ARENA reveals latest board appointments

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency announced the latest appointments to its Board, as revealed by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen.

Justin Punch has been re-appointed as Chair for his third term, continuing his leadership role that began in 2020.

The agency said that under Punch’s guidance, ARENA has seen growth and has been pivotal in the development of crucial funding programs, including Hydrogen Headstart and Community Batteries Round 1.

Elizabeth O’Leary also commences her second term on the Board. Joining the Board for the first time are Ruby Heard and Dr Dean Travers.

Heard, a descendant of the Jaru people of the Kimberley, is an electrical engineer and the founding director of Alinga Energy Consulting.

Her firm specialises in affordable and sustainable off-grid energy solutions aimed at improving the livelihoods of Indigenous communities.

Her extensive experience in building services and energy will bring valuable insights to ARENA.

Dr Travers brings over 25 years of global experience in the energy sector, with expertise in mergers and acquisitions, project development, and operations and maintenance.

His work spans Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia, focusing on conventional and renewable energy projects for major global energy firms.

ARENA CEO Darren Miller expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments, highlighting how Heard’s involvement with the First Nations Clean Energy Network and Dr Travers’s international experience will significantly benefit ARENA’s mission to drive the clean energy transition.

“The ARENA board is gaining some incredible talent in Ms. Heard and Dr. Travers,” Miller said.

He continued, “ARENA is committed to ensuring First Nations People are at the forefront of the energy transition, and Ms Heard’s expertise will provide invaluable perspectives. Dr Travers’s extensive background in renewable energy will help expand ARENA’s global collaboration opportunities.”

The ARENA Board, a skills-based decision-making body, is responsible for the Agency’s overall operations, including recommending the annual funding strategy, setting investment priorities, overseeing the organisation’s management, and approving project funding.

ARENA also extends its gratitude to outgoing board members Anna Matysek and John Hirjee, who have each served two terms.

“I’d like to thank Anna and John for their time and contributions to ARENA. Their expertise has been instrumental in shaping our path forward, and I wish them all the best in their future endeavours,” Miller added.