Working Groups
Our Working Groups Drive the Future of Smart Energy
Giving our members the chance to directly influence Australia’s renewable energy future
The Smart Energy Council’s working groups are chaired by leading member companies, and policy and industry experts.
Participating gives you the chance to help shape our advocacy agenda, collaborate with industry leaders, an influence transformative policy development.
By joining a Working Group, you become a catalyst for progress in renewable energy
Each working group meets regularly to discuss barriers and opportunities in the smart energy sector and adjacent industries, informing the Smart Energy Council’s policy submissions and advocacy priorities.
Working groups make ad-hoc delegations to State and Federal Parliaments in Australia, as well as overseas, to represent industry at the highest levels.
Smart Energy Council Working Groups
Consumer Energy Resources
Chair: Patrick Matweew – General Manager, Enphase
Achievements:
- Addressed crises including the Panel Overcurrent Crisis (AS5033) and IEC Panel Labelling Stock Disaster.
Current Focus:
- National household battery schemes and broader electrification efforts.
- Cybersecurity enhancements for CER technologies.
Involved Members:
Cybersecurity Subgroup
Chair: Darren Gladman – Energy Policy and Regulatory Manager, SMA
- Advocated for the AEMC Cyber Security Rule Change.
- Supporting the SA Power Networks Cyber Security Framework.
- Developing the Standards Australia roadmap for CER cybersecurity.
Involved Members:
Large Scale Renewables
Chair: Jonathan Upson – Head of Policy & Regulatory Affairs, Tilt Renewables
Achievements:
- Pioneered the $10bn Capacity Investment Scheme.
- Prevented the implementation of the ‘Coal-Keeper’ Capacity Mechanism.
Current Focus:
- Establishing WA Offshore Wind Zones.
- Advocating for nature-positive planning reforms.
Involved Members:
Innovation Manufacturing
Chair: Rod Scott – Chief Executive, Selectronic
- Supported the Solar Sunshot initiative and National Battery Strategy.
- Championed production tax incentives for renewable manufacturing.
- Accessing grants through ARENA and CEFC.
- Strengthening Australia’s renewable energy supply chain security.
Involved Members:
Green Hydrogen
Chair – Joanna Kay, Executive General Manager, Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia
Operated Under:
Community of Practice
Achievements:
- Secured budget allocations for the renewable hydrogen industry.
- Advocated for H2 production tax credits and the Renewable Hydrogen Act (SA).
- Contributed to the National Hydrogen Strategy and key policy submissions.
Current Focus:
- Driving policy innovation and unlocking public financing to cement Australia’s leadership in green hydrogen.
Involved Members:
Smart Transport
Chair: Andrew Dickson – Development Director, CWP Global
Achievements:
- Advocated for New Vehicle Efficiency Standards.
- Advancing vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology (“batteries on wheels”).
- Countering misinformation around electric vehicles.
- Expanding industry consultation on transport policy.
Involved Members:
SOLAR INSTALLERS
Chair – Alistair McGrath-Kerr, Smart Energy Council
The Solar Installers Working Group offers guidance for establishing the Installer Accreditation Scheme, directing training, and providing an installer’s perspective on recycling and industry issues.
Involved Members:
SEC Stewardship Community
Chair: Darren Johannesen – Executive General Manager – Sustainability, Smart Energy Council
- Recycler Roundtable.
- Reuse Roundtable & Working Group.
- Logistics Working Group.
- Designing a national stewardship scheme to tackle solar PV recycling challenges.
- Fostering industry capacity through collaboration and problem-solving.
- Attracting critical investment to scale sustainable solutions.
Involved Members:
PACIFIC WORKING GROUP
Chair – Richie Merzian, Smart Energy Council
The Pacific Working Group explores insights and opportunities to advance smart energy across the region. This includes information on government tenders, cooperation on training programs and diplomatic engagement including at the Pacific Island Forum. The remit for the group includes New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
