Speakers

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Gas phase out: impossible or inevitable?

Dani Alexander is the CEO of the UNSW Energy Institute. She is a passionate advocate for reshaping our energy system to be clean, affordable, reliable and equitable. Her background is multi-disciplinary, reflecting the nature of her work bridging the gap between new technology and transitioning markets, which she has applied in government, universities and industrial co-operative research centres.

Dani is focused on three major opportunities: delivering a future grid that can integrate close to 100% renewables, securing Australia’s global position as a renewable energy powerhouse and supporting a consumer-led energy transformation. Her recent research explores mechanisms to mainstream energy innovation across the value chain, accelerating the technology and commercial maturity of new technologies.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Politics, policy, and practicality: when being right isn't enough

John Anderson is a sixth-generation farmer and grazier from New South Wales, who spent 19 years from 1989 in the Australian Parliament. He served as a senior Cabinet minister in the reformist government led by John Howard (1996 to 2005). This included six years as Leader of the National Party and Deputy Prime Minister.

He has recently been published on topics such as civic freedoms, global food security, modern slavery and the economy. He currently farms on the family property whilst also being active in his podcast series and website johnanderson.net.au, various directorships, public speaking and in the not-for-profit sector.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What are cross sector solutions to the gas shortage crisis?

Stephanie Bahir is an experienced Board-level executive with over 18 years commercial experience in complex and matrix environments. She has cemented her career in the energy sector, holding leadership roles in technical, commercial, strategic, policy, regulatory and advisory roles. She has developed expertise in energy market policy and regulation, energy technologies, consumer service innovation, and network and grid modernisation.

She is the Founder and Principal of Nexa Advisory, helping businesses navigate complex problems in the energy market transition through a customer-centric lens, currently supporting a number of emerging businesses as they navigate and influence the complex and evolving energy market.

Previously, as Senior Director Public Policy at AGL, she demonstrated expertise in energy market policy and strategy, emerging energy technologies, service innovation, customer- centric design and market reforms. She provided the vision for, and led the development of policy strategy at AGL, and drove the ‘customer-led energy market transformation’ agenda, including the policy strategy behind the Virtual Power Plant orchestration model for capturing shared value for the customer using energy storage technologies.

She has a strong values base and passion for improving consumer outcomes and an energy industry where people are at the centre of every solution we build, guides my approach to the challenges and the outcomes.

Visit www.nexaadvisory.com.au for a full list of services and further information.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Complacency or catastrophe? Has the ongoing gas crisis blinded us to how close we are to disaster?

Pat is the General Manager Gas Marketing for Chevron Australia based in Peth, Western Australia. He is responsible for Domestic Gas Marketing, LNG Scheduling and support of Chevron’s global Gas Supply and Trading business.

Pat joined Chevron in 2007 as part of the Gorgon Project and has undertaken a number of commercial and analytical roles in Perth. This includes experience in the LNG commercial and origination space through roles in both the Northwest Shelf project and Chevron Singapore.

Pat has over 25 years in the upstream oil and gas industry including global engineering, operational and business development roles in Australia, Europe and South East Asia. He graduated from the University of NSW, with an honours degree in Petroleum Engineering and has undertaken post graduate studies in Finance.

Session: Ensuring supply to the east coast domestic market from 2025

David Berman is the Commercial Director for ExxonMobil Australia and Esso Australia with responsibility for marketing, analytics, strategy and commercial operations. He has over 20 years of international experience with ExxonMobil in exploration, development, production, research and business development.

David holds degrees in Science (Hons) and Commerce from the University of Melbourne, is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a Trustee of the Committee for Economic Development of Australia.

Session: Overcoming the hurdles that currently make renewable gas inherently unprofitable to establish and grow a thriving biogas/hydrogen economy

Session: INVESTORS PANEL: What are the renewable gas projects with most potential to return a profit?

Alex Butterworth-Boord is the Head of Commercial, Strategy & Operations at Ark Energy, where he has been driving key strategic initiatives since March 2024. He oversees areas such as debt financing, power purchase agreements (PPA) negotiations, mergers and acquisitions, procurement, and financial modeling, with a focus on renewable energy solutions like wind, solar, storage, and hydrogen.

Before his current role, Alex served as Senior Commercial Manager at Ark Energy, where he led significant projects in renewable energy finance and operations. His prior experience includes roles as a Policy Officer at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Associate Director at KPMG, where he advised clients on financial modeling, capital raising, and renewable energy strategies.

Alex began his career at Origin Energy, gaining valuable experience in budgeting, forecasting, and commercial analysis. He holds a Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Commerce from Griffith University, specializing in Human Resource Management, Marketing, and Finance.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Ensuring the future of renewable gas is approached with healthy scepticism

John Chaumont is the founder of Streamline Hydraulic Management, a company offering specialized services in hydraulic documentation and design. John’s business provides AutoCAD and Revit drafting for sewer service diagrams, as-built drawings, and various plumbing documentation, helping clients navigate complex regulatory processes.

In addition to running his business, John has been a full-time Plumbing Teacher at Gymea TAFE since 2020, where he shares his extensive industry knowledge with the next generation of plumbing professionals. His hands-on experience includes previous roles as a Hydraulic Services Engineer and Water Feature Technician at Waterforms International, and at firms like Inline Hydraulic Services and Warren Smith & Partners.

John holds a Diploma of Hydraulic Services Design and a Certificate IV in Plumbing from TAFE NSW, reflecting his deep technical expertise and commitment to the industry.

John has recently published articles on renewable gases in Quadrant and the Journal of Master Plumbers NSW.

Session: AEMO’s view of gas’s role in maintaining Australia's energy security through demand volatility

Session: INVESTORS PANEL: What are the renewable gas projects with most potential to return a profit?

Matthew Clemow is the Group Manager of Gas Market and System Operations at the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), where he is responsible for gas supply adequacy in the East Coast Gas System, Victorian gas transmission operations, and the operation of AEMO’s.

Prior to joining AEMO 11 years ago, Matthew was responsible for the commercial management and business development for the Iona gas storage facility.

He has also worked for Accenture in Singapore and Qenos in Altona.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Gas phase out: impossible or inevitable?

David is an experienced research geoscientist and energy industry executive who has studied and worked across the UK, North America, and Australia. He holds a D.Phil. in Marine Geophysics from the University of Oxford, where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar, and a B.Sc. (Hons 1st Class) from the University of Tasmania. David has extensive technical, commercial, and operational experience, and has led stakeholder engagement, land access, management and environmental approvals on a variety of projects. David has extensive expertise in the international and domestic oil and gas industry and has a deep interest in the broader energy industry, and energy and environmental policies.

David's arrival at UQ coincides with a pivotal phase in the energy transition. The Centre plays a vital role in undertaking leading-edge, independent and rigorous research to inform the natural gas and broader energy industry as it responds to the various national and international social, technical, economic and environmental challenges of decarbonisation through the energy transition, as well as informing new energy projects and technologies.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Complacency or catastrophe? Has the ongoing gas crisis blinded us to how close we are to disaster?

Nerise is an experienced Commercial professional who has worked across the energy, construction, telecommunications and health sectors. She thrives in dynamic environments and is skilled at translating complex technical information into effective business and commercial solutions which deliver customer-focused outcomes. 

Following the successful construction of the $800m Northern Gas Pipeline, where Nerise headed up the Commercial Team, she transitioned to the her current role as Commercial Manager for a $1.5b portfolio of gas transmission and processing assets across Queensland and the Northern Territory. 

Nerise uses her passion to motivate teams to find better ways and her innate curiosity compelled her to complete post-graduate qualifications in Business and Law.

Session: GAS USERS PANEL: How are large gas users responding to the pressures of increased price and reduced supply?

Session: Implementing green hydrogen to decarbonising heavy industry (heavy haulage, shipping and industry)

Jai is the Senior Energy Sourcing Manager for Yara Pilbara in Western Australia with responsibility for assets including Yara Pilbara Fertilisers, which accounts for 5% of the world's tradeable ammonia. He oversees a portfolio including a 33PJ/annum gas book, green hydrogen, carbon credit trading, CCUS, water and electricity . 

Jai has a broad background in the energy and maritime sectors including eight years at Shell in the domestic gas trading and origination business in Perth, LNG Marketing and Trading businesses in Dubai and sailing as a navigator on the company's North West Shelf LNG fleet.

Previously, Jai served for six years as a Maritime Warfare Officer in the Royal Australian Navy and Royal New Zealand Navy, holding several leadership and operational planning roles globally.

Session: Masterclass A: Detailed gas market analysis: Price trends, electrification, supply demand balance, decarbonisation and LNG imports

Matt has over 25 years’ experience within the electricity generation sector. His experience includes both the NEM and the WA, NT and North Queensland remote energy sector.

Matt’s has a deep understanding of the economics of power generation and fuel supply and has a strong commercial focus. This has been demonstrated through his ability to provide off-takers with innovative power supply solutions taking advantage of emerging technologies particularly renewables and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Gas phase out: impossible or inevitable?

Steve Davies is the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA), a position he has held since 2017. With over 20 years of experience in policy development, stakeholder engagement, and leadership, Steve plays a pivotal role in advocating for Australia's energy infrastructure sector. His leadership focuses on delivering practical, evidence-based solutions to complex policy challenges, particularly in the context of Australia’s energy transition.

Steve's career at APGA spans more than 16 years, during which he has also served as National Policy Manager and Policy Advisor. Prior to joining APGA, he was Assistant Director of Resources and Energy at the Australian Government, where he helped shape national policy in the energy sector. He has also held leadership roles with the Australasian Railway Association, contributing to key projects in infrastructure development.

Steve is deeply committed to sourcing insights directly from industry professionals to drive informed, effective policy outcomes for Australia's evolving energy landscape.

Session: Bringing more gas online before the real crisis hits the east coast

Stuart is a highly regarded energy leader with more than two decades of experience across electricity, gas, renewables, transmission, marine operations and safety. Most recently, Stuart held leadership roles at APA Group across asset operations, asset management and engineering.

Session: GAS USERS PANEL: How are large gas users responding to the pressures of increased price and reduced supply?

Royce De Sousa (BE Hons / LLB) is currently Director, Eastern Energy Buyers Group (EEBG) – a buying group comprised of a range of corporate Commercial, Industrial and Agricultural energy users which leverages group expertise and consolidated group energy load to achieve lower procured price of Natural Gas and Electricity across entire gas and electricity supply chains. Eastern Energy Buyers is also a Market Participant in various East Coast Natural Gas Markets.

Royce is also Director, poweRD Consulting – a small consultancy aimed at identifying and delivering opportunities in energy for corporates with a particular focus on Commercial and Industrials energy users.

Prior to poweRD Consulting and EEBG, Royce was General Manager – Energy & Sustainability for Visy Industries Australia – Australia’s largest packaging and recycling company. Royce’s two decade-long focus on Energy at Visy included procurement and supply of energy to Visy’s facilities, Visy’s gas-fired  and renewable energy generation, as well as driving Visy’s carbon strategy and energy efficiency programmes.

Royce was a Discretionary Member of the Australian Energy Markets Commission (AEMC) Reliability Panel which focuses on improving the security and reliability of Australia’s energy supply and infrastructure. Royce represented all Large User interests on the Panel between 2015 and 2018.

Prior to working in energy, Royce was a process, project and maintenance engineer in Visy’s Paper Mills.

Royce also worked with the following firms prior to joining Visy:
• ABB in its former Steam Turbine Division, Baden, Switzerland;
• Solicitors’ firm Freehills;
• Macquarie Bank’s Project and Structured Finance Division

Session: GAS USERS PANEL: How are large gas users responding to the pressures of increased price and reduced supply?

Phaedra Deckart is the CEO of the Solstice Energy Group, including Tas Gas Networks, and is leading its successful transformation into a diversified energy business. She has previously served as a senior executive at AGL and Santos.

With more than 25 years’ experience in domestic and global markets, Phaedra is one of Australia’s strongest advocates for the role gas continues to play in the energy transition to diversified and renewable energy in Australia. She began her career in law, before moving into the business side of the energy industry.

At AGL, Phaedra managed the sourcing and origination of gas, power and coal deals while navigating the transition to firmed renewables. She played a lead role in the company’s LNG import project. During her years at Santos, she held commercial, corporate, gas and LNG marketing positions.

Solstice Energy is an electricity retailer and the gas network distributor and largest gas retailer in Tasmania. It is also pursuing new projects, such as bio-fuels and renewable gases, as part of the state’s future energy mix, further cementing it as a diversified energy company.

Session: INTERNATIONAL ADDRESS: Implications of the EU’s Net Zero Industry Act for carbon management in Australia

Dr. Alice E. A. Evatt is a Research Fellow on Net Zero for the Fossil Fuel Sector at Oxford Net Zero and the Environmental Change Institute at the University of Oxford. She is also the Net Zero Fellow at Kellogg College, Oxford. Alice is an expert on climate policy and climate ethics. Working alongside Professor Myles Allen (Geophysics), Alice specialises in carbon management policy solutions, with a particular focus on scaling geological carbon storage. Alice led Oxford’s latest Work Package on EU carbon management and CDR technologies in the EU Horizon 2020 NEGEM project on Quantifying and Deploying Responsible Negative Emissions, and is now conducting work on Australian carbon management policy. Alice is also engaged in assessing the credibility of net zero strategies within the Fossil Fuel Sector and is an Expert Advisory Group Member to the Science Based Targets Initiative Oil and Gas Standard Development Project.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Politics, policy, and practicality: when being right isn't enough

Joel brings over 25 years of experience as a former federal Member of Parliament for the New South Wales seat of Hunter. Throughout his extensive career in politics, Joel served in Cabinet and held the ministerial portfolios of Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Minister for Defence, and Chief Government Whip.

He also held several shadow portfolios throughout his time in Opposition, including Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Shadow Minister for Resources, Shadow Minister for Rural and Regional Australia, Shadow Minister for Small Business and Tourism, and Shadow Assistant Treasurer.

Joel has served on a number of parliamentary committees, covering diverse issues including regional affairs; agriculture and resources; economics and finance; employment and workplace relations; foreign affairs, defence and trade; and public administration.

Prior to his time in federal parliament, Joel was a local Councillor and Deputy Mayor of the Cessnock City Council, and a small business owner.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Complacency or catastrophe? Has the ongoing gas crisis blinded us to how close we are to disaster?

Sean Fleming is the General Manager of Energy Solutions at APA Group, where he leads business development for the pipelines business across Australia’s East Coast. With over two decades of experience in the energy and infrastructure sectors, Sean has a strong track record in originating, negotiating, and delivering complex commercial deals. His expertise spans project management, risk pricing, joint venture management, and contract negotiation, including GSAs, GTAs, JV arrangements and development agreements.

Since joining APA in 2015, Sean has held several senior roles across Business Development and Commercial functions. His leadership style focuses on building and maintaining successful, multi-disciplinary teams to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects from concept to commissioning.

Before APA, Sean held roles at Origin Energy, SunWater, and WSP Australia, where he managed high-profile joint ventures and infrastructure projects. A current board member of Energy Club NT, Sean continues to shape Australia’s energy transition through innovative and strategic infrastructure solutions.

Session: INVESTORS PANEL: What are the renewable gas projects with most potential to return a profit?

Jan has been with SMBC for over 5 years and heads up the New Energy & Resources structured finance business in Sydney, covering Australasia.  Jan has over 18 years’ experience in energy, natural resources and infrastructure lending and financial advisory across APAC, EMEA, Africa and the Americas and has closed over 70 transactions in these sectors. Prior to joining SMBC, Jan worked at Commonwealth Bank of Australia, where his roles included a stint in London as Head of Oil & Gas (EMEA), and significant periods spent in the Project Advisory and Infrastructure Finance teams in Australia. Jan holds a double degree: Bachelor of Commerce (Corporate Finance) and Bachelor of Economics, from the University of Adelaide.

Session: Opening remarks from the chair

Until 2023, Professor Andrew (Alf) Garnett led UQ’s Centre for Natural Gas, a large multi-disciplinary research programs contributing to future energy transitions through natural gas and through carbon abatement.

He is a former Shell and Schlumberger executive and has deep industry experience, having worked widely on oil and gas developments across the globe for the past 30 years, most notably, those with high greenhouse gas emission footprints.

Alf’s research focusses on the energy trilemma (energy security, energy affordability, environmental sustainability). Alf is also charged with leading research into the potential development of large-scale carbon capture and storage in Queensland.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Complacency or catastrophe? Has the ongoing gas crisis blinded us to how close we are to disaster?

Patrick is a former diplomat, policy advisor and business consultant with specialist expertise in climate change, energy, resources, environmental, investment and public policy issues. He understands the connections between these real-world commercial issues and politics.

For almost 20 years he has been at the forefront of Australian climate policy development, advising both sides of politics as a senior member of staff in Federal and State ministerial offices, working for major international energy and resource firms, and the financial sector.

He helped establish key parts of Australia’s current climate policy framework including the Emissions Reduction Fund and Safeguards mechanism. Patrick commenced his career in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and represented Australia in the Middle East and at international climate change negotiations. He has a MBA in Energy Finance from the University of Texas at Austin, a MA International Relations and Bachelor of Economics (Hons) from Monash University.

Session: Investigating the role of green fuels in firming within the electricity sector

Session: INVESTORS PANEL: What are the renewable gas projects with most potential to return a profit?

Dr Joel Gilmore is the General Manager Regulation & Energy Policy at Iberdrola Australia, with over fifteen years’ experience in market design, market modelling, and the technical and economic integration of renewable energy and green fuels into the grid. Joel also supports the integrated development of large-scale renewables, transmission, green hydrogen, and new loads. He previously led Iberdrola’s long-term market modelling team, developing business cases for both renewable and firming assets and has previously worked in roles across consulting, government, and AEMO. Joel is also an Associate Professor at Griffith University Business School focusing on the energy economics of renewables and renewable fuels, and an award winning science communicator.

Session: Masterclass A: Detailed gas market analysis: Price trends, electrification, supply demand balance, decarbonisation and LNG imports

Rohan Harris is an economist who has worked in the energy, water and consulting industries for more than 20 years. Rohan has significant experience in the areas of: tariff design; regulatory strategy and analysis; cost benefit analysis; energy and water policy; and electricity, gas and water demand forecasting. Rohan’s focus has predominately been on either the theoretical, economic, aspects related to these topic areas, or on the quantitative assessments (modelling) required to support the decisions or outputs related to these topic areas.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How are international conditions impacting Australian domestic gas?

Stephen Harty is Chief Executive Officer at GLNG since 2019 and has responsibility for the overall management, safety and operation of the GLNG project. With over 25 years of energy experience, Stephen has worked in a variety of operations, project development and marketing roles. 

Stephen has a keen interest in the Australian east coast gas market, and has been heavily involved in the development of the ADGSM, Code of Conduct, and each of the HOA’s negotiated since 2017. 

Stephen is also a non-executive director of CS Energy Limited, a Queensland owned energy company that generates and sells electricity, an energy retailer to commercial and industrial businesses, and is an investor in new energy assets including gas power generation, renewable hydrogen, solar and wind farms, and battery storage. 
    
Stephen holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) from the University of Ballarat Australia, a Master of Business Administration from Deakin University Australia, and is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Session: FIRESIDE CHAT: The state of the domestic gas sector and the need for further investment

Mark Hatfield is the managing director of Chevron Australia and head of the Australasia business unit located in Perth, Western Australia. Mark is responsible for Chevron's upstream interests and activities in Australia. This includes leading the development and operations of the Gorgon and Wheatstone natural gas projects; participating interests in the North West Shelf Venture; oil production operation on Barrow Island; and exploration and appraisal activities offshore Australia. Mark joined Chevron in 1982 as a production engineer in New Orleans after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma. In 1992, he earned a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of New Orleans.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How are international conditions impacting Australian domestic gas?

James Hood is a Senior Energy Analyst at Regal Funds Management, where he has spent over five years analyzing and evaluating energy market trends, investment opportunities, and portfolio strategies. Based in Sydney, James brings a wealth of expertise in natural resources, having previously worked as an Associate Director at Rothschild & Co, specializing in oil, gas, mining, and metals investment banking.

Before joining Rothschild, James served as a Corporate Development Advisor at Beach Energy, where he focused on strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, and long-term corporate defense strategies. His early career includes a role as Business Analyst for Iluka Resources, where he was responsible for strategy development, M&A transactions, and financial modeling for major corporate growth initiatives.

James earned his Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Adelaide. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What are the most viable pathways to decarbonise for the gas sector and gas users?

Session: INVESTORS PANEL: What are the renewable gas projects with most potential to return a profit?

Jarrod Irving is the General Manager of Renewable Gas and Fuels at LMS Energy and Helmont Energy, where he leads strategic initiatives in biomethane and biofuels to support decarbonisation in hard-to-abate sectors. With over 13 years of energy industry experience, Jarrod specialises in developing and delivering complex renewable gas projects, particularly in renewable gas development.

Jarrod has been instrumental in developing biogas-to-biomethane facilities across Australia and contributed to pioneering hydrogen infrastructure in NSW and QLD. He serves as Chair of the Renewable Gas Alliance at Bioenergy Australia and is an active member of GreenPower's Renewable Gas Certification steering committee, where he champions industry partnerships and advances policy frameworks.

A recognised leader in renewable energy, Jarrod is dedicated to driving Australia's energy transition through practical, innovative solutions that support the pathway to net-zero emissions.

Session: Defining the policy goals and regulatory support which will encourage development of renewable gas

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Ensuring the future of renewable gas is approached with healthy scepticism

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What are cross sector solutions to the gas shortage crisis?

Suzie is the General Manager of Renewable Gas at Jemena, where she is responsible for leading and delivering Jemena’s Renewable Gas Strategy. This includes supporting and facilitating the growth of a renewable gas market to enable the delivery of decarbonised gaseous fuels to consumers.

Suzie has spent the last 25 years working across the energy sector, with in depth experience in strategy, sustainability and renewables. She holds a double degree in Commerce (Finance) and Science (Mathematics) from the University of Melbourne.

Suzie is an experienced strategic planning specialist and operational manager, highly regarded for her passionate and collaborative approach to driving effective and impactful change.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Politics, policy, and practicality: when being right isn't enough

Session: Bringing on more WA domestic gas supply to meet rising demand

Bill Johnston is the Labor Party member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly from 2008, representing Cannington.  He is not recontesting the election in March 2025.

He was Western Australia's Minister for Mines and Petroleum from 2017, and Minister for Energy from 2018, until 2023.

Session: FIRESIDE CHAT: The state of the domestic gas sector and the need for further investment

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Politics, policy, and practicality: when being right isn't enough

Saul is Head of Energy Research, MST Financial. Prior to joining MST in 2024, Saul was Head of Energy and Resources Research at Credit Suisse for over 5 years, covering the energy, bulk miners and green metals sectors. He frequently presents at leading industry conferences in the region, is the top ranked energy analyst in Australia according to industry surveys, and is a regular gas and energy commentator in print and broadcast media. Saul has previously worked in the energy sector in commercial, research and government policy roles. He has worked in commercial and strategy roles at Woodside Energy, Australia’s largest oil and gas company, and was the principal analyst in Australasia for Wood Mackenzie, the world’s leading energy consultancy. He has also worked at M.H. Carnegie & Co, one of Australia’s largest Venture Capital funds, and has worked in economic development policy roles for the United Nations and African Union Commission. Saul is a member of the industry advisory board for the University of Western Australia Oceans Graduate School and a co-founder of Refugees Welcome Australia. Saul holds degrees in Law (Honours) and Chemical Engineering (Honours) from the University of Melbourne.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What are the most viable pathways to decarbonise for the gas sector and gas users?

Owen is a Director with ACIL Allen specialising in the energy sector. He leads projects in evaluating and analysis of Australia’s electricity, natural gas and renewable energy markets.

With ACIL Allen and its predecessors, Owen has consulted extensively on energy industry matters and across a broad range of assignments including:
• market demand, supply and price forecasting studies in the context of independent market due diligence to support energy projects from feasibility through to financing
• financial modelling for project evaluation
• climate change policy evaluation and Australian greenhouse gas emission projections
• projections for renewable energy deployment and environmental certificate markets
• independent expert roles for project planning approvals and contract arbitration
• assisting with input into corporate strategic planning and reviews
• economic impact studies.

Owen has been principally responsible for the design, development and maintenance of a number of ACIL Allen’s energy market models, such as PowerMark and PowerMark LT (detailed simulation and long-term planning electricity market models), GasMark (ACIL Allen’s regional model of the interconnected Australian gas market) and RECMark (detailed supply and demand model of the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target).

Owen holds a Bachelor of Business (Economics and Finance) from Queensland University of Technology and a Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance and Investment from the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA).

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Politics, policy, and practicality: when being right isn't enough

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What are cross sector solutions to the gas shortage crisis?

Ying has more than 15 years of experience working in the energy sector in onshore gas, LNG and hydrogen.

She began her career as a Graduate Mechanical Engineer with Santos. She progressed through several roles over the following decade including Production Engineer, and Operations Engineer where she implemented solutions to design and operability issues identified during the commissioning and start-up of the GLNG Project upstream wells and facilities.

Ying also worked in the Corporate Strategy and Planning team, providing oil, LNG and domestic gas market analysis, supporting the development of Santos’ 10-year strategic plan. Her last four years with Santos were as the Project and Strategy Lead for the Energy Solutions division. Ying developed, implemented, and maintained the Energy Solutions strategy and led a portfolio of emissions reduction, renewable integration and hydrogen projects.

Most recently she worked as the Senior Adviser, Hydrogen Development for the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group where she led the development of Australia’s largest renewable hydrogen production and blending project in Albury-Wodonga, Victoria.

Ying has a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with First Class Honours; Bachelor of Science (Mathematics, Computer Science) with First Class Honours; Graduate Certificate in Energy and Resources Policy and Practice and an MBA. She was awarded the Sir John Monash Scholarship for Excellence at Monash University and the Exceptional Young Women in Resources from the South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What are the most viable pathways to decarbonise for the gas sector and gas users?

Jordan is a career gas industry professional, experienced in the commercial, operational and innovation management and optimisation of technically complex energy value chains. Jordan seeks to now utilise this experience to drive policy change which enables the Australian transition towards a net zero emission future.

Previous roles include Business Development Manager – Energy for the CSIRO; Commercial Advisor for Jemena; and over 8 years with Origin Energy.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How are international conditions impacting Australian domestic gas?

Session: Examining the effectiveness of the Future Gas Strategy, one year on

Samantha McCulloch is the Chief Executive of the Australian Energy Producers.

An internationally recognised carbon capture, utilisation and storage expert, Ms McCulloch has a highly informed view of the critical role the oil and gas industry continues to play in meeting global energy and climate goals.

Before joining Australian Energy Producers, she spent 7 years at the Paris-based International Energy Agency, including as head of the CCUS Unit.

Ms McCulloch has more than 20 years of policy, industry and technical expertise from previous roles within government, industry associations and the private sector in Australia and internationally.

She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Wollongong, as well as a Master of Public Policy from the Australian National University.

Session: Policy perspectives

Susan is the Shadow Minister for Resources and Shadow Minister for Northern Australia, roles in which she will be able to help grow our country’s most productive regions and industries for the benefit of all Australians.

Susan was elected to the Senate in May 2019 as a member of the Liberal National Party and sits in the Federal Nationals party room.

Susan also held roles in the previous Coalition Government as Special Envoy for Northern Australia and Chair of the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Gas phase out: impossible or inevitable?

With over 25 years of international experience in developing and delivering vital infrastructure and energy projects (worth over $14bn), Stephanie McGregor is passionate about fostering positive change and benefit for communities and the environment. She oversees the strategic direction and execution of complex and innovative energy projects, leveraging her expertise in sustainability, regulatory reform, and project financing.

Stephanie has led teams and businesses and has been involved in over 3500km of clean energy and renewables transmission infrastructure across the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and the EU. She co-designed and led the implementation of the UK Offshore Wind Transmission Competition Regime, a world-first award-winning model that enables competitive and efficient financing and delivery of offshore renewables to the grid. Stephanie has also held executive leadership roles in energy regulation, systems and technology, and co-founded Flexicar, a pioneering sharing economy disruptor in Australia. She is a strong advocate for market change, new infrastructure, and policy implementation that supports the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Session: GAS USERS PANEL: How are large gas users responding to the pressures of increased price and reduced supply?

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What are the most viable pathways to decarbonise for the gas sector and gas users?

Matt McKenzie is a highly experienced commercial and strategic leader, currently heading BlueScope's Australian energy and carbon portfolio. With over 16 years of tenure at BlueScope, Matt leads a team responsible for sourcing and managing a diverse range of resources, including electricity, gas, industrial gases, and water. His role focuses on optimizing energy utilization and ensuring the sustainability of operations.

Prior to his current position, Matt served as Manager of Energy Sourcing & Utilization, where he played a critical role in driving BlueScope’s energy strategy over a span of three years. He also spearheaded the company’s global legal transformation as the Global Legal Transformation Lead, responsible for advancing system optimization and technology integration.

Matt's career extends beyond BlueScope, with previous roles in legal and compliance across several industries. His strong legal foundation stems from his work as an in-house lawyer, with notable positions at Ruralco Holdings Limited and AEGON Direct Marketing Services Asia Pacific. With a deep understanding of renewable energy and industrial utilities, Matt continues to lead with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and operational efficiency in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

Session: GAS USERS PANEL: How are large gas users responding to the pressures of increased price and reduced supply?

Brian joined Macquarie Group in 2019 and is currently a Division Director in Macquarie Assets Management’s Green Investment Group based in Melbourne. Brian has over 30 years’ experience within the Energy sector and has extensive energy market origination and energy trading experience, including renewable Power Purchase Agreements (PPA).

Brian has a deep understanding of energy financial markets and has worked with large energy users on financial and physical grid connected and behind the meter energy management solutions.

Prior to joining Macquarie, Brian worked at Schneider Electric for 7 years where he led the Energy and Sustainability Services business in Australia, a diverse and profitable team of 75 staff focused on improving the sustainability and energy productivity of commercial and industrial sector clients.

Brian was a founder and Director of Creative Energy Solutions from 2003 – 2010, the first specialist energy advisor to be awarded an Australian Financial Services License.

Brian currently a Board Member and Chairman for the Energy Users Association of Australia.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Gas phase out: impossible or inevitable?

Kevin Morrison is an Energy Finance Analyst, Australian Gas. Kevin works closely with the global oil and gas team to examine issues facing the Australian LNG and gas sector.

Prior to joining IEEFA, Kevin worked for more than 30 years as a financial journalist for Reuters, Sydney Morning Herald, the Financial Times (FT) and Argus Media. Around 20 years was spent, covering the energy and resources sector both in Australia and the UK.

Kevin wrote a book about the global resources sector after working at the FT, called "Living in a Material World," which was published in 2008. The book examined the energy sector and how this was impacting the demand for food and metals too, and heading to a future of carbon constraints.

In 2018, Kevin graduated with a masters by research with the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) that focused on resource taxation in Australia.

Kevin plays soccer (football) in a community league during the winter. Ocean swims (when lots of people are around) and plays social tennis.

Session: GAS USERS PANEL: How are large gas users responding to the pressures of increased price and reduced supply?

Session: Securing and developing WA gas supply

Mr Nicholls joined Strike as its Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director in early 2017. Mr Nicholls has led the transformation of Strike from its exploration roots into one of Australia’s first integrated developers of gas, renewable energy and fertilisers. Mr Nicholls has a broad ranging background across the energy landscape that included time in the up and downstreams at Royal Dutch Shell across most disciplines primarily from within Royal Dutch Shell’s gas businesses. He has a key focus on the transition of our energy system and his commitment to lead Strike to be carbon neutral by 2030. Mr Nicholls previous experience also includes six years with the Australian Army in senior leadership positions and he has worked in Australia, The Netherlands, Myanmar and Malaysia in corporate and operational capacities and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from UWA.

Session: Implementing the Future Gas Strategy to turn sentiment into meaningful action

Jane joined Cooper Energy Ltd in March 2023 as Managing Director and CEO.

Jane has worked and studied in Australia and the UK and brings 30 years of industry experience in the energy markets. She began her career with Shell International Exploration & Production as a Process Engineer in operations and then as a Commercial Advisor in The Hague, Aberdeen and London. Subsequently, in London, Jane held corporate finance and equity capital markets roles with Cazenove & Co (now JP Morgan Cazenove) and Goldman Sachs.

Jane returned to Australia to join Santos where she held senior commercial, corporate strategy and Executive Committee roles. She led major strategic initiatives at Santos and played a key role in Santos’ growth strategy, in particular the merger with Oil Search.

During her time at Santos Jane helped drive the transformation of company performance - helping to establish the growth strategy focused on cash generation and shareholder returns and, more recently, the company’s energy transition strategy.

Jane holds a Bachelor of Science (Pure Mathematics and Chemistry) and Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Hons) from the University of Sydney and a Graduate Diploma in Management and Economics of Natural Gas (Distinction) from the University of Oxford. Jane is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Session: Masterclass A: Detailed gas market analysis: Price trends, electrification, supply demand balance, decarbonisation and LNG imports

Angus offers a wealth of technical expertise balanced with commercial experience drawing on 25 years focusing on the gas and power sectors in the resources and energy industry. His expertise spans across engineering to business development disciplines.

Angus’ work at Oakley Greenwood has encompassed electricity wholesale market modelling as part of policy development for Infrastructure NSW and due diligence as part of IFM and QIC’s bid for NSW Government’s Transgrid sale process. He has also conducted technical and commercial due diligence advising Clayton Utz on contract negotiations for a central thermal plant offtake and Macquarie Bank on potential investment into a CNG project in the Pilbara region. He has been engaged by mining companies, such as South32 and Rio Tinto, on remote power solutions and strategies covering conceptual studies to final Power Purchase Agreement formulation and negotiations. He has a practical and technical understanding of integration of renewable solutions and the challenges these present for integration into remote and grid based systems.

Session: GAS USERS PANEL: How are large gas users responding to the pressures of increased price and reduced supply?

Andrew has over 30 years of energy industry and infrastructure development experience having held a variety of senior management roles in the areas of sales and marketing, public and stakeholder relations, media and communications, strategic planning, policy development, stakeholder engagement and political advocacy.

For the last 6 years Andrew has been Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Users Association of Australia (EUAA).  The EUAA is the peak national body representing Australian commercial and industrial electricity and gas users.   EUAA membership covers a broad cross-section of the Australian economy including significant retail, manufacturing, mining, materials and food processing industries. 

Under his leadership the EUAA has positioned itself as a highly respected thought leader and advisor to energy industry players, regulators and governments and is recognised by these stakeholders as a strong advocate for energy users. 

Andrew continues to play a key role in a range of energy market reform processes being undertaken by AEMO, AEMC and the ESB where he has recently joined the Post 2025 Market Design Advisory Group.  Andrew is also involved in the Federal Government Energy Industry Roundtable, ACCC Infrastructure Consultative Committee and a number of State Government key stakeholder roundtables. 
Andrew is a strong advocate for cross industry collaboration and is involved with numerous energy industry customer councils and advisory groups.  Andrew has also been central to the formation of The Energy Charter, an industry led collaboration designed to improve energy user outcomes.  Andrew is a member of the Independent Accountability Panel that reports annually on industry progress towards this objective.

Session: Opening remarks from the Chair

Clyde analyses a cross-section of commodities produced and consumed in Asia with a view to identifying market trends and anomalies. He specialises in crude oil, natural gas, coal, iron ore and copper, but also writes on gold and increasingly on the intersection between climate change and energy policies.

Session: Beyond energy self-sufficiency with biogas: increasing the efficiency of Yarra Valley Water’s waste to energy plants

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Ensuring the future of renewable gas is approached with healthy scepticism

Stephanie Salinas is an experienced Environmental Scientist with a focus on safety, sustainability, and operational excellence. As the Manager of Waste to Energy Services at Yarra Valley Water, she oversees the ReWaste facility, which generates green energy from organic waste. With extensive experience in environmental risk management, project development, and operational leadership, Stephanie has held key roles at organizations like the Country Fire Authority and SUEZ, managing high-impact projects in waste management and sustainability.

She also serves as an Advisory Board Member for the MOSS Foundation, contributing to clean water initiatives in underserved communities. Stephanie is dedicated to delivering sustainable and economic business outcomes across her roles.

Session: INTERNATIONAL ADDRESS: Balancing decarbonisation and the need for gas in a modern industrialised country

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How are international conditions impacting Australian domestic gas?

Since joining Mitsubishi Research Institute Dr. Shida (EngD) has been involved in consulting work and policy formulation assistance in the energy field. From 2014 to 2016 he worked at a trading house in the US providing backup for the development of petroleum, natural gas, and renewables businesses. He is currently involved in research on energy for MRI and formulates proposals for energy policymakers. He is currently involved in discussions on the NDC as a temporary member of the Industrial Structure Council in Japan.

Session: Opening remarks from the Chair

Vikram Singh leads renewable gas development at the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) – driving the transition of the gas sector towards a zero carbon future. Having delivered the largest renewable hydrogen production facility in Australia, he has been instrumental in developing a pipeline of renewable hydrogen and biomethane projects to blend at least 10% renewable gas into AGIG’s distribution networks by 2030.

Prior to AGIG, Vikram was a partner at Deloitte Australia and specialised in the energy and utilities sector advising leading energy companies and government agencies on strategy and investments, energy policy and decarbonisation. He has also held senior management positions at Singapore Power and Powercor Australia.

Vikram has a bachelors degree in Physics and an MBA. Vikram is on the board of the Australian Hydrogen Council and a member of the Victorian Hydrogen Hub’s Advisory Council.

Session: Dissecting the Gas Statement of Opportunities (GSOO), NEM Electricity Statement of Opportunities (ESOO) and Integrated System Plan (ISP) relative to natural gas demand and supply, and the role for renewable gases

Session: Masterclass A: Detailed gas market analysis: Price trends, electrification, supply demand balance, decarbonisation and LNG imports

Jim is the Executive Director of expert consulting firm Oakley Greenwood and is an Adjunct Professor with the UQ Energy Initiative.

Jim is a Chemical Engineer and has spent over 35 years in the energy sector working in all facets of the industry and has not only built assets in gas and electricity but is also recognised as a regulatory economics and market design expert, and regularly delivers public talks and workshops on industry issues.

He has also held senior executive positions with Energy Developments Ltd running their Development and Construction Group, was CEO of Hunter Electricity, CEO of Consulting for Energetics Pty Ltd and was a founding Vice President in Australia of the Boston based consulting firm Charles River Associates which evolved to become Oakley Greenwood in Australia.

Session: Will natural gas save winter? The role of gas in Australia’s energy security

Joshua Stabler has extensive experience in supply-side market operations for the electricity and gas sectors, and as an advisor and system developer in the Australian energy industry.

Joshua is the architect of the Gas Market Analysis Tool (GMAT), which is utilised by gas producers, LNG participants, gas generators, end users, financial intermediaries and banks. Joshua is also the author of The Edge – Gas Market Update report.

Session: Investing in the domestic market to unlock more gas supply to support a real future made in Australia

Darren has been with Senex Energy for more than twelve years building the company from a small Cooper Basin oil business to a material east coast natural gas producer committed to delivering essential energy for life.

Darren has nearly 30 years of experience in Queensland’s natural gas industry delivering major capital expansion projects and was responsible for commissioning some of the very first connections between Surat Basin gas fields and the South East Queensland market.

Darren is recognised for his proactive leadership in landholder and community engagement. His dedication to regional support, creating youth employment opportunities, and fostering win-win solutions has led to lasting connections and partnerships.

He is passionate about the role that reliable energy plays in supporting our modern lifestyle, including the essential role of natural gas to support the energy transition.

Session: Evaluating whether the ‘Future Made in Australia’ plan can position Australia as a renewable gas ‘superpower’

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Ensuring the future of renewable gas is approached with healthy scepticism

Dr Dennis Van Puyvelde is Energy Networks Australia’s Head of Renewable Gas. In this role he manages work programs and strategic projects for the Gas Committee and it’s related technical, marketing and carbon policy reference groups. He leads the development and implementation of advocacy strategies for gas distribution businesses.

Dennis led the development of Gas Vision 2050 – an industry-wide future vision for the gas industry. This vision describes a pathway for gas involving the adoption of hydrogen, biogas and carbon capture and storage. He has also secured support from Australia’s gas networks businesses for the Future Fuels CRC.

Dennis has over 20 years’ experience in the energy sector, with particular emphasis on low emission technologies, including gasification, biogas, carbon capture and storage and hydrogen.

Dennis has a PhD and Honours degree in Chemical Engineering and a Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Leadership.

Session: Ensuring Australia has reliable and affordable gas today and for the future

Cecile became Country Chair and Senior Vice President Integrated Gas Australia in May 2023. She brings 25 years of international experience in LNG, oil and gas project development and operations and mergers and acquisitions. Previously Cecile was CEO of Arrow Energy, Shell’s joint venture with PetroChina, since 2020. She has also held senior commercial leadership roles at Shell and BG Group prior to its acquisition, including VP Commercial & New Business Development for Shell Australia and Growth Director with BG Group.

Before joining Shell and BG Group, Cecile was a corporate partner at the leading international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills in London for nine years. Her corporate energy practice focused on complex cross-border oil, gas and LNG project development, high-value mergers and acquisition transactions in the energy and mining sectors and long-term sales arrangements for oil, gas and LNG. Cecile has a Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Law from The University of Queensland.

Session: Investigating the role of infrastructure in delivering gas at a reasonable price

Adam Watson was appointed Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director in December 2022. He joined APA Group in November 2020 as Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

In his role as CFO, Adam was responsible for APA’s technology, finance, taxation, treasury and capital markets, risk, cyber and physical security, procurement, real estate and shared services activities.

Adam has deep local and international experience in the industrial and manufacturing sectors and in the development, delivery and operations of critical infrastructure. He previously held senior executive roles at Transurban, Australia’s largest infrastructure business, along with Melbourne Airport and BlueScope Steel. Adam has deep experience in public private partnerships and his senior leadership roles have spanned finance, commercial, strategy, corporate development and operations.

Adam is a Director of Energy Networks Australia.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How are international conditions impacting Australian domestic gas?

Session: Woodside presentation

Liz was appointed Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Australia in August 2024, leading Woodside's projects and business operations for Australia, focusing on optimising value across the portfolio and throughout an asset's lifecycle.
Liz joined Woodside in 2023 as Executive Vice President Australian Operations, responsible for the safe, efficient and reliable operation of Woodside's portfolio of assets across Australia.

Prior to joining Woodside, Liz most recently held the role of Chief Operating Officer at EnergyAustralia, where she had broad leadership responsibilities across sustainability, HSSE, procurement and the operations of EnergyAustralia's generation portfolio.

Liz had a 25-year career at ExxonMobil working in Australia, the United Kingdom and Italy, including a secondment in 2013 to Adriatic LNG as Managing Director. Her roles spanned strategic planning, operations, project management, and safety, technical and commercial leadership.

Session: Weighing the significance of the Narrabri gas project for the east coast

Rick Wilkinson is the CEO of EnergyQuest, which he joined 8 years ago. He has more than 37 years of experience in the oil and gas industry.

He held various roles with Santos over 13 years, including Vice-President Commercial, and President GLNG and Queensland where he oversaw the initiation, and definition for final investment of the CSG to LNG project.

Rick was appointed a Gas Fields Commissioner by the Queensland Government, a position he held for 7 years.

He has held managerial and engineering positions with SLB in Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Sudan and the USA.

Rick is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Queensland – Gas and Energy Transition Research Centre.

Session: Masterclass A: Detailed gas market analysis: Price trends, electrification, supply demand balance, decarbonisation and LNG imports

Bill has worked for or consulted to a range of large international energy and resource sector majors as well as Australian energy sector participants including start-ups. A qualified Engineer with MBA Bill brings the capability to engage collaboratively with all project functions and insure an integrated approach to project development and execution.

Bill is recognised for his detailed and robust approach, insightful analysis and ability to close difficult transactions.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Complacency or catastrophe? Has the ongoing gas crisis blinded us to how close we are to disaster?

Innes Willox is Chief Executive of the Australian Industry Group, a leading industry organisation representing businesses in a broad range of sectors including manufacturing, construction, transport, defence, ICT and labour hire.  Innes was appointed Chief Executive in May 2012.

His current appointments include:

• Deputy Chair of Australian Super
• Director of the Innovative Manufacturing Co-operative Research Centre
• Board Member of the Australian American Leadership Dialogue
• Chair of the Migration Council of Australia
• Chair of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Skilled Migration
• President of the Global Business Coalition
• Convenor of the Industry 4.0 Advanced Manufacturing Forum

Innes served as the Australian Consul General to Los Angeles from 2006 to 2008, where he represented wide-ranging Australian interests on the west coast of the United States, including in the areas of trade, finance, culture, bio-technology, environment and energy sectors.

He was Chief of Staff to the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer, from 2004 to 2006.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Complacency or catastrophe? Has the ongoing gas crisis blinded us to how close we are to disaster?

Mark Wiseman joined Macquarie Equities in 2020, from Goldman Sachs where he was an executive director and looked after the energy and utilities sectors in Australia and New Zealand for a decade, followed by three years covering Asian upstream and integrated energy names from Hong Kong.

Prior to Goldman, Wiseman was at oil giant ExxonMobil as a financial analyst for three years. He also had a stint at Grant Thornton.

Session: Responding to the opportunities of the transition

Mr Woods is a leading senior executive in the energy sector with over 25 years of professional experience. He has an outstanding record of delivering major energy projects, cost and operational discipline and growing businesses in the UK, Africa, Australasia and North America.

Mr Woods began his career with Woodside Energy in the graduate program and held senior technical roles in Australia and Africa. In 2007, Mr Woods became Managing Director and CEO of African start-up Rialto Energy. He was responsible for growing Rialto’s business through acquiring new exploration licences in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire,  raising capital and commencing two large drilling campaigns in the highly prospective Transform Margin.

In 2013, Mr Woods joined Santos and quickly moved into the executive leadership team assuming leadership of the Western Australia and Northern Territory Operating Division. Mr Woods led the successful transformation of the Cooper Basin and Gladstone LNG assets and played key roles in the successful acquisitions by Santos of Quadrant Energy, ConocoPhillips’ Northern Australian business and Oil Search.

More recently Mr Woods assumed control of the Santos operated infrastructure (LNG, domestic gas, oil fractionation facilities and pipelines) and developed decarbonisation, clean fuels and CCS opportunities through leading the Santos Energy Solutions business.

He was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer in January 2024.