carbon pricing issues, transmission policy as well as state
government planning policies for wind farms.
He has been a board member of the Clean Energy Council since 2011 and has been the Chair
of the CEC’s Wind Directorate since 2009.
Ken has Law and Arts degrees from Monash University. His previous career experience has
included almost 5 years as Chief of Staff to a minister in the Victorian Government, as well
as 4 years spent as a commercial lawyer at Deacons (now Norton Rose Fulbright).
Jeremy Rich, CEO, Energy Matters
Eight years ago, Jeremy Rich and three like-minded friends, each with a commitment to rise
to the challenges of climate change, founded Energy Matters.
Since then Energy Matters has grown to be one of Australia’s leading independent solar PV
companies with national reach and a business covering residential, commercial and
wholesale markets.
Jeremy brings strong commercial capacity through his beginnings as an actuary at a major
bank; before growing a start-up business to turnover of $100 million while continually in
profit; and being recognised as a 2010 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist.
Jeremy has taken a leading role in engaging with the community and advocating for
appropriate solar policies.
Through his 2012 membership of the CEC Solar PV Leadership Committee Jeremy’s input
focused on the needs of the broad PV membership, who have a long term commitment to
the industry.
Jeremy’s goals for CEC 2013/14 include: advocating for pro-solar policies and addressing
examples of poor quality within the industry.
Anthony Tannous, Executive General Manager, CSR Bradford,
Anthony Tannous was appointed the Executive General Manager of CSR Bradford Insulation
in 2007 and brings extensive knowledge in sales, marketing and manufacturing. Anthony
studied at Sydney University finishing with a BE Chem, and then completing a Graduate
Diploma in Marketing and an MBA from Macquarie University. He holds the role of
President of the Insulation Council of Australia & New Zealand.
Anthony played an integral role in helping the commonwealth government develop and
implement the inspection work following the Home Insulation Program. Under his
leadership Bradford successfully carried out inspections and rectification of over 40,000
homes within a 10 month period, as well as appropriate training and supervision of more
than 200 employees.
Leveraging from the inspection program, Bradford launched an energy service business,
providing EE advice and installing energy saving products in factories and warehouses. It
includes installing solar PV systems ranging from 1kW to 100kW, on new and existing homes
and commercial buildings.
Anthony has a strong interest in the growth of the solar PV industry and energy efficiency,
together with the potential for development and deployment of new technology in these
sectors. He has an acute interest in sound policy which can underpin businesses which
operate in this space.
Andrew Burrell Thomson, Managing Director, Acciona Energy
ACCIONA Energy is a global leader in the development, construction, ownership and operation of
renewable energy assets. The company has over 8,500MW of assets in 16 countries
covering a range of technologies including hydroelectricity, wind, solar PV, solar thermal and
biomass.
In Australia, ACCIONA has built and owns three wind farms (one in joint venture) totalling
305MW and has an ongoing pipeline of developments. ACCIONA also provides Engineering,
Procurement and Construction services to the market in wind and solar.
Andrew Thomson is the Managing Director of ACCIONA Energy Australia and an Australian
Company Director. In this role, Andrew is responsible for leading ACCIONA Energy’s
Australian team, its operations, strategy, growth and governance of the business.
Since 2007, he has represented the company and industry in high level interactions with
senior business executives, politicians, government officials, the media and the Clean Energy
Council. Importantly, he has come to develop a deep understanding of the interactions
between the business, political, regulatory, environmental and community dimensions of
Australia’s renewable energy sector and the challenges ahead. Andrew’s career spans 20
years. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree and an MBA from the University of Western
Australia.
Mark Twidell, Managing Director, SMA Australia
Mark has worked in the Clean Energy sector for over 25 years. This has included technical,
commercial and leadership roles in industry and government based in Australia, India, USA
and Europe. Mark is the newly appointed Managing Director at SMA Australia where he
seeks to work constructively with the broader energy sector to address key barriers as Solar
PV deployment grows.
Prior to SMA, Mark was a Director on the Board of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency
(ARENA) and a technical adviser to the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC). Previously
held positions include CEO of the Australian Solar Institute and various global leadership
roles within BP Solar, managing activity across Australia, Asia and the Middle East during
which time he was Vice President of the CEC’s predecessor, the BCSE.
Mark Twidell has a wealth of knowledge to offer the CEC members, spanning from his grass
roots experience installing PV, through to working in both Government and Industry
developing and delivering Clean Energy programs. He studied Electrical and Electronic
Engineering at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, after which he completed his MBA at
the Australian Graduate School of Business, with a Marketing & Finance Focus, at Sydney
University.
Post expires at 11:34am on Saturday November 14th, 2015
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