Kane Thornton is the Chief Executive of the Clean Energy Council. He spoke to AMT Magazine.
AMT: Tell us about the Clean Energy Council? How long have you been in operation, how many members do you have, and what kinds of companies make up your membership?
Kane Thornton: The genesis of the Clean Energy Council (CEC) can be traced back to the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) which first established renewable energy industry accreditation in 1993.
In 2002, another industry association merger took place with the Australian Eco-Generation Association (AEA) to form the Australian Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE). By this time, industry regulation had been established, with Australian Standards for the renewable energy industry in place and conformance with these standards a requirement for all design and installation work in the industry.
In 2007, a decision was made by members of the BCSE and the Australian Wind Energy Association (AusWind) to merge. It was decided that there were too many competing voices and that the industry needed one strong, united voice. The two organisations became the Clean Energy Council, and we’re the peak body for the industry.
We represent and work with nearly 1,000 of the leading businesses operating in renewable energy and energy storage, including the emerging sector of renewable hydrogen, and are committed to accelerating Australia’s transition to a clean energy future. Clean Energy Council membership is open to companies which work in and support the clean energy sector.
AMT: What activities does the Clean Energy Council engage in on behalf of its members?
KT: The Clean Energy Council represents and works with Australia’s leading renewable energy and energy storage businesses, as well as rooftop solar and household battery installers, to further the development of clean energy in Australia. We do this through policy analysis and development, and advocacy, working closely with governments to increase demand for clean energy products while working with members and our industry to improve standards and maintain integrity continually.
The Clean Energy Council also holds events throughout the year, including large conferences, networking events, member-only briefings and roundtables, along with technical forums.
AMT: There’s been a lot of comment recently about energy transition in the wake of the COP26 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow. What was your view on COP26 and Australia’s participation in the summit?
KT: I don’t think anyone could be surprised by what transpired from an Australian perspective in Glasgow.
The pressure that was on Australia in the lead-up to COP26 to take stronger action on emissions reduction will only continue as we get closer to COP27. There is a clear expectation from the international community that Australia commits to a new, more ambitious 2030 target aligned with the Paris Agreement temperature goal.
AMT: What is the current outlook for the clean energy sector in Australia?
KT: The speed of the transition to renewable energy is quite remarkable, and thanks largely to the fact that we have an abundance of wind, solar and water – which are the cheapest source of clean energy.
This transition is occurring at pace off the back of Australia’s state and territory government leadership countering the lack of a strong climate and energy policy from the Federal Government.
It could be improved by addressing grid connection challenges, which remains the most significant challenge facing large-scale renewable energy projects, with substantial delays and changes in technical requirements impacting projects.
AMT: What measures do you think governments should be providing to support the sector?
KT: Faster progress on building the transmission backbone for a 21st Century energy grid should be number one. Reform has been slow and a lack of transmission investment is now becoming a major impediment to a smooth and low-cost energy transition.
AMT: What opportunities exist in the clean energy space for Australian manufacturing companies? And how do they go about seizing those opportunities?
KT: There exist opportunities in wind, solar, battery, pumped hydro and transmission across both manufacturing and recycling. In manufacturing, local opportunity could exist in steel in tower manufacturing (wind towers or transmission towers) or steel pipe manufacturing (pumped hydro); nacelle and hub assembly (wind); solar farm infrastructure such as piles or trackers; or battery pack assembly (or potentially manufacturing). In recycling, Australian businesses might think about disassembly of turbines, electronic recycling, photovoltaic (PV) panel collection and recycling, and battery recycling at the minerals processing sites.
To seize those opportunities I would recommend getting engaged in the Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) processes underway in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, and to build relationships with local developers and engineering, procurement & construction (EPC) contractors looking for ways to meet local content requirements.
AMT: Rising energy prices are often cited as a key challenge for Australian manufacturers. What do you think the solution is?
KT: There are two key factors critical to driving down energy prices. The first is to ensure we are developing the lowest-cost forms of energy generation, and that’s very clearly renewable energy supported by energy storage complemented by a strong network. Secondly, and dictated by basic supply and demand, is that we need to ensure we are bringing online enough new supply ahead of the imminent closure of old generation to ensure the market is well supplied and costs remain competitive and lower.
AMT: Tell us about your professional background.
KT: I have been working in clean energy now for nearly 20 years after a brief career in IT. Most of that time has been in policy and advocacy, contributing to and driving some of the policy outcomes and reforms that have become central to the development of clean energy in Australia. I have over that time also developed my management, leadership and governance skills and enjoyed contributing to a range of government and non-government advisory and non-executive board roles over the years.
AMT: What is the most satisfying aspect of the job?
KT: Seeing Australia double the amount of our electricity coming from renewable energy over the past five years has been incredibly rewarding. Now seeing us on the path to running the whole country on renewables and establishing Australia as a clean energy superpower fills me with great hope for our future. Getting to work with some incredible people across the industry and 70 great professionals at the Clean Energy Council is also a big motivator for me.