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[Impact Webinar] Turning Points: What’s Working, What’s Next for Australia’s Wind Energy Pathway
Date & Time: 14:00-15:20 (AEST; UTC+10:00) | June 18 Wednesday
Format: Digital Conference
Abstract
Australia's wind energy sector stands at an exciting crossroads, driven by strategic investment, genuine community engagement, smarter grid integration, and maturing experiences that are setting the stage for the industry's next significant leap. This webinar takes participants on a compelling journey - from uncovering emerging investment opportunities and deepening local collaboration, to addressing grid infrastructure challenges and streamlining project delivery with clarity and confidence.
Designed to equip stakeholders across government, industry, and communities, this session delivers practical insights and actionable pathways to advance Australia's wind energy future — one that is sustainable, scalable, and central to our clean energy transition.
June 18 Agenda (Melbourne Time)
03:16 - 25:23 | [Keynote] Investing in Australian Wind: Opportunities, Risks, and Strategic Insights
Mr. Tim Buckley, Director, Climate Energy Finance
26:46 - 46:46 | [Keynote] Keeping Momentum: Updates from Victoria’s Offshore Wind Community Development
Mr. Darren McCubbin, CEO, Gippsland Climate Change Network
47:54 - 1:02:33 | [Keynote] Planning with Purpose: The Role of Onshore Wind in a Reliable and Evolving Energy System
Ms. Charlotte Eddy, General Manager Strategy and Regulation, AusNet
1:03:35 - 1:23:33 | [Keynote] Translating European Experience to Australian Waters: Lessons Learned and Strategic Pathways for Offshore Wind Development
Mr. Pelayo Rodriguez Alonso, Head of Business Development Japan and APAC, Ocean Winds
Key Takeways:
1. Rapid declines in storage costs are turning “wind + solar + batteries” into a near-round-the-clock power solution.
2. To hit the 2030 renewables target, new generation must be matched by accelerated build-out of transmission and storage.
3. Offshore wind can close the remaining decarbonisation gap, provided port, supply-chain and large-scale development plans are put in place early.
4. Offshore wind in Gippsland will step in for retiring coal units and become the centerpiece of Victoria’s clean-power mix.
5. A dual approach of community-benefit funds and citizens’assemblies is already embedded in project rules, laying the groundwork for social licence.
6. With the first auction imminent and supporting port and grid upgrades under way, the investment window is opening now.
7. Upgrading the 66 kV sub-transmission network is the fastest, most cost-effective way to connect distributed wind and solar.
8. A package of line uprates, transformer upgrades and battery storage could unlock nearly 1 GW of extra capacity within three years.
9. Bringing sub-transmission into national planning and revising cost-sharing rules would markedly speed up renewables integration.
10. By drawing on a decade of global offshore wind experience, Australia can compress its learning curve to roughly three years.
11. Completing environmental surveys early and co-designing engagement with Indigenous communities smooths the path to permits and local support.
12. Securing the supply chain and local content commitments before final approval cuts delay risk and maximises economic value.
Insights Brought to You by:
Mr. Tim Buckley
Director
Climate Energy Finance
Ms. Charlotte Eddy
General Manager Strategy and Regulation
AusNet
Mr. Darren McCubbin
Chief Executive Officer
Gippsland Climate Change Network
Mr. Pelayo Rodriguez Alonso
Head of Business Development Japan and APAC
Ocean Winds
Host:
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