Thursday 29 January 2026

Introducing Associate Professor Simon Smart and Professor Belinda Wade from The University of Queensland.

Australia’s climate transition is moving forward, but are we actually on track to reach net zero by 2050?

In this episode of Energy Talks, Associate Professor Simon Smart and Professor Belinda Wade, both members of the Net Zero Australia Steering Committee, unpack the project’s latest findings including updated modelling of Australia's decarbonisation pathways and the team's inaugural Progress Tracker.

Together, they explore what the modelling really says about renewable build rates, firming, carbon removals, infrastructure requirements and the scale of investment ahead. Just as importantly, they examine the non-technical challenges now shaping Australia’s transition: approvals bottlenecks, workforce capacity, community trust and the social licence needed to deliver projects at speed.

With Queensland set to play a central role in the energy transition, this conversation highlights what’s working, where momentum is slowing, and what it will take to align ambition with delivery.

Belinda and Simon are part of the wider Net Zero Australia team. The Net Zero Australia reports reflect the work of a large interdisciplinary project team. For full authorship and attribution, please refer to the reports available at: https://www.netzeroaustralia.net.au/

If you want clear, evidence-based insights into Australia’s net zero journey, this episode is essential listening.

The Queensland Energy Club welcomes Associate Professor Simon Smart and Professor Belinda Wade as our guest speakers for Episode 16 of ‘Energy Talks’.

Wednesday 20 August 2025

Introducing Greg Elkins, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Global Power Energy.

Global Power Energy is an advisory firm led by experts with extensive technical, regulatory and commercial experience across AEMO, generators, networks, and OEMs. Their team brings whole-of-system thinking to every engagement, offering system-wide insight and practical solutions - a one-stop shop for renewable energy project requirements.

With offices around Australia, Global Power Energy is home to over 500 years operational and regulatory experience in its leadership and specialist teams alone - a purpose-built consultancy that truly knows the power system from end-to-end. Their strength lies in translating technical knowledge into strategic thinking and commercial model design.

Greg started his career in Townsville, Queensland. Then he joined AEMO as Manager of Network development at the time, which eventually turned into National Connections. After some time, he started Global Power Energy during COVID. After winning his first big client, the company just grew from there, into what it is today.

In this podcast, Greg will discuss his journey from Townsville to leading Global Power Energy, his approach, questioning assumptions, balancing economics with engineering, driving collaboration and demonstrating where his point of difference lies, which is exactly what Queensland's energy future needs.

The Queensland Energy Club welcomes Greg Elkins as our guest speaker for Episode 15 of ‘Energy Talks’.

Friday 25 July 2025

Introducing Kyu Hong Lee, Chief Strategy Officer at Elecseed.

Elecseed is a progressive Renewable Energy Developer and Consultancy providing innovation, technical eminence, funding, and multifaceted solutions to deal with the paradigm shift in how we generate, manage, and consume energy.

With offices in Seoul Korea and Brisbane Australia, Elecseed identifies and leads specific market needs, not only to propel our drive to a greener future but also satisfy the immediate economic needs and demands.

Kyu is an advocate of sustainability and passionate about clean technology. With a military background as a Captain in the Korean Airforce, Kyu went on to establish Orange Project Group and Elecseed Lab, foreign direct investment consultancy and development companies in the construction and renewables sector respectively. Through these companies his focus in bringing people together and setting up sound organisational and financial structure with international partners has taken shape.

In this podcast, Kyu will discuss: doing business between Australia and Korea, the good synergy between the two countries; the challenges faced; and why the Koreans are investing in clean energy technology in Australia.

The Queensland Energy Club welcomes Kyu Hong Lee as our guest speaker for Episode 14 of ‘Energy Talks’.