SEC News

What’s New from Us

Stay up to date with the latest news, advocacy, policy developments and industry initiatives from the Smart Energy Council. Explore how we’re working with our members, government and industry to advance renewable energy, strengthen energy security and support the growth of Australia’s renewable energy sector.

WA Government backs wind for energy security

GenCost 2025–26 confirms renewables remain Australia’s lowest-cost pathway to net zero

Waste-to-energy in Australia: Energy Solution or Problem?

Low cost renewables shielding Australia from global shocks

Unlocking the missing middle: New SEC report examines Australia’s commercial and industrial distributed energy market 

Solar Panel Decommissioning and Recycling Survey: Complete the survey and win a $100 Bunnings Gift Card

Smart Energy South Australia 2026 showcases the state’s leadership as Australia’s renewable energy powerhouse

Smart Energy Council Visits Tindo Solar Ahead of Smart Energy South Australia

David McElrea’s first international engagement as CEO focused on delivering for our members at Intersolar Europe 2026

Households Leading the Charge as Australia Surpasses 50 per cent Renewable Generation

Solar Sharer Offer Fact Sheet Now Available for SEC Members

Smart Energy Council response to AEMC pricing review

Media Contact

Email: media@smartenergy.org.au
Phone: +61 448 972 192
Website: www.smartenergy.org.au

About the Smart Energy Council

The Smart Energy Council is the peak independent membership body representing Australia’s renewable energy industry. We are a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity, advocating on behalf of our members and the wider industry for strong energy policy, increased investment, energy security and sustainable industry growth. Our work spans residential, commercial and industrial distributed energy resources (DER), including solar PV and battery storage, rooftop solar, electrification, electric vehicles and smart transport, renewable manufacturing, large-scale renewable energy, electricity grid development and emerging energy technologies. We represent our members’ interests nationally and internationally, including across the Asia-Pacific region.

If your organisation operates in the renewable energy sector, become a member to support our work, strengthen our collective voice and help shape the industry’s future.  

Join renewable energy leaders at our conferences, exhibitions and networking events. Explore upcoming events.  

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 Darren Johannesen

Contact Jessica Hampshire