The Albanese Government is making key appointments to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) board to support the agency's crucial role in delivering a Future Made in Australia and benefit from the global net zero transformation.
Ms Marianna O'Gorman has been re-appointed to the board and will assume the newly created position of Deputy Chair. Mr Stephen McIntosh has also been re-appointed as a board member, while Ms Angela Karl joins the board for her first term.
Since being established in 2012, ARENA has provided more than $2.9 billion in grant funding to 763 projects. ARENA plays a central role in promoting renewable energy and electrification projects across Australia and has helped deliver nearly $13.3 billion in investment in Australia's renewable energy sector.
At the end of 2024 the Government amended ARENA's legislation to strengthen its independent governance, reinstate its guaranteed statutory funding and establish ARENA as a key delivery agency for Future Made in Australia investments such as the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund. The legislated Community Benefit Principles provide clear guidance for how these investments will deliver for jobs and local communities as well as our net zero targets.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen welcomed the appointments.
"ARENA continues to play a pivotal role in supporting Australia's transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. ARENA has consistently demonstrated how reliable renewable electricity is the cheapest option for Australia.
""When they were last in Government, Peter Dutton and the LNP tried to gut ARENA's statutory funding. Mr Dutton cannot be trusted with Australia's energy transition.
"Peter Dutton's $600 billion nuclear scheme will push up bills, cost taxpayers and lead to at least 2 billion tonnes more pollution".
Background:
Marianna O'Gorman
Marianna was appointed to the ARENA board in 2023, and brings a wealth of experience across sustainable investment, clean technology innovation, and public policy. Her career spans roles at the World Bank, the Australian Government, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, and public policy think tanks. Marianna currently serves on the boards of Stanwell Corporation and the McKell Institute Queensland. She holds a Master of Climate Change from the Australian National University and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Queensland.
Stephen McIntosh
Stephen has served on the ARENA board since 2021.With over 36 years of global experience in the resources sector, Stephen has an extensive background in exploration, innovation, and energy projects. He spent 33 years with the Rio Tinto Group, culminating in his role as Group Executive, Growth & Innovation, where he led major technical functions, climate change initiatives, and energy projects. He is currently Chair of Datarock Holdings. Stephen holds a Master in Science from the University of Auckland.
Angela Karl
Angela brings over two decades of investment and advisory experience in the energy and utilities sector, with a strong focus on energy transition. She is the Managing Director and Head of Energy Transition at HMC Capital and has held key directorships at Tilt Renewables, Lochard Energy, Epic Energy, Pacific Energy, and PowerCo. Previously, she led the Power & Utilities division for Australasia at UBS. Angela holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Law (both First Class Honours) from the University of Queensland.
