The conference, which attracted over 550 delegates from the renewable energy industry, government, the research community and the business sector, offered a diverse and informative business program, the latest technology and services on display in the exhibition hall and vibrant social events.

Key to the conference

Welcoming delegates to the conference, Clean Energy Council CEO Matthew Warren touched on the main message that was to be repeated by many over the three day event – certainty and investment are required to ensure the industry’s future growth.

“Clean energy investment is a priority. The rest of the world is moving quickly and despite renewed efforts Australia is at risk of being left behind.

“In many ways the last twelve months represent ‘year zero’ for the clean energy industry in Australia. As the industry evolves and grows to deliver the promise of affordable and large scale carbon-free energy used more efficiently, it is our challenge to realise all the emerging business opportunities.”

Queensland Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation Andrew McNamara and General Manager of the Queensland Office of Clean Energy Dr John Cole delivered welcome addresses, highlighting the importance of clean energy for the sunshine state.

Minister McNamara welcomed the delegates and expressed the Queensland Government’s delight to be a sponsor of the conference.

Minister McNamara said “The [climate] challenge is immense, governments around the world must act quickly and we must act in unison to ensure radical sustainable transformation of the world’s ageing dirty energy systems is achieved.”

He outlined Queensland’s renewable energy initiatives in technologies such as geothermal and solar, climate change funding and energy efficiency before concluding that “the cost of action is less than the cost of inaction”.

Dr John Cole, General Manager of Queensland’s recently established Office of Clean Energy, said that the office is focussing on renewable energy, demand side innovation and the general area of energy efficiency. Dr Cole introduced Nobuo Tanaka, the first keynote speaker, as “uniquely competent to speak on these issues.”

International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Nobuo Tanaka delivered an address, reporting on the World Energy Outlook 2008. The world’s energy system sits at a crossroads, Mr Tanaka told delegates. Energy efficiency and renewable energy will need to deliver more than three quarters of the world’s greenhouse emissions reductions by 2030 if the world is to see only a two degree increase in global average temperatures – turn to page 36 to read more of Mr Tanaka’s speech and the IEA’s latest report.

Kinesis Director Nick Rowley delivered a well-received address on tackling the climate problem in view of the global financial situation, a new US President, the forthcoming UN Climate Summit in Copenhagen and beyond. Mr Rowley made the point that people and businesses in the clean energy industry are in the business of tackling climate change. Turn to page 38 for a comprehensive summation of his presentation.

Other keynote speakers included Dr Bertram Ehmann from Siemens discussing the role of power transmission in a clean energy economy and the Chief Energy Conservation Officer, Conservation Bureau, Ontario Power Authority, Peter Love, discussing the necessary transformation to a culture of conservation.

Clean energy business

A major issue addressed at the conference by speakers, delegates and exhibitors alike was the importance of ensuring economic and regulatory certainty to encourage investment in the clean energy industry.

The conference program offered an extensive array of speakers discussing technological developments, clean energy policy and business opportunities. The sessions, presented by both international and local speakers, included topics on clean energy technologies such as wind, solar, bioenergy, natural gas, cogeneration, hydro and geothermal power.

The social program, including a cocktail party, VIP dinner, formal dinner and an Austrade Business breakfast, provided delegates with the opportunity to mingle and reflect on the issues raised.

Exhibiting innovation and opportunity

The Exhibition of clean energy services and products showcased a range of organisations for the duration of the conference and provided key networking opportunities.

The Clean Energy Council stand welcomed delegates to the exhibition and offered relaxing massages. A highlight of the Clarke Energy stand was the replica GE Jenbacher gas engine. Vestas maintained a busy booth, drawing a raffle each day to award a Lego wind turbine.

Suzlon Energy Australia’s video of the construction of the Hallett Wind Farm was a popular drawcard and Suzlon’s Chief Operations Officer Chris Judd promoted the successful delivery of wind power plants through adopting an EPC in a well-attended session.

BP Solar, SMA Australia, Conergy and SunPower shed light on the latest developments in solar. RePower Australia, Garrad Hassan, SGS and the Roaring 40s displayed innovative technology and developments in wind turbines and power generation. Meanwhile, MTU Detroit showcased a model genset, and recruitment consultancy Hays offered the industry much needed staffing resources.

Hydro Tasmania, Horizon Power, Greenbank Environmental and Siemens also impressed delegates with interesting displays and informative speakers. Wartsila Senior Energy and Engine Specialist Jacob Klimstra told delegates that an engine-based generator is a renewable enabler.

EcoGeneration ensured that two lucky delegates enjoyed their final evening in style. Robert Richardson from Austrade won a bottle of scotch and Kirsten Edwards from the Federal Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research won a bottle of Verve.

The future of the industry

EcoGeneration spoke with Mr Warren about the significance of the conference for the future of the industry.

“It’s the biggest renewable energy conference in Australia’s history – as it should be,” he said. “Every conference should be bigger, this industry is growing.

“We’re not succeeding if we’re not, by nature, bigger next time because there are new technologies, new entrants; it’s a growth sector.

“The scale of the conference and the emerging professionalism of the industry reflect how quickly this transformation is occurring. It’s the strategic thinking of companies working dynamically and quickly. It’s very exciting and it’s maturing very fast.”

Mr Warren said that the conference is bringing together people who have been thinking about renewable energy for a while and people with capital to invest.

“Some of those big companies we’d like to see as part of the organisation. They will be part of this industry and they’ll bring a lot of horse power to the organisation involved in making sure we continue to represent all views and all technologies. It’s an enormous industry and an enormous challenge,” he said.