The value and reliability of renewable energy was the hot topic at the Future Energy towards 2050 leadership summit, hosted by Deakin University in partnership with Engineers Australia in Melbourne recently.
Associate Professor Aman Than Oo, Deputy Head of Deakin’s School of Engineering, set the framework for the day which was attended by more than 180 delegates including renewable energy industry experts and members of the engineering community and academia.
The program included two panel discussions on how Australia can innovate to achieve 100 per cent energy from renewable energy sources along with the challenges and remedial measures for grid integration of renewable energy. Both panel discussions were productive and engaging and were led by Australian and international industry leaders who debated and discussed future trends, challenges and opportunities and how academia can work alongside industry to drive change in the renewable energy sector.
(L-R: Mr Ian Kett, Director, Strategic Programs at Deakin with Associate Professor Aman Than Oo at the summit)
"Global future economic and social prosperity is critically dependent on the sustainable sourcing of adequate power linked with innovative and more efficient energy supply, usage and management," Associate Professor Oo explained at the summit.
"Continued advancement is required in clean technologies for the generation of renewable energy, integrated with enhanced storage capabilities, innovative and intelligent management and distribution systems. Supportive policy and governance will be fundamental to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, combat climate change and address increasing demands for energy," he added.
Chris Stoltz, President of Engineers Australia’s Victoria Division, who was the event Master of Ceremonies said, "There is no doubt that our future will be built on renewable energy."
"We at Engineers Australia want to be at the forefront of discussions, like the one we had today, to develop a rational transition from a fossil fuel-dependent economy to a renewable-dependent economy," he added.
Warner Priest, Business Development Manager, Energy Management Division, Siemens Ltd, was one the summit’s key note speakers:
"The format was great, very well structured and informative," Mr Priest noted. "The engagement from the participants was unlike any I have experienced before, making it, in my opinion, one of the most worthwhile events I have been involved in this year."
Associate Professor Oo delivered the closing remark of the summit stating that Deakin was committed to working with industry and relevant organisations to help achieve Australia’s renewable energy target and committed to progressing the discussion through events like the annual renewable energy summit.