MEET THE BOARD OF THE SMART ENERGY COUNCIL The Board of the Smart Energy Council meets to agree the Council’s key strategies to accelerate development in all facets of the renewable energy sector. Board members have diverse backgrounds and a range of complementary disciplines which bodes well for the development of the renewables sector. President Steve Blume says: “Our industry plays a vital role in shaping the low carbon future, yet we continue to face many threats from those that remain locked in a fossil-fuel time warp. The Smart Energy Council chief executive and his team maintain a demanding work schedule and our Board members contribute significantly by helping shape policies and programs which in turn facilitate the growth of a progressive renewables industry.” Now for a closer look at the Who’s Who of the Board of the Smart Energy Council.
STEVE BLUME President Renewables veteran and Smart Energy Council President Steve Blume is well known to many in the industry in Australia and across the
Treasurer, New Zealand & Pacific Solar and Storage Council; and CEO, NoCarbon Pty Ltd. Steve was recently elected as a Vice-Chair of the Global Solar Council. He is committed to
globe. He holds a series of leadership roles with
the voice of the smart energy, energy storage,
national and international not-for-profit peak
green hydrogen and solar industries offering
bodies, including Director, Australian Institute
solutions for a 100 per cent clean energy future
of Energy; Director, Global Solar Council,
for Australia and the world.
GEOFF BRAGG Secretary SEC Secretary Geoff Bragg has long championed complex technical regulations and standards on behalf of the PV installer community. His role as an advisor dates back to 2002 by which time he had already spent a decade pioneering a life living off-grid and powered by rooftop PV. Geoff holds accreditation for both on and off-grid design and installation.
In his role as a consultant designer/installation supervisor for New England Solar Power (NSW) Geoff is currently managing several small commercial PV projects sized 40 to 100kWp and can draw on his professional expertise when presenting short courses in New Zealand on PV basics on behalf of the SEC. Geoff is also NSW Chairman of SEIA and is involved in community project ‘Farming the Sun’.
SAMANTHA (SAM) CRAFT Director It’s just seven years since Sam, Director at NRG Solar, completed her Bachelor of Law and Legal Practice, before being lured to the renewables industry where she has amassed experience in operations
a passionate advocate for renewable energy and has an ability to deliver support in technical areas, strategy planning, network requirements and customer service. She has a particular interest in seeing the industry collaborate to create a better world.
management developing and implementing
Many will have heard Sam’s impassioned
key strategic initiatives to strengthen and
addresses in her role with the Women in
encourage industry professionalism. Sam is
Solar Energy (WISE) group.
SIMON HOLMES À COURT Director Simon Holmes à Court has cemented his place as one of Australia’s leading energy analysts and commentators, proficiently and frequently dispelling myths and misinformation in the coal vs renewables
The Business. Simon draws on his experience as senior advisor to the Climate and Energy College at the Energy Transition Hub at Melbourne University. Earlier on he established Hepburn Wind and also community renewables consultancy Embark
sectors. The public profile of the prolific tweeter
Australia. Along with his counterparts on the Board
continues to grow; his strong views on renewables
he is playing a leading role in Smart Energy Council’s
on show in contributions to The Guardian and Renew
advocacy for the transformation of the Australian
Economy and as seen on ABC TV’s The Drum and
energy sector.
50 AUTUMN 2022
