BOOM Peloton
Electrifying SMEs Pt. 1
Electrifying SMEs – Session 1
Access the insider’s summary of the topics discussed!
One of the key challenges working across local governments and reaching net zero by 2035 is working out where to start.
Our commitment to net zero municipality wide by 2035 provides an opportunity to build a narrative now to demonstrate what we have done, what we are doing, and what we hope to do – achieving the 89 actions of the climate change response plan needs business. Working with business from a local government perspective is my challenge – here’s what Greater Geelong are trying to do.
Pete Mercouriou
Senior Sustainability Officer, City of Greater Geelong
Pete Mercouriou cut his cloth as a Senior Energy Efficiency Consultant in the United States working across the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Since returning, Pete spent 5 years with the Yarra Energy Foundation where he led the Metro Community Power Hub and numerous solar and other programs for Councils across Victoria.
Recently, he has joined the City of Greater Geelong implementing the Climate Change Response Plan and net zero municipality-wide by 2035 while squirreling away at a PhD on a just electric vehicle transition and getting www.planetbirth.com.au onto peoples’ radar!
The size of the decarbonisation challenge and what we need to do at scale.
Role of innovation in electrification and decarbonisation of SMEs.
Jenniy Gregory
Program Leader, RACE for Homes
Jon has been a leader in energy and carbon management for over 40 years.
He is CEO of the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), RACE for 2030 (reliable, affordable, clean energy). Previously he founded and led A2EP and before that Energetics.
RACE for 2030 is accelerating innovation for the energy and carbon transition, focusing on energy end users and value chains. RACE will invest $300M of resources through to 2030.
He is a Chemical Engineer with a Masters in Energy Technology.
He was selected as one of the ‘100 Most Influential Engineers in Australia’ and is a Fellow of the Academy of Technological Science and Engineering.
He received the Millenium Medal for his contributions to the field.
He was awarded Energy Efficiency Champion by the EEC.
Navigating the energy transition: Challenges, advisory strategies, and the crucial role of electrification in decarbonising.
The energy transition presents significant challenges for the business community, requiring organisations to adapt and embrace sustainable practices.
Anthony Cooper
Former Executive Manager Energy, Business NSW
Anthony Cooper is a highly accomplished and results-driven senior executive who is naturally inquisitive and a complex problem solver.
Anthony began his career working in the retail and the not-for-profit sector and then spent time in the United Kingdom working in publishing and banking.
Returning to Australia, Anthony commenced a 10-year career at AGL, initially as a Product and Channel Manager. He was also the Marketing Manager for AGL’s national dealer network of appliance retailers, gas appliance repair, and electrical home services. After this, he moved into Small Business energy sales, Industrial and Commercial energy sales, and energy network connections.
An opportunity to help build the South Pacific Safety and Welding business saw Anthony take a Senior Management position at BOC (member of the Linde Group) a global industrial gases and engineering business.
Anthony then moved to start up energy retailer, Australian Power & Gas (APG). While there he was responsible for product development, innovation, and new business opportunities. APG was BRW’s fastest-growing start-up two years running and was acquired by AGL.
Anthony recognised the significant opportunity in energy productivity and joined Ecovantage, a residential and commercial energy efficiency business, as General Manager of Commercial Services.
In recent years he ran the Australian Business Energy Advice Program for Business NSW, with funding from the Federal Government. He also led the development of the ESG strategy for Business NSW and developed the net zero carbon emissions pathway.
Anthony holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of Technology, Sydney.