Engineers Australia has announced the speaker and panel lineup for the 2024 Climate Smart Engineering Conference (CSE24) to be held in Brisbane for the first time at the W Hotel on Thursday 22 August.
This year, the profession's best and brightest thought leaders and stakeholders will navigate one of the most critical challenges in tackling climate change: the clean energy transition. To build a net zero future, we have to get this part right – so this event is a must-attend for engineers of every discipline and sector, including the energy, infrastructure, design, construction, transport, defence, education and government sectors.
CSE24 will be opened by Queensland's Director-General Mike Kaiser and Engineers Australia President Dr Raj Aseervatham and CEO Romilly Madew AO followed by a keynote address from The Next Economy's Head of Programs Lizzie Webb on building support and capacity for a just energy transition.
Program highlights include:
Digital technology and AI in the energy transformation
AI and other digital technologies have the potential to significantly accelerate the energy transition. This panel will discuss the benefits, and risks, including cybersecurity, data privacy, integration, and ethical, social, and economic impacts. Moderator: Colette Munro Zone President Pacific Schneider Electric. Panellists: Peter Price Chief Engineer Energy Queensland, Jack Curtis Chief Commercial & Operations Officer Neara, Allys Todd Co-Founder Director ValAi, Prof John Fletcher Director UNSW Digital Grid Futures Institute.
Beyond 1%: Winning gold in the net zero race
Rapidly deploying digitalisation technologies and skills in the industrial, energy, and infrastructure sectors is crucial. As we do at the Olympics, how can Australia punch above our weight in the global race to net zero? Speaker: Peter Halliday CEO Siemens Australia and New Zealand
Emerging technologies and how they support the energy transition
Speaker: Dr Daniel Roberts, Research Program Director, CSIRO
The skills transition to clean energy
Australia's clean energy transformation requires addressing the shortage of engineers with relevant skills. The panel will discuss challenges and solutions, including attracting diverse talent, upskilling, retention, and reforming training and education pathways. Moderator: Bernadette Foley Engineers Australia Panellists: Dominic Adams General Manager Networks, Energy Networks Australia, James Oliver MIE Chief Operating Officer Stanwell, Karen Whelan Associate Dean Learning and Teaching Faculty of Engineering, Queensland University of Technology.
Project and landowner approvals in renewable energy projects
Engineers working on renewable energy projects face challenges related to environmental, landowner, amenity, and cost issues during project approvals. Meaningful community and stakeholder engagement is crucial for gaining social license. The panel will discuss navigating these complexities and finding ways forward. Panellists: Simon Corbell Board Chair SEC Victoria, Gillian Cagney President - Australia & New Zealand (incl PNG & Mongolia) Worley, Gerard Coggan Coordinator-General Office of the Coordinator-General Department of State Development and Infrastructure.
Regional industrial transformation: decarbonisation in the heavy industry
Decarbonising heavy industry is challenging due to difficulties in electrifying high-temperature processes, complex supply chains, significant investment needs, and regulatory uncertainties. The impact on local communities is also significant. Representatives from minerals, mining, freight, and manufacturing sectors will explore these complexities and potential solutions. Moderator: Dr Jordan Parham Strategic Initiatives and Partnership Director HILT CRC. Panellists: Roger Buckley Fleet Decarbonisation Manager Aurizon, Meheroop Chopra Head of Green Power Fortescue, Marghanita Johnson CEO Australian Aluminium Council, Sheree Taylor Queensland Specification Manager Commercial and Civil Construction Bluescope.
Systems design for energy transition
As renewables and storage are integrated into an electricity grid not initially designed for them, attention must be given to all system design levels to ensure they are reliable, affordable, and safe. The panel will discuss the system-of-systems design approach, addressing the challenges and opportunities in planning our future energy system. Moderator: Jacqui Bridge Executive General Manager Energy Futures Powerlink Queensland Panellists: Prof Bruce Mountain, Professor and Director Victoria Energy Policy Centre, Kate Summers Principal Consultant, Ekistica, Merryn York Executive General Manager - System Design, AEMO, Dr Stephen Craig Smart Energy Mission Lead CSIRO.
Transformation in the transport sector
Efficient and sustainable transportation requires adapting all methods, including rails, roads, ports, and aviation, to support the energy transition. This session will explore technological advancements like electric and autonomous vehicles, urban infrastructure evolution, and sustainable mobility solutions. The panel will discuss the sector's current reality and how they are managing national goals and challenges. Moderator: Mia Barnard Transport Decarbonisation Lead - Australia GHD. Panellists: Joeley Pettit General Manager Sustainability, Australasian Railway Association Dr Jake Whitehead Chief Scientist Electric Vehicle Council, Harry Sunarko Lead Port & Marine Engineering, Fortescue Future Industries.
CSE24 Registrations are open. Explore the program and speaker line-up at www.engineersaustralia.org.au/cse
