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Media Coverage

Smart Energy in the Media - Shaping Australia's Clean Energy Conversation​

The Smart Energy Council is one of Australia’s leading voices on clean energy, renewable energy policy and industry advocacy. This page brings together our television and radio interviews, podcasts, newspaper and online media coverage, opinion articles and expert commentary featuring our CEO, senior leaders and technical experts. Through regular engagement with national, regional and industry media across the globe, we help shape the conversation on rooftop solar, battery storage (BESS), commercial and industrial distributed energy resources, electrification, electric vehicles, EV charging infrastructure, manufacturing, energy security, the electricity grid and Australia’s clean energy future. 

Browse the latest coverage to see how we’re driving informed debate, influencing policy and championing the industries powering Australia’s future.

Broadcast Media

Television, radio and podcast interviews featuring our leaders and industry experts.

David McElrea debates waste-to-energy and Australia’s future electricity mix on 3AW Melbourne

David McElrea discusses renewable energy, data centres and waste-to-energy on ABC Radio Sydney

“The right person:” SEC names new leader to replace long-serving CEO John Grimes

Robyn Cowie and Pan Pacific on Network10

John Grimes, speaks to ABC News about National Solar Panel Recycling Scheme

John Grimes speaks to ABC News on the Impact of the Nuclear Power Debate

John Grimes Speaks on Australia’s renewable energy transition with Sky News

News & Press Coverage

Newspaper articles, online news stories and media coverage highlighting our advocacy and industry leadership.

Net zero’s fine print is where the real work begins

5.8.2026 I InnovationAus.com

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Solar panel peril? Bowen hits roof to prop up target

5.8.2026 I The Australian

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C&I push grows as policy lobbyists look beyond home batteries

5.8.2026 I The Energy

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Bowen taps factory rooftops to power renewables rollout

4.8.2026 I Australian Financial Review

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Businesses, farmers to save on solar installations under...

4.8.2026 I ABC News

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Australia leads the world in rooftop solar, but only on...

4.8.2026 I The Sydney Morning Herald

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“It’s time to switch it on:” How to unlock a commercial rooftop PV

3.8.2026 I Renew Economy

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Media Enquiries

Are you a journalist, producer or content creator looking for expert commentary, an interview or a spokesperson on Australia’s renewable energy industry?

The Smart Energy Council’s CEO, senior leaders and policy experts are regularly featured across television, radio, podcasts, print and online media, providing trusted insights and informed commentary on the issues shaping Australia’s energy future.

Whether you’re covering a breaking news story, seeking expert analysis or arranging an interview, we’re here to help. Our team is available for interviews, background briefings and commentary on renewable energy, solar, battery storage, electrification, electric vehicles, energy policy, energy security, the electricity grid and the latest industry developments.

For media enquiries, interview requests or to connect with one of our experts, please contact our media team at media@smartenergy.org.au.

Smart Stewardship

Chair: Darren Johannesen

Meeting Frequency: Every 12 Weeks

Sector Scope

  • Recyclers
  • PV Manufacturers
  • Product stewardship participants

Policy Scope

  • Stewardship policy
  • Recycling frameworks
  • Circular economy initiatives

Technology Scope

  • Solar
  • Batteries

Topics Scope

  • Recycling pathways
  • Product stewardship schemes
  • End-of-life management
  • Industry obligations
  • Sustainability initiatives

Smart Global

Chair: Richard Neumann

Meeting Frequency: Third Monday of every second month except December

Sector Scope

  • Importers
  • Exporters
  • Investors
  • International project managers

Policy Scope

  • International trade
  • Market entry
  • Export facilitation
  • Tariff and non-tariff barriers

Technology Scope

  • Smart energy technologies
  • Climate technologies

Topics Scope

  • Renewable Energy Council Asia Pacific
  • Export opportunities
  • Trade missions
  • Trade and investment agreements
  • Green Economy agreements
  • Global Climate
  • International partnerships
  • Investment opportunities

Smart Transport

Chair: Rhiannon Evans

Meeting Frequency: Every 12 Weeks

Sector Scope

  • Transport technology providers
  • Light and Heavy Electric Fleet operators
  • Charging infrastructure businesses

Policy Scope

  • EV policy
  • Charging infrastructure
  • Transport electrification
  • Network integration
  • Incentives 

Technology Scope

  • Electric vehicles
  • Charging infrastructure
  • Fleet technologies
  • Distribution Network

Topics Scope

  • Rapid Expansion
  • Interconnections
  • Regulations and Standards
  • V2X

Smart Manufacturing

Chair: Rod Scott

Meeting Frequency: Every 12 Weeks

Sector Scope

  • Local manufacturers
  • Technology developers
  • Component suppliers
  • Emerging technologies

Policy Scope

  • Supply Chain
  • R&D
  • Manufacturing Incentives
  • CEFC

Technology Scope

  • Solar
  • Storage
  • Electronics
  • Software
  • Critical materials

Topics Scope

  • Expanding local manufacturing
  • Export opportunities
  • Supply chains
  • Local content
  • Investment attraction
  • Industry capability

Smart Large-scale

Chair: John Welch

Meeting Frequency: Every 8 Weeks

Sector Scope

  • Large & utility scale developers
  • Asset owners
  • Investors
  • EPCs

Policy Scope

  • NEM Review
  • Capacity Investment Scheme
  • Planning Regulation

Technology Scope

  • Solar
  • Storage
  • Wind
  • Transmission

Topics Scope

  • Interconnection
  • Development
  • Financing
  • Energy Wholesaling
  • Planning Regulation

Smart Consumer

Chair: Sohaib Mohammed

Meeting Frequency: Every 8 Weeks

Sector Scope:

  • Installers
  • Retailers
  • Wholesales
  • Service providers

Policy Scope

  • Consumer Energy Resources (CER) Rebate programs
  • Accreditation
  • Local regulations

Technology Scope

  • Solar
  • Battery storage
  • Energy retail
  • Distributed network technologies

Topics Scope

  • Compliance obligations
  • Training and workforce issues
  • Regulations 
  • Consumer protection
  • Energy retail developments
  • Virtual Power Plants (VPP)
  • Industry best practice

Contact Thornton de Voy

Contact Yuan Fang

Contact Ivan Chelvathurai

Contact Nigel Morris

Contact Charlie Caruso

Contact Allen Edwards

Contact Darren Johannesen

Contact Jessica Hampshire