The Green List: Australia’s Top 100 energy players
They are the foot soldiers in the climate revolution – the policymakers, manufacturers, CEOs, innovators, investors, spruikers and advocates committed to changing the energy basis of our economy. Meet the powerful in power.
This annual celebration of the 100 Top Green Energy Players comes at a time of serious debate about the costs of dealing with climate change.
It’s also an issue set to play out at the federal election next year as the opposition pushes the nuclear case and the government navigates the pushback from voters worried about the cost of living.
This year’s list includes many working in policy and implementation, a reflection of the way the sector is moving to bed down change.
We asked leaders in the green space to choose those making a difference as Australia decarbonises the economy.
The judges were: Zoe Whitton, managing director of Pollination; Simon Currie, co-founder of Energy Estate; Tan Kueh, CEO of Grok Ventures; Tony Wood, energy and climate change program director at Grattan Institute; David Scaysbrook, managing partner of Quinbrook; Stephanie Bashir, CEO of Nexa Advisory.
THE GREEN LIST: Read more
Eureka moments for rising stars of recycling start-ups
In Sydney, Giorgio Baracchi is leaning into the ‘garbo man’ tag as his rubbish collection business booms while in Darwin, Tanya Egerton is rolling out a remote op shops revolution | SEE WHO MADE THE LIST
Reality check: plans for the planet face new tests
High costs and an increased public scepticism about climate targets have dogged the green debate in recent months. Are we on the right track? Is the government’s timetable solid?
‘We’ll build it ourselves’: the little solar miracle in Goulburn
Farmer Ed Suttle still chokes up when he talks about the start of a grassroots plan to turn an old gravel pit into a solar farm. ‘Within an hour, we had $500,000 committed. It was just stunning.’
Following the money and power of green diplomacy in the Pacific
Climate change is front and centre in the Pacific where Australia is pursuing green diplomacy as it tries to counter the influence of China.
Top 10 new EVs: from fast and furious to downright crazy
From Cadillac whoppers to tiny Fiats and the craziest electric vehicle to launch in Australia this year - here are 10 of the newest electric cars to arrive on our shores.
Peter Garrett on the ‘high-risk’, ‘cruel joke’ of nuclear energy
The Midnight Oil frontman, former politician and environmentalist says the idea that Australia needs a more expensive and riskier technology when it has an abundance of sun, wind and flowing water is ‘a cruel joke’.
Farmers cashing in on carbon credit after long haul
Grazier Andrew Lawrie’s latest cash crop - carbon credits - has survived floods, droughts and doubts to become not only a way to improve his land but also secure his family’s financial future.
How nuclear powers Europe through thick and thin
On a windy afternoon in an European autumn, live data shows every five minutes the exact fuel mix driving Britain’s energy and it is the steady bedrock of nuclear power that keeps the lights on.
Bumpy flight ahead for aviation’s biggest challenge
As well as costing trillions, decarbonising aviation fuel will require ‘bravery’, says Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson. So is it possible or just fantasy that flights will one day be powered by farm waste and cooking oil?
The little solar maker who wants to take on the world
To call Tindo Solar a small player would be an overstatement but the Adelaide firm is Australia’s only locally made solar panel maker and chief Richard Petterson has grand plans.
Going head to head on climate
With an election imminent Energy Minister Chris Bowen and opposition spokesperson Ted O’Brien answer the big questions on energy and climate.
‘True believers’ still pumping millions into green hydrogen
Green hydrogen ambitions have flickered recently, but serious money is still flowing into the sector from international investors which excites people like Paul Barrett.
How F1 secrets are powering fast charging at Fortescue
The key to Fortescue electrifying its haul fleet lies in the purchase of an F1 team offshoot where tech like charging trucks in seconds is ‘just the beginning’.