Final day of Hunter New Energy Symposium 2024 focuses on collaboration, innovation, and sustainability
Day 2 of the Symposium provided another important forum for diverse perspectives, collaborative endeavors, and innovative solutions.
Following a massive start to the Hunter New Energy Symposium 2024 in Newcastle, leaders and experts from various sectors including academia, industry, government, and finance gathered again for a dynamic Day 2.
Dr. Mark Apthorpe set the stage for the day's first session, featuring CEOs Craig Carmody from Port of Newcastle, Brian Craighead from Energy Renaissance, and Rod Henderson from Ampcontrol. Each leader articulated the vast opportunities in the Hunter region, alongside the significant challenges they confront in realizing projects and solutions. Brian Craighead's remark encapsulated the sentiment: "Some is art, some is science… the hard part is the human connection." Meanwhile, Rod Henderson emphasized the vitality of Hunter Manufacturing and the necessity for government support, particularly in the transition years preceding Hydrogen.
Blake Almond from Circ Partners provided an investor's perspective, highlighting the promising avenues in biomass and hydrogen. Almond pointed out that while private capital is abundant, hurdles like project costs and societal acceptance remain. However, he expressed optimism in community investment models as potential pathways forward.
The Symposium then delved into offshore wind and international market supply chains, in a session spearheaded by NewH2 Co-Lead Boris Novak. Equinor Australia, Star of the South, BlueFloat Energy, and EDF Renewables Australia shared insights into offshore wind projects globally, underscoring the region's potential in this domain. Sheena Martin facilitated discussions on international market supply chains, emphasizing collaboration and mutual learning from global experiences.
Community engagement again emerged as a pivotal theme, with experts stressing the indispensable role of community and social license in the energy diversification process. The importance of collaborative efforts and innovative approaches in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors was also explored throughout the sessions.
The TRaCE program, focusing on recycling and clean energy challenges, received notable attention as a significant initiative in the new energy transition. Led by Lena Vestad Hansen, the session highlighted the program's importance in tackling pressing environmental concerns while promoting sustainable energy practices.
A big thanks to all Hunter New Energy Symposium 2024 speakers and attendees. Keep an eye on the Symposium website for more highlights from this year's event.
