Working Groups

Our working groups drive the future of Smart Energy

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, and 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.

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:

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.

Interested in joining a working group?

Working group participation is offered to Gold members and above.

Smart Energy Council Working Groups

Consumer Energy

Chair: Alistair McGrath-Kerr – Installer & Consumer Energy Engagement Manager

Achievements:

  • Addressed crises including the Panel Overcurrent Crisis (AS5033) and IEC Panel Labelling Stock Disaster.
  • $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program

Current Focus:

  • National household battery schemes and broader electrification efforts.
  • Cybersecurity enhancements for CER technologies.

Cybersecurity Subgroup

Chair: Darren Gladman – Energy Policy and Regulatory Manager, SMA

Achievements:

  • Advocated for the AEMC Cyber Security Rule
    Change.

Current Focus:

  • Supporting the SA Power Networks Cyber
    Security Framework.
  • Developing the Standards Australia roadmap for
    CER cybersecurity.

Large Scale Renewables

Chair: Connor Price – Large Scale Utility & Manufacturing Policy & Engagement Manager

Achievements:

  • Pioneered the $10bn Capacity Investment Scheme.
  • Prevented the implementation of the ‘Coal-Keeper’ Capacity Mechanism.

Current Focus:

  • NEM Review
  • Environmental planning law (EPBC) reform

Innovation Manufacturing

Chair: Rod Scott – Chief Executive, Selectronic

Achievements:

  • Supported the Solar Sunshot initiative and National Battery Strategy.
  • Championed production tax incentives for renewable manufacturing.

Current Focus:

  • Accessing grants through ARENA and CEFC.
  • Strengthening Australia’s renewable energy supply chain security.

Smart Transport

Chair: Andrew Dickson – Development Director, CWP Global

Achievements:

  • Advocated for New Vehicle Efficiency Standards

Current Focus:

  • Advancing vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology (“batteries on wheels”).
  • Countering misinformation around electric vehicles.
  • Expanding industry consultation on transport policy.

SEC Stewardship Community

Chair: Darren Johannesen – Executive General Manager – Sustainability, Smart Energy Council

Achievements:

  • Recycler Roundtable.
  • Reuse Roundtable & Working Group.
  • Logistics Working Group.

Current Focus:

  • 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.

Interested in joining a working group?

Working group participation is offered to Gold members and above.

Explore other industry sectors

Consumer Energy

Empowering households and businesses with access to affordable, efficient, and renewable energy solutions.

Large Scale Renewables

Driving investment in utility-scale solar, wind, and storage projects to accelerate the transition to 100% renewable energy.

Smart Installers

A program for solar and battery professionals providing training, certification, and industry best practices.

Smart Transport

Supporting policies that drive investment in EV infrastructure and fuel efficiency standards.

Smart Metals & Gases

Focusing on decarbonising Australia’s critical minerals, green hydrogen, and renewable gas industries.

Stewardship

Championing stewardship, reuse, and recycling initiatives to ensure lifecycle management of solar panels, batteries, and other renewable technologies.

International

Partnering globally to support investment, trade, and collaboration to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy.

Contact Alistair McGrath-Kerr

Contact Connor Price

Contact Charlie Caruso

Contact Allen Edwards

Contact Darren Johannesen

Contact Jessica Hampshire