Wayne Smith - From Cabinet Rooms to Clean Energy: A Senior Voice in Australia’s Transition S2 E6

Описание: Is Australia leading the world in renewable energy, or falling behind in climate policy?

In this powerful episode of The GREENROOM Podcast, we sit down with Wayne Smith, renewable energy strategist, former political advisor, climate advocate, and long-time leader in Australia’s clean energy transition.

From working alongside Anthony Albanese and Peter Garrett to shaping national conversations around renewable energy targets, battery storage, solar policy, and Australia’s emissions trajectory, Wayne brings rare insight into how energy policy is actually made, and what’s at stake.

This is a deep dive into:

⚡ Australia’s path to 82% renewable energy
🔋 The explosive growth of home battery storage
🏛 Climate change policy inside Parliament House
🌏 COP climate negotiations & the Pacific’s renewable future
🏭 “Future Made in Australia” and solar manufacturing
⛽ Why gas is overstated in Australia’s energy mix
📈 The economics driving rooftop solar & VPP adoption
🤖 AI, grid stability, and the future of energy infrastructure

We unpack the Renewable Energy Target (RET), solar feed-in tariffs, virtual power plants (VPPs), grid reform, battery rebates, and the political realities behind Australia’s transition from coal and gas to clean energy.

Wayne also shares insights from international renewable energy developments, EV manufacturing in China, and what Australia must do to remain competitive in the global clean energy race.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction & Why This Conversation Matters
3:45 Early Career: Law Enforcement, Policy & Public Health
10:20 Port Arthur & The National Firearms Agreement
18:40 From Drug Policy to Environmental Advocacy
24:15 Inside the Australian Conservation Foundation Years
30:30 Working with Albanese & Garrett on Climate Policy
38:50 The Renewable Energy Target: 2% to 20%
46:10 Solar Feed-in Tariffs & Political Battles
54:30 Smart Energy Council & Industry Strategy
1:02:15 Future Made in Australia & Solar Manufacturing
1:10:40 Gas, Grid Reform & Energy Security
1:18:00 Batteries, VPPs & The 82% Renewables Target
1:25:30 COP, Pacific Climate Leadership & What’s Next
1:30:30 Final Reflections: Leadership, Urgency & Opportunity

If you care about:

Renewable energy policy in Australia
Solar power and battery storage
Climate change solutions
Energy security & grid stability
Gas vs renewables debate
Clean tech manufacturing
Electric vehicles & VPPs
COP climate negotiations
Future Made in Australia

…this episode delivers clarity without the spin.

The renewable energy transition isn’t theoretical anymore. It’s happening fast.
The question is whether policy, infrastructure, and leadership can keep up.

🎧 Watch now and join the conversation on Australia’s clean energy future.