The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has welcomed a number of key appointments to it’s Board.
Justin Punch, who joined ARENA’s board in 2020, has been re-appointed as Chair for his third term and Elizabeth O’Leary has commenced her second term.
Having served as Chair of ARENA’s Board for two previous terms, Punch has been instrumental in the development of key funding programs including Hydrogen Headstart and Community Batteries Round 1.
Ruby Heard and Dr Dean Travers are joining the ARENA board for the first time.
Heard is a descendent of the Jaru people of the Kimberley and is an electrical engineer and founding director of Alinga Energy Consulting.
Heard provides energy research services with a focus on affordable and sustainable off-grid systems to improve the livelihoods for Indigenous communities and brings considerable experience in the building services and energy space.
Travers has more than 25 years of experience in the energy sector across global markets in mergers and acquisitions, deal structuring, project development and operations and maintenance.
He has worked across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia to develop conventional and renewable energy projects for global energy firms.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller welcomed Ruby Heard and Dean Travers to the Board.
“ARENA is committed to ensuring First Nations People are at the forefront of the energy transition and Ms Heard’s work as Director of Alinga Energy Consulting and on the Steering Committee of the First Nations Clean Energy Network will provide an invaluable perspective for our work,” said Miller.
“Dr Travers brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in working on renewable energy projects around the world that will not only help with ARENA funded projects, but also open up global collaboration opportunities.”