On 6 April 2023, Macquarie University was provided with a unique opportunity to host a public hearing for the Inquiry into Australia’s transition to a green energy superpower, facilitated by the Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth. This is the leading Federal Inquiry into Australia’s green energy transition.

In addition to hosting the occasion, Macquarie University’s Centre for Energy and Natural Resources Transformation and Innovation (CENRIT) was also invited to address the Committee and present evidence, showcasing Macquarie’s expertise as a leader in energy law and policy research.

Dr Madeline Taylor, Deputy Director of CENRIT, and Jordie Pettit, Research Fellow and HDR candidate, led the oral hearing and addressed Committee members Mr Steve Georganas MP, Chair of Join Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth, Hon Scott Buchholz MP, Deputy Chair, Ms Tania Lawrence MP, Member for Hasluck, and Mr Jerome Laxale MP, Member for Bennelong.

Dr Taylor and Mr Pettit’s expert advisory was focused on three key points including:

  1. Emerging and possible future trends in energy development and export relating to renewable hydrogen and onshore and offshore renewable energy;
  2. Key areas of energy growth and the role for government to play in closing the bankability gap between concept and maturation of green energy technologies; and
  3. The need for regulatory and policy certainty for Australia’s shift to a Green Energy Superpower exporter.

“CENRIT warmly welcomed the invitation by the Committee, including the opportunity to represent Macquarie University at the Inquiry. CENRIT is uniquely placed to provide expert testimony on questions of energy policy and regulation, with its members holding decades of relevant experience, including various academic publications on the topic,” said Dr Taylor.

The evidence presented by Dr Taylor and Mr Pettit will inform the publication of a final report detailing findings of the Inquiry, including key actions in areas such as trade and investment activities, emerging future trends, the role of key commonwealth agencies and companies to coordinate investment, and how Australia can capitalise on existing and future trade agreements in clean energy. The report will provide critical insights for decision makers in the Australian Federal government, other government policymakers and relevant actors within the sector who directly shape and influence Australia’s green energy transition.

For more information on upcoming activities and events, follow CENRIT on LinkedIn or visit their website.