98: 'Green steel is existential for Australia' with Dr. Saul Griffith
On this episode of First Fuel we bring you a chat between Luke and Dr. Saul Griffith, co-founder of Rewiring America and Rewiring Australia, recorded last week in Perth at the Australian Institute of Energy's Energy in WA Conference.In it, Saul shares some personal reflections on the huge challenge the Trump Administration is posing for the climate action in the US. He then explains why, despite these headwinds, the economics of electrification are inexorable, and sets out the huge opportunity Australia has to harness our renewable resources to help decarbonise global supply chains and become a clean industrial powerhouse.Are you a business leading the charge on efficiency, electrification and energy flexibility? Back in our work by becoming a member today!
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97: Energy governance and paint sticks with Rob Murray-Leach
On this episode of First Fuel Luke is joined by the Energy Efficiency Council's founding CEO and long-time Head of Policy, Rob Murray-Leach.Now an independent consultant, Rob was commissioned by the EEC and RACE for 2030 to produce a green paper on energy governance reform in the National Electricity Market. In a conversation coinciding with the green paper's launch for consultation, Luke and Rob discuss how Australia ended up with our current energy governance system, why it needs a revamp to meet the challenges of the energy transition, and some of the broad directions for reform set out in the green paper. A white paper with firm recommendations will be released later this year.
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96: 'A COP is a many-splendored thing' with Chris Bowen
On this episode of First Fuel, Luke is joined by Australia's Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Chris Bowen.Recorded live at the EEC National Conference 2025, they discuss what hosting a global climate change conference in Adelaide in 2026 would mean for Australia, why efficiency and electrification will be a big priority in the Albanese Government's second term, and the role of the Commonwealth in providing the information households need to make decisions about investing in new gas appliances, or going electric.
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95: Australia's energy report card with Brendan French
On this episode of First Fuel we're joined by Energy Consumers Australia CEO Brendan French to discuss ECA's 2024 Consumer Energy Report Card.
Brendan and Luke talk about how Australians are feeling about energy in 2024, why social license is just as big an issue in the suburbs as it is in the regions, and the actions we need to take to ensure every household benefits from the transition.
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94: Doubling down with Josh Wilson
On this special episode of First Fuel we catch up with Australia's Assistant Minster for Climate and Energy Josh Wilson on the ground at COP29 in Azerbaijan.
Luke and Josh discuss the impact of Donald Trump's election on global climate talks, how we're tracking on the big global energy efficiency target set at COP28, and how global factors will impact Australia's emissions reduction ambition as we look towards 2035.
Hosted by Energy Efficiency Council CEO Luke Menzel, First Fuel brings you the latest perspectives on energy efficiency, energy management and demand response from Australia and around the world.
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