Wired for Energy

Ross De Rango, founder and CEO of Vehicle Charging Solutions Australia, brings a robotics engineer’s precision and a decade of EV policy experience to this episode. Formerly head of energy and infrastructure at the Electric Vehicle Council, Ross has shaped standards, codes and market design across Australia’s EV landscape. In conversation with Dr Greg Trainor and Neil Belford, he explains why the grid should welcome electric cars, why second cars are the easiest to electrify, and how plain language can cut through industry jargon. Ross tackles the myths of grid collapse and battery fires, reframes range anxiety with a petrol fairy analogy, and unpacks the challenge of charging for households without off-street parking. He also outlines what vehicle-to-grid needs to scale, from manufacturer warranties to affordable hardware. We also flip the script, and Ross asks Neil about his recent EV purchase.A practical, myth-busting listen for anyone weighing up an EV. (09:00) Electrifying Australia’s road transport needs 40% more power(17:00) Why EVs support the grid, not threaten it(19:43) Total cost of ownership: petrol versus electric running cost(26:00) The petrol fairy: reframing range anxiety(28:09) Charging without off-street parking(50:00) Neil’s EV purchase and the missing key The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with.Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only.Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations. Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media.To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io

Eric Davids, Head of Strategy for Octopus Energy US, explains how the company is transforming customer engagement across both regulated and deregulated US energy markets. Drawing on his background as a US Marine intelligence officer and former Chief of Staff at Uplight, Davids outlines Octopus's philosophy of treating customers as active participants in the energy transition rather than passive price takers. The episode explores behavioural nudges and plunge pricing for EV charging, the Intelligent Octopus tariff that shields customers from price volatility, and the rising wave of prosumer opportunities including balcony solar and battery export rights. Davids highlights how Octopus uses technology as an enabler of genuine human connection—not a replacement for it—and reflects on the "mounting coalition" of stakeholders convinced customers are essential to solving affordability, reliability and demand growth challenges. Highly relevant insights for the Australian market.(06:48) Background: Marines service through to energy sector entry(11:39) Octopus UK operations and round-table customer service model(14:42) Octopus US strategy in regulated and deregulated markets(23:40) Behavioural nudges, plunge pricing and EV charging science(28:00) Texas ERCOT foundational market and prosumer opportunity(32:03) Intelligent Octopus tariff protecting customers from extreme price exposure(39:00) Final reflections on innovation, AI aggregation and grid integration The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with.Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only.Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations. Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media.To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io

Malaya Toll and Andrew Steer, both with 25+ years leading digital transformation and utility systems across Australia and internationally, join Greg and Neil to discuss the national electricity market reform roadmap and delivery challenges. They examine whether NEM reform is on track for 2026 milestones, revealing NEM is slightly behind schedule despite momentum shifts across the industry. Key topics include the surprising success of community batteries in expanding energy access, supply failing to meet surging demand from EVs and data centres, the overwhelming complexity of overlapping regulations, workforce constraints, and the case for distribution system operators (DSOs) to manage low-voltage networks autonomously. They also explore how customer information systems must evolve to support flexible trading arrangements, and why regulatory frameworks need standardisation across geographies. (02:42) Is the NEM on track or falling behind 2026 milestones (05:52) Community batteries as a raging success story (21:32) Reform fatigue shifting to industry momentum (33:51) Data centre load growth and grid stress challenges (40:24) Low voltage network visibility and DSO model benefits The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with.Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only.Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations. Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media.To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io

Paul Geason, CEO of Wave Swell Energy, brings 25+ years of senior utility and infrastructure leadership to commercialise world-leading wave energy technology. Wave Swell's oscillating water column design replicates natural blowholes with no moving parts in water—a critical advantage after decades of competitor failures. The King Island demonstration achieved 50% energy conversion efficiency (the highest published in industry) and proved two-plus years of durability in harsh ocean conditions. Paul explores how wave energy complements intermittent solar and wind, reduces battery storage requirements, and dramatically lowers overall system costs. He discusses data centre module integration for AI compute, coastal infrastructure partnerships from Taiwan (500+ MW potential) to Tonga and Canada, and nearshore shaft technology placing all infrastructure on land. Wave Swell's capital-light partnership model enables global scaling. (03:00) From telecommunications to renewable energy transition (05:11) How oscillating water column technology works (07:51) King Island trial: efficiency and durability proof (15:00) Complementing wind and solar variable renewables (22:42) Taiwan project and coastal infrastructure integration (39:00) 2030 vision and political will requirements The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with.Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only.Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations. Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media.To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io

Daniel Batten, climate tech investor, ESG analyst, and co-founder of CH4 Capital, challenges the widespread perception that Bitcoin mining is an environmental villain. Instead, he makes the case that Bitcoin mining can become the essential shock absorber for grids managing simultaneous unpredictability: surging renewable energy supply and spiking AI data centre demand. With 80% of operational costs tied to electricity, Bitcoin miners are uniquely incentivised to monetise stranded renewable energy and provide unmatched grid flexibility through demand response. Daniel explores how his firm weaponises Bitcoin mining to mitigate methane emissions from landfills—converting this gas 84 times more warming than CO₂ into carbon-negative electricity. He discusses permaculture approaches to mining, trials for grid operators, and why energy literacy remains the barrier to policymaker adoption of this counterintuitive climate solution. (00:00) Introduction and the energy transition paradox (01:48) What is Bitcoin and Bitcoin mining explained (05:00) Why Bitcoin mining matters to energy utilities (08:56) Fact or fiction: energy consumption myths (14:29) Daniel's aha moment on environmental impact (22:13) Permaculture approach and ecosystem thinking (34:54) CH4 Capital and landfill methane mitigation The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with.Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only.Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations. Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media.To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io

Professor Yolande Strengers, Research Director at Monash Energy Institute and expert in digital sociology, challenges everything we think we know about smart homes and the energy transition. From debunking the myth of the perfectly rational "Resource Man" consumer to exploring privacy concerns around EV charging automation, Yolande reveals why people—not just technology—must drive Australia's energy future. She discusses the gendered dynamics of smart home adoption, the coming wave of home helper robots, and why low-income households are being left behind in the transition. This conversation offers rare insight into how human behaviour, not just engineering, will determine whether our energy transition succeeds or fails. (02:18) What does the Monash Energy Institute do? (06:32) The myth of Resource Man is still alive (11:18) Why people won't hand over EV charging control (14:13) The Smart Wife and gendered smart home adoption (17:04) Home helper robots and energy security (26:00) Low-income households left behind in transition (35:36) Why energy professionals should read science fiction The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with.Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only.Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations. Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media.To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io

Dr. Greg Trainor and Neil Belford speak with Luke Menzel, CEO of the Energy Efficiency Council and newly appointed non-executive director on AEMO's board. Luke explains why hitting Australia's 63-70% emissions reduction target by 2035 depends entirely on deploying existing demand-side technologies—you can only decarbonise electricity once. The conversation covers why electrifying the Australian economy solves energy security concerns, how thermal retrofits function as grid infrastructure, and why Ireland's integrated approach to home upgrades should guide Australian policy. Luke reveals the workforce challenge ahead: scaling installers and tradies to electrify 2.4 million homes, making trades welcoming for women to double the talent pool, and creating pathways for workers displaced by AI. He explains why every device entering homes should be flexible by 2030, how South Australian Power Networks leads network innovation, and why low-hanging fruit still requires serious picking effort. (08:00) Why the 2035 target depends on the demand-side deployment of existing tech (16:00) Electrifying the Australian economy solves energy security and gas exposure (21:00) Thermal retrofits as grid infrastructure and integrated home upgrades (33:00) Workforce scaling challenge: installers, tradies, and women in trades (42:00) South Australian Power Networks innovation and bleeding-edge transition (48:00) Every device flexible by 2030, and Let Me Sum Up podcast plug The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with.Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only.Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations. Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media.To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io

Dr. Greg Trainor and Neil Belford speak with Warner Priest, Midstream Director at InterContinental Energy, about engineering the world's largest green hydrogen projects. Warner explains the technical logic behind the 110-gigawatt Western Green Energy Hub and Australian Renewable Energy Hub—projects that could transform global shipping, steel production, and Australia's industrial base. He reveals why hydrogen pipelines are superior to long-distance transmission at scale, how seawater desalination requires less water than most imagine, and why green ammonia is the safest, most proven energy carrier for shipping.  (07:00) P2H2 node architecture: why pipelines beat transmission lines (12:00) Green hydrogen vs batteries: complementary solutions for different problems (16:00) Electrolyser efficiency trajectory and Australian innovation breakthrough (21:00) Desalination reality check: one Perth plant supplies 70-gigawatt project (30:00) Green ammonia safety engineering and shipping fuel opportunity (36:00) Green iron calculations: 25 million tons from a single project (46:00) Success metrics for the 2030s and future outlook The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with.Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only.Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations. Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media.To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io

Dr. Greg Trainor and Neil Belford speak with Tony Arnel, Professor and former Deputy Chair of Forest and Wood Products Australia, and past President of the Energy Efficiency Council. Tony explains how demand-side management evolved from "not sexy at all" to mainstream conversation over 17 years, shaped by the Council's advocacy for stronger building standards, appliance ratings, and electrification pathways. He reveals the elephant in the room: millions of existing buildings built before performance standards existed, and why Australia still lags European minimum standards despite moving from four to seven-star housing ratings. The conversation shifts to forestry's surprising role in the energy transition—Australia is a net importer of timber despite vast forests, and timber buildings from cross-laminated structures to 45-story towers like Sydney's Atlassian building offer carbon sequestration advantages while improving indoor air quality and occupant wellbeing. (00:00) Introduction and Energy Efficiency Council's demand-side focus (06:00) Council's advocacy role and influence on national policy (16:00) Social license and consumer support for energy efficiency (21:00) The elephant: existing buildings and international standards gap (27:00) Forestry's role and Australia as net timber importer (33:00) Cross-laminated timber renaissance in commercial buildings (38:00) Industry professor role connecting academia with research funding The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with.Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only.Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations. Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media.To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io

Dr. Greg Trainor speaks with Dani Alexander, CEO of UNSW Energy Institute, about Australia's energy research landscape and the alarming decline in R&D investment. Despite UNSW's proud legacy—including inventing the modern solar cell and vanadium redox flow battery—public energy R&D has halved over the past decade while deployment spending tripled. Dani reveals why Australia now invests just 0.03% of GDP in energy innovation compared to 0.06% a decade ago, and warns this threatens our ability to become a renewable energy innovation superpower. The conversation covers UNSW's three strategic pillars: consumer-led transformation, grid decarbonisation, and export opportunities in green commodities. Dani also discusses the Sunspot calculator, transport sector challenges, AI's double-edged impact, and why the global energy workforce shortage has become a key barrier to achieving net zero.(00:00) Introduction and UNSW Energy Institute's role(03:00) Solar legacy: PERC cells and Australia's manufacturing opportunity(20:00) Consumer focus and the Sunspot independent calculator(34:00) Investment crisis: energy R&D halved while deployment tripled(42:00) Three strategic objectives and buying into the transformation The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with.Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only.Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations. Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media.To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io