Powering the Future
Igniting Green Energy & Renewables

ABOUT THE EVENT 
The race to net zero is accelerating. Recently, United States President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled a climate pact to boost cooperation. The move signifies Australia is becoming a global leader in the renewable energy roll-out and critical mineral supply. South Australia’s rich history of advancing clean energy technologies has resulted in 68% of the state’s electricity being generated by renewable resources in just over 15 years. By 2030, South Australia is expected to be a net 100% renewable energy generator. The state’s focus on green energy could boost trade value, reduce global greenhouse emissions, and link our exports with global decarbonisation efforts.     

Deputy Premier Susan Close, MP will introduce this important topic. Our industry panellists will discuss where we are and where we need to be to reach our decarbonisation goals. Join Sam Crafter, CEO the Office of Hydrogen Power SA, Dale Webb, Co- Chief Executive Nyrstar and Susan Jeanes, Chair of the Heavy Industries Low-Carbon Transition CRC and member of the Premier’s Climate Change Council with expert moderation by Belinda Heggen from Fluent Media.

EVENT DETAILS
Date: Thursday 23 November 2023
Time: 11:45 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Adelaide Convention Centre 

PRICING 
Members: Single: $179 / Table of 10: $1790
Non-Members: $229 / Table of 10: $2290

SPEAKERS

Hon Susan Close MP - Deputy Premier, Government of South Australia 

Susan Close is the State Member for Port Adelaide and was elected on the 11th of February 2012. Susan has lived on the LeFevre Peninsula for twenty years with Declan and their two children and is passionate about representing the people in her community. Before entering Parliament, Susan was an executive in the SA Environment Department.  She previously worked at the University of Adelaide running student services and holds a PhD from Flinders University. Susan held several portfolios during the Weatherill Labor Government, including being Minister for Education and Minister for Innovation and Automotive Transformation. 


Michael Gunner - Former Chief minister NT - Fortescue Future Industries, Director of Australia West

Michael Gunner is the Director of Australia West, leading Fortescue Future Industries’ (FFI) work across Western Australia, South Australia, and Northern Territory.   Michael is the former Chief Minister of the Northern Territory (2016 – 2022) and held portfolios including Major Projects, Treasurer, and Business and Innovation. As Chief Minister, Michael oversaw record public investments in infrastructure, including investments to advance low-emissions industry development and renewable energy across the Territory.    Michael is passionate about delivering clean and affordable energy to Australians, creating local jobs, backing local businesses, and playing his part in FFI’s pursuit of a better world for our kids.  


Sam Crafter - CEO, Office of Hydrogen Power SA

Sam Crafter’s extensive career, with a focus on the energy and resources industries has spanned project implementation, commercial advisory, public affairs, communications and reputation management in both the public and private sector, over more than 20 years.  In early 2022, Sam was appointed Chief Executive Officer for the Office of Hydrogen Power SA to assemble and lead a high performing team to procure, build and operate a Hydrogen Power Plant at Whyalla, to be operational by 2025. Delivering the hydrogen fuelled power generation and associated production and storage facilities in the Upper Spencer Gulf Region, is the objective of the office.   Immediately prior to his appointment Sam was a Director at Woods Street Partners, a strategic commercial and project delivery advisory business which he co-founded, working with clients across the energy and resources sector, as well as other industries.  During his previous state government appointment, as Executive Director, Energy Implementation, Sam led a high performing team that managed the design and implementation of key South Australian Government energy initiatives, including the world’s largest battery (Hornsdale Power Reserve), the $100m Home Battery Scheme, the $50m Grid Scale Storage Fund and South Australia’s Virtual Power Plant using public housing stock.   Sam also spent seven years with Santos Ltd in various senior roles in public affairs, policy, community and government relations in Adelaide, Brisbane and Gunnedah, NSW (New South Wales). Prior to this Sam spent eight years working in State and Federal Government.


Dale Webb - Co- Chief Executive, Nyrstar 

Dale Webb is Co-CEO of Nyrstar, an international producer of critical minerals and metals with smelting, mining and refining facilities in the United States, Europe and Australia. Nyrstar is Australia’s largest exporter of refined zinc and lead with operations in Port Pirie and Hobart and operates the only zinc smelter in the US in Clarksville, Tennessee. Prior to being appointed Co-CEO, Dale was Vice President, Australian Operations and has significant experience in smelting, mining and metals and has previously worked in General Manager Operations roles in Chile and Canada. Based in Adelaide, Dale is a Metallurgical Engineer, holds an MBA and is a current Board Member of the International Zinc Association.


Susan Jeanes - Chair, Heavy Industries Low-Carbon Transition CRC 

Susan has worked in the Australian renewable energy and broader sectors for more than two decades. She is a Director of Jeanes Holland and Associates (JHA) and a former Director of The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).   She works with industry, research organisations and governments to build relationships and foster collaboration on shared goals. She develops pathways for reaching agreed outcomes from differing perspectives. She understands the political environment and how governments develop a national interest view.   She has previously held the roles of inaugural CEO of the Australian Geothermal Energy Association (AGEA), and of the Renewable Energy Generators of Australia (REGA). Prior to 2002, she was the Climate Change and Energy Advisor to former Federal Environment Minister Robert Hill and the Member for Kingston in the Federal Parliament.


Belinda Heggen - Founder, Fluent Media

Founder of FLUENT Media, Belinda Heggen is one of Australia’s most experienced and well-respected media and presentation trainers, drawing her expert insights from more than 25 years as a journalist and presenter across TV, radio and print, and as a media strategist and advisor to senior politicians.  
She specialises in developing confident, articulate and inspiring leaders who seek to build their profile, elevate their brand and drive personal and business growth through the power of connection. Belinda is also regularly in demand as a trusted corporate public relations strategist and event MC and corporate facilitator.

EVENT PARTNERS