The Smart Energy Council is the independent voice accelerating Australia’s clean energy future. The Council ensures smart energy solutions remain central to national policy. This leadership not only supports decarbonisation and grid resilience but unlocks billions in investment and thousands of secure jobs across the country.
But none of this impact is possible without our members. It is their support that powers our campaigns, amplifies our voice, and keeps the pressure on decision-makers to deliver a fair, affordable, renewable-powered Australia.
Climate Chief – Simon Stiell:
In Sydney on 28 July 2025, leaders gathered to confront Australia’s climate challenge. Hosted by the Smart Energy Council, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell delivered a stark warning: weak 2035 emissions targets could cost the nation $6.8 trillion and trigger devastating mega-droughts.
He urged decisive action to seize the clean energy transition and lead in Asian clean energy technology. The Smart Energy Council is turning that urgency into action, powering solar and battery projects at surf lifesaving clubs and supporting communities and businesses, ensuring Australia does not miss its moment.
At the National Press Club on 9 July 2025, Smart Energy Council Chief Executive John Grimes delivered a sharp and inspiring call to action: he urged the federal government to stop “pummelling around the edges” and to unhesitatingly deploy the funds within Australia’s $15billion National Reconstruction Fund—especially those designated for solar and battery manufacturing—warning that delay risks squandering the nation’s clean-tech advantage. He framed this moment as a defining “moment in time” for Australia to lean into its strength in renewables and move decisively from intention to investment.
The Smart Energy Council is leading Australia’s transition to a genuinely circular renewable energy economy through its pioneering PV Solar Panel and Battery Stewardship programs. In collaboration with the Queensland Government, it has launched the nation’s first industry-led recycling pilot—that collects, re-uses, and recovers used solar panels from homes, businesses, and solar farms across metro and regional centres. By enabling materials recovery at scale, the program cuts landfill waste and ensures access to vital resources like copper, aluminium, and silver for future renewables infrastructure. This foundational work positions Australia to develop a national product stewardship scheme, securing both environmental integrity and industry resilience for decades to come.
The Smart Energy Council has been instrumental in shaping the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, a landmark $2.3 billion initiative delivering a~30% discount on household battery installations and offering up to $4,000 off a typical 11.5kWh system. This “battery bill-buster” revolution empowers millions of Australian homes to store clean solar energy, dramatically dropping power bills—by $1,100 for existing solar owners and up to $2,300 for new solar-battery combos. Beyond individual savings, the program strengthens grid resilience, cuts greenhouse gas emissions, and rives equitable access to energy storage across communities.
John Grimes was appointed Chief Executive in 2008, and has grown the profile and influence of the Smart Energy Council since that time.
John is a bold advocate for the smart energy industry and sits on a number of expert reference committees and boards providing advice to several state governments and the energy sector.
John started his career as an officer in the Air Force and went on to found and grow a number of companies, including a startup company he took to a successful listing on the ASX with a market capitalisation in excess of $30m.
His most recent company was in the environmental sector with operations in Australia, the US and the Middle East.
John has a passion for the solar, storage and the smart energy industry. He is regularly called upon by the media to provide relevant and independent comment in these areas.
David McElrea joined the Smart Energy Council as Chief Advocacy Officer from July 2025.
David is a senior government relations and policy strategist with a strong track record in climate policy, environmental reform, and renewable energy advocacy.
As Deputy Chief of Staff to the Australian Minister for the Environment and Water, David led major policy initiatives including the regulation of federal environmental laws, implementation of nature markets, and the development of emissions and water policy.
His role involved extensive engagement with the renewable energy sector and he played a key role in navigating contentious legislation through Parliament. David has a deep understanding of the regulatory and political environment that shapes Australia’s clean energy transition.
David brings a unique blend of experience across government, industry bodies, and the not-for-profit sector.
He has held senior roles with the Australian Institute of Company Directors and United Voice, where he developed national advocacy campaigns, regulatory submissions, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
He has extensive experience managing communications across diverse constituencies, from federal agencies and state governments to industry associations, climate advocates, and the union movement.
David has worked directly with energy operators, environmental NGOs, and government departments, and understands how to coordinate coalitions, shape public debate, and influence reform.
David previously worked as a lawyer in Australia and the UK. With qualifications in law, arts, finance, and corporate governance, David combines technical proficiency with a strategic, values-driven approach. He is passionate about the renewable energy transition as the defining economic and social transformation of our time, and brings proven expertise in member-based organisations, campaign design, regulatory strategy, and media communications.
David is committed to supporting a credible, inclusive, and ambitious path to net zero—one that aligns environmental imperatives with industry innovation and community support.
Tim has spent decades living in, and reporting from, Australia’s most intensive resource and energy producing regions.
As a producer, researcher and investigative journalist for the ABC, The Age and The Project, he’s been at the heart of debate over the nations fossil fuel legacy and new energy future.
At the Smart Energy Council, Tim is committed to helping communicate solutions on how to fix the climate crisis, from some of the nations brightest minds and creative thinkers.
During this time, John played a central role in the passage of the harmonised Work Health and Safety legislation and contributed significantly to the development and passage of the new Workers’ Compensation Act.
In recent years, John worked with Western Australia’s government-owned gentailer, Synergy, as Manager of Government Relations. This role not only built on his deep understanding of government and political processes but also provided a practical education in the complexities of the WA energy system.
John is deeply committed to equality and progressive social change. At the heart of his work is a focus on ensuring that the energy transition is inclusive and benefits all members of the community.
Sohaib is a specialist in renewable energy policy and stakeholder engagement at the Smart Energy Council, where he drives the advocacy agenda amid Australia’s rapidly evolving energy landscape.
With extensive experience across regulatory delivery and strategic policy development, Sohaib possesses a sophisticated understanding of the complex frameworks required to transition the national grid, from large-scale projects down to consumer energy resources.
With a foundaion in Advanced Chemistry, he excels at translating technical reforms into clear, actionable advice, ensuring the transition to renewable energy is supported by a robust, evidence base.
Known for building trusted relationships across government, industry, and community sectors, Sohaib bridges the gap between high-level objectives and practical implementation.
Sohaib draws on an interdisciplinary background to deliver outcomes-focused solutions, centered on advancing a reliable, affordable, and clean energy future.
Smart Energy Council events are where Australia’s clean energy future comes to life. From national expos and awards to targeted forums and training, these events connect the people and policies powering our transition.
Smart Energy Council working groups are here deep industry expertise meets focused action. These are collaborative spaces for members to shape policy, solve challenges, and fast-track smart energy solutions.
