Advertise on podcast: Wired for Energy

Eric Davids, Head of Strategy for Octopus Energy US, explains how the company is transforming customer engagement across both regulated and deregulated US energy markets. Drawing on his background as a US Marine intelligence officer and former Chief of Staff at Uplight, Davids outlines Octopus's philosophy of treating customers as active participants in the energy transition rather than passive price takers. The episode explores behavioural nudges and plunge pricing for EV charging, the Intelligent Octopus tariff that shields customers from price volatility, and the rising wave of prosumer opportunities including balcony solar and battery export rights. Davids highlights how Octopus uses technology as an enabler of genuine human connection—not a replacement for it—and reflects on the "mounting coalition" of stakeholders convinced customers are essential to solving affordability, reliability and demand growth challenges. Highly relevant insights for the Australian market.(06:48) Background: Marines service through to energy sector entry (11:39) Octopus UK operations and round-table customer service model (14:42) Octopus US strategy in regulated and deregulated markets (23:40) Behavioural nudges, plunge pricing and EV charging science (28:00) Texas ERCOT foundational market and prosumer opportunity (32:03) Intelligent Octopus tariff protecting customers from extreme price exposure (39:00) Final reflections on innovation, AI aggregation and grid integration The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with. Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only. Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations. Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media. To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io

Malaya Toll and Andrew Steer, both with 25+ years leading digital transformation and utility systems across Australia and internationally, join Greg and Neil to discuss the national electricity market reform roadmap and delivery challenges. They examine whether NEM reform is on track for 2026 milestones, revealing NEM is slightly behind schedule despite momentum shifts across the industry. Key topics include the surprising success of community batteries in expanding energy access, supply failing to meet surging demand from EVs and data centres, the overwhelming complexity of overlapping regulations, workforce constraints, and the case for distribution system operators (DSOs) to manage low-voltage networks autonomously. They also explore how customer information systems must evolve to support flexible trading arrangements, and why regulatory frameworks need standardisation across geographies. (02:42) Is the NEM on track or falling behind 2026 milestones (05:52) Community batteries as a raging success story (21:32) Reform fatigue shifting to industry momentum (33:51) Data centre load growth and grid stress challenges (40:24) Low voltage network visibility and DSO model benefits The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with. Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only. Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations. Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media. To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io

Paul Geason, CEO of Wave Swell Energy, brings 25+ years of senior utility and infrastructure leadership to commercialise world-leading wave energy technology. Wave Swell's oscillating water column design replicates natural blowholes with no moving parts in water—a critical advantage after decades of competitor failures. The King Island demonstration achieved 50% energy conversion efficiency (the highest published in industry) and proved two-plus years of durability in harsh ocean conditions. Paul explores how wave energy complements intermittent solar and wind, reduces battery storage requirements, and dramatically lowers overall system costs. He discusses data centre module integration for AI compute, coastal infrastructure partnerships from Taiwan (500+ MW potential) to Tonga and Canada, and nearshore shaft technology placing all infrastructure on land. Wave Swell's capital-light partnership model enables global scaling. (03:00) From telecommunications to renewable energy transition (05:11) How oscillating water column technology works (07:51) King Island trial: efficiency and durability proof (15:00) Complementing wind and solar variable renewables (22:42) Taiwan project and coastal infrastructure integration (39:00) 2030 vision and political will requirements The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with. Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only. Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations. Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media. To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io

Daniel Batten, climate tech investor, ESG analyst, and co-founder of CH4 Capital, challenges the widespread perception that Bitcoin mining is an environmental villain. Instead, he makes the case that Bitcoin mining can become the essential shock absorber for grids managing simultaneous unpredictability: surging renewable energy supply and spiking AI data centre demand. With 80% of operational costs tied to electricity, Bitcoin miners are uniquely incentivised to monetise stranded renewable energy and provide unmatched grid flexibility through demand response. Daniel explores how his firm weaponises Bitcoin mining to mitigate methane emissions from landfills—converting this gas 84 times more warming than CO₂ into carbon-negative electricity. He discusses permaculture approaches to mining, trials for grid operators, and why energy literacy remains the barrier to policymaker adoption of this counterintuitive climate solution. (00:00) Introduction and the energy transition paradox (01:48) What is Bitcoin and Bitcoin mining explained (05:00) Why Bitcoin mining matters to energy utilities (08:56) Fact or fiction: energy consumption myths (14:29) Daniel's aha moment on environmental impact (22:13) Permaculture approach and ecosystem thinking (34:54) CH4 Capital and landfill methane mitigation The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with. Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only. Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations. Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media. To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io

Professor Yolande Strengers, Research Director at Monash Energy Institute and expert in digital sociology, challenges everything we think we know about smart homes and the energy transition. From debunking the myth of the perfectly rational "Resource Man" consumer to exploring privacy concerns around EV charging automation, Yolande reveals why people—not just technology—must drive Australia's energy future. She discusses the gendered dynamics of smart home adoption, the coming wave of home helper robots, and why low-income households are being left behind in the transition. This conversation offers rare insight into how human behaviour, not just engineering, will determine whether our energy transition succeeds or fails. (02:18) What does the Monash Energy Institute do? (06:32) The myth of Resource Man is still alive (11:18) Why people won't hand over EV charging control (14:13) The Smart Wife and gendered smart home adoption (17:04) Home helper robots and energy security (26:00) Low-income households left behind in transition (35:36) Why energy professionals should read science fiction The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with. Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only. Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations. Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media. To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io

Dr. Greg Trainor and Neil Belford speak with Luke Menzel, CEO of the Energy Efficiency Council and newly appointed non-executive director on AEMO's board. Luke explains why hitting Australia's 63-70% emissions reduction target by 2035 depends entirely on deploying existing demand-side technologies—you can only decarbonise electricity once. The conversation covers why electrifying the Australian economy solves energy security concerns, how thermal retrofits function as grid infrastructure, and why Ireland's integrated approach to home upgrades should guide Australian policy. Luke reveals the workforce challenge ahead: scaling installers and tradies to electrify 2.4 million homes, making trades welcoming for women to double the talent pool, and creating pathways for workers displaced by AI. He explains why every device entering homes should be flexible by 2030, how South Australian Power Networks leads network innovation, and why low-hanging fruit still requires serious picking effort. (08:00) Why the 2035 target depends on the demand-side deployment of existing tech (16:00) Electrifying the Australian economy solves energy security and gas exposure (21:00) Thermal retrofits as grid infrastructure and integrated home upgrades (33:00) Workforce scaling challenge: installers, tradies, and women in trades (42:00) South Australian Power Networks innovation and bleeding-edge transition (48:00) Every device flexible by 2030, and Let Me Sum Up podcast plug The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with. Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only. Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations. Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media. To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io

Dr. Greg Trainor and Neil Belford speak with Warner Priest, Midstream Director at InterContinental Energy, about engineering the world's largest green hydrogen projects. Warner explains the technical logic behind the 110-gigawatt Western Green Energy Hub and Australian Renewable Energy Hub—projects that could transform global shipping, steel production, and Australia's industrial base. He reveals why hydrogen pipelines are superior to long-distance transmission at scale, how seawater desalination requires less water than most imagine, and why green ammonia is the safest, most proven energy carrier for shipping.  (07:00) P2H2 node architecture: why pipelines beat transmission lines (12:00) Green hydrogen vs batteries: complementary solutions for different problems (16:00) Electrolyser efficiency trajectory and Australian innovation breakthrough (21:00) Desalination reality check: one Perth plant supplies 70-gigawatt project (30:00) Green ammonia safety engineering and shipping fuel opportunity (36:00) Green iron calculations: 25 million tons from a single project (46:00) Success metrics for the 2030s and future outlook The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with. Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only. Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations. Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media. To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io

Dr. Greg Trainor and Neil Belford speak with Tony Arnel, Professor and former Deputy Chair of Forest and Wood Products Australia, and past President of the Energy Efficiency Council. Tony explains how demand-side management evolved from "not sexy at all" to mainstream conversation over 17 years, shaped by the Council's advocacy for stronger building standards, appliance ratings, and electrification pathways. He reveals the elephant in the room: millions of existing buildings built before performance standards existed, and why Australia still lags European minimum standards despite moving from four to seven-star housing ratings. The conversation shifts to forestry's surprising role in the energy transition—Australia is a net importer of timber despite vast forests, and timber buildings from cross-laminated structures to 45-story towers like Sydney's Atlassian building offer carbon sequestration advantages while improving indoor air quality and occupant wellbeing. (00:00) Introduction and Energy Efficiency Council's demand-side focus (06:00) Council's advocacy role and influence on national policy (16:00) Social license and consumer support for energy efficiency (21:00) The elephant: existing buildings and international standards gap (27:00) Forestry's role and Australia as net timber importer (33:00) Cross-laminated timber renaissance in commercial buildings (38:00) Industry professor role connecting academia with research funding The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with. Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only. Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations. Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media. To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io

Dr. Greg Trainor speaks with Dani Alexander, CEO of UNSW Energy Institute, about Australia's energy research landscape and the alarming decline in R&D investment. Despite UNSW's proud legacy—including inventing the modern solar cell and vanadium redox flow battery—public energy R&D has halved over the past decade while deployment spending tripled. Dani reveals why Australia now invests just 0.03% of GDP in energy innovation compared to 0.06% a decade ago, and warns this threatens our ability to become a renewable energy innovation superpower. The conversation covers UNSW's three strategic pillars: consumer-led transformation, grid decarbonisation, and export opportunities in green commodities. Dani also discusses the Sunspot calculator, transport sector challenges, AI's double-edged impact, and why the global energy workforce shortage has become a key barrier to achieving net zero. (00:00) Introduction and UNSW Energy Institute's role (03:00) Solar legacy: PERC cells and Australia's manufacturing opportunity (20:00) Consumer focus and the Sunspot independent calculator (34:00) Investment crisis: energy R&D halved while deployment tripled (42:00) Three strategic objectives and buying into the transformation The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with. Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only. Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations. Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media. To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io

Dr. Greg Trainor, Neil Belford, and Ben Meek reflect on the inaugural season of Wired for Energy and preview what's coming in 2026. Since launching in May 2025, the podcast has covered remarkable ground—from Jack Kotlyer at Energy Australia discussing commercial EV charging to Tim Washington at Jet Charge rolling out networks across Australia. Each guest brought unique perspectives on the energy transition, from artificial intelligence with Dave King to grid stability innovations with Mark Vincent at South Australian Power Networks, and spatial analytics breakthroughs with Nigel Barry at Intelfuse. Greg, Neil and Ben share their personal highlights from the year. Greg discusses the artificial intelligence episode and how AI will transform home energy management, business models, and network operations—though the energy industry remains characteristically slow to adopt new technology. Ben reflects on the Intelfuse episode, highlighting how Australian utilities' sparse networks drove world-leading innovation in spatial analytics, with Nigel's contrarian hypothesis that individual trees, not just canopy, interfere with power lines. Neil champions Mark Vincent's "Keeping the Lights On" episode, celebrating South Australian Power Networks' light-touch engineering approach to grid stability that used brilliant voltage management ideas rather than expensive infrastructure. Looking ahead to 2026, the team introduces seven new themes: Proof of Life (what's actually working), Digital Frontier (operations and workforce transformation), The Outsiders (innovation from adjacent industries), Social License (customer and community relationships), Government and Regulation (policy frameworks under pressure), The Horizon (academia and future vision), and Capital (infrastructure investment and funding). These themes will focus on execution over theory, examining real solutions to the challenges everyone faces in the energy transition. (02:00) Season overview and diverse guest perspectives (04:00) Greg's highlight: artificial intelligence with Dave King (10:00) Ben's highlight: spatial analytics innovation with Nigel Barry (14:00) Neil's highlight: Mark Vincent and grid stability solutions (18:00) Theme One: Proof of Life—what's actually working (20:00) Theme Two: Digital Frontier and operations transformation (22:00) Theme Three: The Outsiders bringing non-energy innovation The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with. Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only. Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations. Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media. To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io

Join Dr. Greg Trainor and Neil Belford for a special panel discussion with Megan Fisher, CEO of Energy Lab, alongside two breakthrough startups from their portfolio: Dr Thomas Nann, CEO and Co-founder of Allegro Energy, and Nick Hazell, CEO and Founder of Algenie. Energy Lab has spent nearly 10 years building Australia's premier climate tech accelerator, supporting 280 startup alumni through 10 different programs—from launching ventures to scaling internationally. With 450 mentors, 240 angel investors, and deep connections across the energy industry, they're filling a critical gap in specialist support for founders tackling the hardest problems in decarbonisation. This episode showcases two companies at different stages of their journey. Allegro Energy has developed a breakthrough microemulsion electrolyte for long-duration flow batteries, solving cost and safety challenges that have plagued competing technologies. After completing commercial trials with Origin Energy and CSIRO, they're scaling towards grid-scale deployments of 100+ megawatts. Algenie is reimagining algae cultivation with helical photo bioreactors made through plastic extrusion—slashing costs so dramatically that gigatons of CO2 could be sequestered into bioplastics, textiles, food, and fuel. Their technology thrives on intermittent renewable energy, turning grid constraints into competitive advantages. (04:00) Energy Lab overview: programs, mentors, and supporting climate tech founders (10:00) Allegro Energy's microemulsion electrolyte breakthrough for flow batteries (18:00) AR Genie's helical photo bioreactor and the gigaton CO2 opportunity (28:00) International expansion strategies and mentor network value (38:00) Manufacturing in a renewable world and embracing intermittency (44:00) Academic to commercial transition and shifting incentives (50:00) Raising ambition to gigaton scale and making climate impact The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with. Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only. Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations. Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media. To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io

Dr. Greg Trainor and Neil Belford speak with Alan Hunter, CEO and Founder of NRN (National Renewable Network), and Jess Padman, Director of Energy Products, about their innovative approach to making renewable energy accessible to everyone—without the upfront costs, maintenance headaches, or complexity. This episode explores how NRN has reimagined solar and battery adoption by removing the financial barrier. Instead of customers buying their own systems, NRN installs, owns, and maintains the assets, then licenses them to energy retailers who use the capacity 24/7 for their hedging strategies. Customers simply get lower energy bills—typically saving $700-$1000 annually—without any capital investment or maintenance risk. Alan shares his journey from door-to-door solar sales to discovering that the traditional ownership model wasn't working for many Australians. Jess explains the sophisticated digital platform that makes the entire customer journey seamless, from quoting through to installation tracking. The conversation tackles critical industry challenges: why only 15% of battery owners join VPP programs (even among early adopters), the conflict of interest across stakeholders when customers own their assets, and why $2.3 billion in battery subsidies aren't solving grid problems. Learn how NRN's model eliminates these conflicts by positioning energy retailers as the true customers, how they size systems to maximise retailer profitability while delivering customer savings, and their vision for expanding into heat pumps and EV charging—potentially even vehicle leasing as part of the energy plan. (05:00) NRN's business model: install, own, maintain, and license to energy retailers (11:00) Digital platform advantage and keeping customers engaged through simplicity (18:00) Evolution from residential PPAs and partnering with solar retailers (24:00) Why only 15% of battery owners join VPPs, and the $2.3 billion subsidy question (30:00) Working with distribution networks and government partnerships (35:00) Startup advice and future expansion into heat pumps and EV solutions (40:00) System sizing strategy and the need for retailer-network collaboration   The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with. Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only. Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations. Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media. To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io

Dr Greg Trainor speaks with Nigel Barry, Founder and CEO of Intelfuse, about the dramatic transformation of vegetation management from gut instinct to precision data science.  With over 30 years in the industry, Nigel shares how his experience witnessing the devastating Ash Wednesday fires shaped his career mission to protect communities and infrastructure. This episode explores how LiDAR technology, digital twins, and AI are revolutionising how utilities manage the single largest cause of power outages. Nigel explains the "vegetation management equation" and why traditional methods had only 42% repeatability—meaning the same tree inspected by 10 people would yield the same result just four times. Learn how Intelfuse is achieving 99.9% repeatability and enabling utilities to know every tree on their network. The conversation covers Nigel's transformative experience with Florida Power & Light's 35 Mules innovation program, the future of robotic tree cutting, and why viewing trees as assets changes everything. Discover how digital inspection, automated compliance, and continuous drone monitoring are creating a complete "digital line of sight" that's changing utility operations, insurance negotiations, and wildfire prevention strategies across Australia, New Zealand, and North America. (02:00) From aspiring musician to energy industry leader via Ash Wednesday fires (04:00) How the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires shaped a 30-year career mission (06:00) Moving from hourly contracts to performance-based vegetation management (09:00) Why vegetation management was a "black art" until recently (11:00) How the 2003 US system blackout drove LiDAR adoption (13:00) What is LiDAR and how it measures vegetation with 5cm accuracy (16:00) Vegetation as the single largest cause of outages and highest OPEX item (19:00) Learning from US wildfire experiences and insurance industry pressure (21:00) The vegetation management equation: inventory × risk × resources (24:00) Community dialogue and the challenge of two-way electron flow (27:00) Digital twins: applying 60 attributes to every tree as an asset (30:00) How digital proof is transforming utility insurance negotiations (32:00) Why human inspection has only 42% repeatability versus 99.9% with technology (36:00) Reimagining 100-year-old processes through University of Melbourne partnership (39:00) Data quality as the foundation for AI and automation success (41:00) Florida Power & Light's 35 Mules innovation program experience (43:00) Future vision: drones with lasers, robotic cutting, and continuous monitoring (46:00) Complete digital ecosystem: knowing every tree and every action taken The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with. Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only. Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations. Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media. To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io

Dr Greg Trainor and Neil Belford sit down with Charles Cattermole, Principal at Outpost Ventures, for a look into the human side of Australia's energy transition. From his accidental entry into energy through the Australian Navy to roles at Green Sync and Energy Australia, Charles shares hard-won insights about scaling innovation within large utilities and the critical importance of people over technology in driving change. The conversation explores the challenges of virtual power plants, the complexity of Australia's energy markets, and why trust remains the biggest barrier to customer adoption of interactive energy products. Charles reveals lessons from successfully scaling a pilot from 20,000 to 250,000 customers, discusses the misalignment between startup accelerators and utility needs, and shares his vision for securitising distributed energy resources like traditional power stations. About Charles: Charles Cattermole is a technical and commercial advisor with over 13 years of experience in the energy sector. Over this period, Charles' experience has ranged from energy management organisations, utilities such as EnergyAustralia and Ausnet, as well as technology companies like GreenSync, Evergen, and AMP X. Charles is also the former treasurer of the Australian Institute of Energy and focuses on helping organisations commercialise products, projects, and services that focus on the energy transition. (01:00) Accidental entry into energy via the Australian Navy (02:00) Early roles in energy auditing and management (03:00) Green Sync, Energy Australia and scaling innovation (04:00) Success stories: 20,000 to 250,000 customers (05:00) Learning from different industry perspectives (06:00) Energy transition is about people, not technology (08:00) Digital natives vs traditional leadership challenges (10:00) Virtual power plants definition and customer trust (12:00) Community energy models and market design constraints (14:00) Body corporate and apartment building challenges (15:00) Risk management frameworks blocking innovation (17:00) Skills shortage and hiring outside the industry (19:00) Importance of customer experience for engineers (20:00) Simple solutions: the IT pager system success story (22:00) Vendor relationships and trust in small industry (23:00) Marvel at electricity reliability despite complexity (25:00) Startup ecosystem and misaligned utility pilots (27:00) Is Australia's three-tier market system outdated? (29:00) Financial risk management for new market entrants (31:00) Vision for securitising distributed energy portfolios (33:00) Career advice: purpose-driven vs career-driven approaches The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with. Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only. Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations. Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media. To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io

On this week's episode, we have Ryan Wavish, GM of Innovation at Engie Australia, to explore how one of the world's largest energy companies is navigating Australia's unique energy transition challenges. From his early days at boutique consultancy Marshman Hill working with ARENA's A-Lab initiative to leading Engie's ambitious 500MW virtual power plant vision by 2030, Ryan shares insights into building customer trust, managing distributed energy resources, and creating the "business model of the future" for energy retailers. (01:00) Working at global energy company Engie (03:00) Getting into renewables after Copenhagen (04:00) Marshman Hill and ARENA's A-Lab initiative (07:00) GM Innovation role and future business models (09:00) Customer flexibility and asset control (11:00) Building trust with energy customers (12:00) Global collaboration across Engie businesses (15:00) Technology platforms and business systems (18:00) Engie's value and sustainability philosophy (21:00) ARENA VPP trial growth to 50MW (24:00) Customer lessons and price sensitivity (26:00) Are Australia's energy markets too complex? (28:00) Role of community energy models (29:00) Simplifying energy through mobile apps (31:00) Career advice for energy newcomers The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with. Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only. Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations. Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media. To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io