Insights from Downstream ‘23
We’re reflecting on our experience attending Downstream 23, thanks to Ara Ake.
It was an absolute blast being part of the cohort of innovators. A big shoutout to our industry peers Emrod, Empower Energy, GRIDSIGHT and Powerhouse Wind Ltd’s PowerCrateTM - we loved sharing the space with you!
Here are our key highlights from the two-day event:
We enjoyed the panel on ‘Rethinking Energy Security’. It examined how new methods and technology can help us keep an affordable, secure, clean electricity system. There was a lot of encouragement for the sector to start with the customer and work outward, not just traditional industry-centric solutions and working inward. Challenging stuff, but talking our language!
James Kilty CEO of Powerco, gave a rousing challenge at the conference dinner focused on getting more diversity into the sector, in all its forms - we know the answers and have done so for some time, so why aren't we getting it done?
In a panel afterwards, Lucie Drummond GM of Sustainability at Mercury NZ stated that, apart from very isolated examples, she couldn't see much of a pathway for her to CEO level in the sector as a woman. A definite mic drop moment! And one that needs addressing.
Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko CEO, Sarah Gillies, gave a promising presentation, Regulating into the Future: working together to achieve change and what the sector can expect from her leadership. Will we see more experimenting, not just consulting, on our way to future market rules? We’re hopeful…
Ara Ake's CEO, Cristiano Marantes, argued that collaboration is essential if we’re to create an environment where more low-carbon, equitable, innovative energy solutions are more efficiently realised in Aotearoa. Yep, none of us have all the answers ourselves, but collaboration is complex and it needs effective support.
A massive thank you to all the awesome folks who stopped by for a chat - we’re excited about some of the opportunities unearthed and discussed. These conversations, whether big or small are crucial in helping the energy sector move forward and evolve. We hope we were able to share a thing or two with you about our passion for a better, fairer, cleaner and more local energy future for Aotearoa. See you next year!