Dr Greg Trainor and Neil Belford sit down with Charles Cattermole, Principal at Outpost Ventures, for a look into the human side of Australia's energy transition. From his accidental entry into energy through the Australian Navy to roles at Green Sync and Energy Australia, Charles shares hard-won insights about scaling innovation within large utilities and the critical importance of people over technology in driving change.

The conversation explores the challenges of virtual power plants, the complexity of Australia's energy markets, and why trust remains the biggest barrier to customer adoption of interactive energy products. Charles reveals lessons from successfully scaling a pilot from 20,000 to 250,000 customers, discusses the misalignment between startup accelerators and utility needs, and shares his vision for securitising distributed energy resources like traditional power stations.

About Charles:
Charles Cattermole is a technical and commercial advisor with over 13 years of experience in the energy sector. Over this period, Charles' experience has ranged from energy management organisations, utilities such as EnergyAustralia and Ausnet, as well as technology companies like GreenSync, Evergen, and AMP X. Charles is also the former treasurer of the Australian Institute of Energy and focuses on helping organisations commercialise products, projects, and services that focus on the energy transition.

(01:00) Accidental entry into energy via the Australian Navy

(02:00) Early roles in energy auditing and management

(03:00) Green Sync, Energy Australia and scaling innovation

(04:00) Success stories: 20,000 to 250,000 customers

(05:00) Learning from different industry perspectives

(06:00) Energy transition is about people, not technology

(08:00) Digital natives vs traditional leadership challenges

(10:00) Virtual power plants definition and customer trust

(12:00) Community energy models and market design constraints

(14:00) Body corporate and apartment building challenges

(15:00) Risk management frameworks blocking innovation

(17:00) Skills shortage and hiring outside the industry

(19:00) Importance of customer experience for engineers

(20:00) Simple solutions: the IT pager system success story

(22:00) Vendor relationships and trust in small industry

(23:00) Marvel at electricity reliability despite complexity

(25:00) Startup ecosystem and misaligned utility pilots

(27:00) Is Australia's three-tier market system outdated?

(29:00) Financial risk management for new market entrants

(31:00) Vision for securitising distributed energy portfolios

(33:00) Career advice: purpose-driven vs career-driven approaches

The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with.

Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only.
Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations.

Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media.

To find more information about the energy transition visit -  www.networkedge.io

On this week's episode, we have Ryan Wavish, GM of Innovation at Engie Australia, to explore how one of the world's largest energy companies is navigating Australia's unique energy transition challenges. From his early days at boutique consultancy Marshman Hill working with ARENA's A-Lab initiative to leading Engie's ambitious 500MW virtual power plant vision by 2030, Ryan shares insights into building customer trust, managing distributed energy resources, and creating the "business model of the future" for energy retailers.

(01:00) Working at global energy company Engie

(03:00) Getting into renewables after Copenhagen

(04:00) Marshman Hill and ARENA's A-Lab initiative

(07:00) GM Innovation role and future business models

(09:00) Customer flexibility and asset control

(11:00) Building trust with energy customers

(12:00) Global collaboration across Engie businesses

(15:00) Technology platforms and business systems

(18:00) Engie's value and sustainability philosophy

(21:00) ARENA VPP trial growth to 50MW

(24:00) Customer lessons and price sensitivity

(26:00) Are Australia's energy markets too complex?

(28:00) Role of community energy models

(29:00) Simplifying energy through mobile apps

(31:00) Career advice for energy newcomers

The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with.

Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only.
Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations.

Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media.

To find more information about the energy transition visit -  www.networkedge.io

Join Dr Greg Trainor as he sits down with Network Edge founders Ben Meek and Neil Belford to announce the launch of the Wired for Energy Open Source Community Platform. This special episode explores how Network Edge is applying lessons learned from building energy transition businesses in the US market to create collaborative digital solutions for Australia's energy transformation.

The conversation covers the development of Network Edge's U30 framework - a comprehensive strategy for utility digitalisation that reimagines how electricity networks operate in a world of distributed energy resources. Ben and Neil discuss their vision for open source collaboration in the energy sector, drawing inspiration from successful US industry forums and the need for better coordination between utilities, regulators, community groups, and technology providers.

Key topics include the emergence of Distribution System Operators (DSOs), the challenge of managing two-way energy flows from 4 million Australian solar installations, and how local government can play a bigger role in the energy transition. The episode also reveals plans for a distributed energy management forum and explains how the podcast serves as an anchor for bringing together diverse voices across the energy ecosystem.

(04:00) Background on Network Edge and US energy market experience

(07:00) Digitisation challenges and 4 million Australian solar installations

(09:00) Network Edge advisory work with electric operators and regulation

(11:00) US energy market collaboration models and industry forums

(14:00) Launch of Wired for Energy Open Source Community Platform

(16:00) Open source approach inspired by tech giants and collaboration

(17:00) Podcast as central anchor for knowledge sharing ecosystem

(20:00) U30 framework: digitalising utilities and operational technology

(22:00) Making U30 framework available as open source resource

(24:00) Local government propensity modelling project with Macquarie University

(25:00) Distributed energy management forum participants and value

(27:00) Distribution System Operators vs current network companies

(30:00) Platform governance, membership and international scope

(32:00) Community energy templates and global best practices

The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with.

Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only.
Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations.

Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media.

To find more information about the energy transition visit -  www.networkedge.io

Join hosts Dr Greg Trainor and Neil Belford as they sit down with Luc van Duinen, VPP Lead at Dame Technologies, for a comprehensive exploration of virtual power plants from a global perspective. From his early days at Engie in the Netherlands working with potato farmers and their "Ferrari" batteries to building VPP platforms across multiple Australian energy companies, Luc shares valuable insights into the evolution of distributed energy management.

The conversation covers the stark differences between European and Australian energy markets, the challenges of customer education versus business engagement, and why controllable load represents massive untapped potential.

About Luc:
As a mechanical engineer specialised in sustainable energy technologies, Luc van Duinen has led the development of multiple Virtual Power Plant (VPP) products for both commercial & industrial (C&I) and residential sectors. Luc has managed the end-to-end development of one of the first VPPs to successfully provide fast ancillary services in Europe, and is passionate about pioneering innovative VPP business models.

(01:00) Early career at Engie Netherlands and startup incubation
(03:00) World Cup halftime and coal power station analogy
(05:00) Differences between European and Australian energy markets
(07:00) Regulatory approaches: Europe vs Australia
(08:00) Working across multiple Australian VPP projects
(10:00) Business vs residential VPP value proposition
(12:00) Platform building and asset type diversification
(14:00) Customer control and the virtual red button
(15:00) VPP impact on market development and renewables
(16:00) Grid frequency control and FCAS pricing trends
(17:00) EV integration and behavioural charging patterns
(18:00) Current role at Dame Technologies and platform development
(19:00) AI applications in price forecasting and customer advice
(21:00) Trading models and upcoming regulatory changes
(22:00) Technology vs change management balance
(25:00) Talent and skills development for VPP operations
(26:00) Success stories: potato farmers and Ferrari batteries
(28:00) Market complexity and compliance challenges
(30:00) Untapped flexibility potential and low-hanging fruit
(31:00) Career advice: taking ownership and pushing boundaries

The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with.

Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only.
Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations.

Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media.

To find more information about the energy transition visit -  www.networkedge.io

Join hosts Dr. Greg Trainor and Neil Belford as they chat with Andy McCarthy, founder and former CEO of Gippsland Solar, for an inspiring conversation about building Australia's renewable energy future from the heart of coal country. Andy shares his remarkable journey from a troubled teen with ADHD to becoming a solar industry pioneer, establishing his company in the Latrobe Valley surrounded by coal-fired power stations and eventually selling to RACV Solar.

(02:00) Early life struggles and discovering solar through battery work
(05:00) Moving to Latrobe Valley and starting Gippsland Solar
(07:00) Typical customers and hiding solar panels from neighbours
(09:00) Hazelwood closure and community attitude changes
(11:00) Building bridges and changing approaches to coal communities
(14:00) Industry challenges: race to the bottom vs long-term value
(17:00) Battery rebates and sustainable industry development
(20:00) Community energy models and behind-the-meter solutions
(22:00) Commercial solar uptake and hospital case study
(25:00) Electric vehicle adoption and early charging infrastructure
(29:00) Australia's world-leading solar success factors
(32:00) Manufacturing opportunities lost and energy security
(35:00) RACV acquisition and Gen-tailer business models
(37:00) Advice for renewable energy entrepreneurs
(39:00) Customer engagement and listening to needs
(41:00) Next chapter: CEP Energy and embedded networks

The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with.

Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only.
Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations.

Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media.

To find more information about the energy transition visit -  www.networkedge.io

Dr. Greg Trainor and Neil Belford sit down with Kevin Hart, CEO of the New Zealand Wind Energy Association, to explore the evolving landscape of wind power in Aotearoa. Kevin shares his remarkable journey from international judo competitor to renewable energy leader, before diving into the challenges and opportunities facing the sector—from global supply chain constraints and complex regulation to the huge potential of offshore wind. The conversation unpacks the critical role of firming, energy storage, and community involvement in building a secure, reliable future for New Zealand’s energy grid. It's a timely discussion for anyone interested in the transition to clean energy, leadership in action, and what it really takes to scale renewables.

(01:35) Kevin Hart’s journey from international judo to energy leadership

(03:46) Inside the New Zealand Wind Energy Association

(06:33) Wind energy today: challenges, capacity goals, and grid impact

(15:31) Global supply chain pressures and regulatory complexity

(17:46) What’s next: the future of wind energy in New Zealand

(20:48) Community buy-in and the promise of offshore wind

(34:12) The firming gap: batteries, storage and the role of tech

(38:20) Kevin’s outlook: optimism and opportunity on the horizon

The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with.

Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only.
Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations.

Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media.

To find more information about the energy transition visit -  www.networkedge.io

In this episode of the Wired for Energy podcast, hosts Dr. Greg Trainor and Neil Belford sit down with Bruce Thompson, Managing Director of Thompillai. They chat about how renewable energy is being rolled out across Australia, the tricky bits of our energy systems, and Bruce’s early work with community energy projects. From the ups and downs of renewables to the future of smart grids, Bruce shares stories from his long career and gives us a look at where energy policy might be headed.

(01:47) Bruce Thompson's Early Career and Interests

(02:31) The Evolution of Renewable Energy

(05:28) Community Energy Initiatives

(15:04) Green Sync and Virtual Power Plants

(20:46) Current Energy Challenges and Solutions

(22:45) Scaling Up Solar Systems

(23:07) Challenges in Standardising Smart Technology

(23:39) Telecommunications vs. Energy Rollout

(24:16) Diverse Equipment and Installation Complexities

(24:55) Current Orchestration and Future Potential

(26:11) Implementing Common Smart Inverter Protocol

(29:03) Dynamic Operating Envelopes and Market Formation

(33:18) Policy Coordination and Technical Work Streams

(40:23) Future-Proofing Solar and Embracing Electrification

(42:21) Concluding Thoughts and Future Prospects

About Bruce

Bruce has spent over 20 years in scaling small scale renewable energy technologies working at the intersection  of technology, commercial, social, policy to build practical and scalable responses to climate change.

Bruce spent 12 years with the Moreland Energy Foundation Ltd, establishing and leading initiatives including the EcoSmart Electricians training program, Moreland Solar City, ZeroNet Energy Town and the Positive Charge social enterprise to engage community, industry and government in effective and efficient models to transform our energy sector.

He was awarded the Brian Robinson Foundation Fellowship in 2007 for young environmental leadership and travelled to Europe to research community based decentralised energy and low-income energy efficiency programs

Bruce joined GreenSync in 2016 to support the company's strategic development with executive responsibility for commercial, operations, partnerships and industry engagement. He was instrumental in establishing the deX technology to enable customer energy resources (CER) to better connect to the grid, providing value and avoiding risks. Bruce stepped down as the CEO in 2023 following the successful transition of the company to its new ownership structure. 

Bruce currently provides strategic advisory service to clients across government, corporate and the not-for-profit sector. He was invited to join ARENA’s Advisory Panel in 2023 and was appointed to the Federal Government’s Consumer Energy Taskforce in early 2024. Bruce also contributes to a number of NGOs and is currently a Board Director for Environment Victoria.

The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with.

Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only.
Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations.

Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media.

To find more information about the energy transition visit -  www.networkedge.io

In this episode, hosts Dr. Greg Trainor and Neil Belford sit down with Tim Washington, CEO and founder of Jet Charge, to chat about how the company started and its key role in driving the energy transition. Tim talks about how Jet Charge came to life, co-founded with his wife Ellen, all thanks to a passion for tech, cars, and making a positive impact. They explore what the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) means for Australia’s energy grid and why consumers play such a big part in this shift. The conversation also digs into the challenges and innovations in EV charging, the rapid growth in battery storage, and the future of cool tech like bi-directional and wireless charging. Tim shares insights into the complexities of building EV charging networks, the changing market, and why collaboration across the industry is essential for giving consumers the best experience.

(01:16) Meet Tim Washington: CEO of Jet Charge

(02:27) The Inception of Jet Charge

(04:06) The Role of EVs in Energy Transition

(08:27) Bidirectional Charging and Consumer Impact

(12:30) Challenges and Opportunities in EV Charging Networks

(17:03) Electrification of Transport: Beyond Passenger Vehicles

(21:20) Challenges in Fleet Charging Infrastructure

(21:57) Battery Performance and Technological Advances

(22:41) Revolutionising EV Charging with BYD's Breakthrough

(23:51) The Future of Charging Networks and Grid Impact

(25:27) Battery Swapping vs. Fast Charging

(26:32) Innovations in EV Charging Technology

(27:52) Curbside Charging and Business Models

(29:41) The Economics of Public Charging Stations

(33:28) Impact of Elon Musk on EV Market

(34:52) The Need for Roaming Across Charging Networks

(38:45) Government Support and Industry Growth

(40:25) Inspiration and Future of EV Charging

About Tim

Tim Washington is the co-founder of JET Charge, Australia's largest EV charging infrastructure and technology provider.  Founded in 2012, JET Charge has helped tens of thousands of customers transition to low-emission mobility.  JET Charge was also one of the co-founders of Chargefox, Australia's largest EV charging network.  Chargefox was sold to Australian Motoring Services in 2022 as the first major M&A transaction in the EV charging space in Australia.  

From an industry perspective, JET Charge was one of the founding members of the Electric Vehicle Council, Australia's peak body for EVs.  Tim served as the founding Chair of the association, a position he held for 5 years.

The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with.

Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only.
Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations.

Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media.

To find more information about the energy transition visit -  www.networkedge.io

In this episode of Wired For Energy, Greg Trainor and Neil Belford sit down with Mark Vincent, Chief Operating Officer at South Australian Power Networks. From facing down potential statewide blackouts to pioneering world-first programs like Flexible Exports, Mark takes us inside the bold thinking, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and technical innovation that's reshaping South Australia's energy landscape. Hear how SA Power Networks tackled voltage challenges, built a virtual power plant from scratch, and helped lead the global conversation on distributed energy. If you're curious about how to turn crisis into innovation—and how a utility can become a tech leader—this is a must-listen.

(02:45) How innovation started at SA Power Networks (with help from the regulator)
(04:00) The rise of residential solar and the need for Flexible Exports
(06:30) Collaboration with AEMO, OEMs, and regulators to prevent another state blackout
(09:00) Convincing the board and stakeholders innovation was essential
(10:15) Building one of the world’s first automation systems with ADMS
(14:00) How voltage control helped avoid state blackouts
(6:30) Raising voltage across the network—simple idea, powerful results
(8:00) South Australia's leadership in renewables and its impact on the grid
(21:00) When rooftop solar became a serious network issue
(23:00) Virtual Power Plants and the lesson of unexpected load spikes
(25:30) Why dynamic operating envelopes are essential for the grid’s future
(28:30) The importance of guardrails, not control, in distributed energy
(30:00) Why South Australia led the world in integrating renewables
(32:00) Attracting and retaining talent through purpose and impact
(34:00) How customer engagement reshaped SA Power Networks
(36:00) Why trials should always be designed with scale in mind
(37:00) A missed opportunity: the future subdivision that never happened
(39:00) Mark’s career advice: chase opportunities, get broad, and talk to people

Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media.

To find more information about the energy transition, visit -  www.networkedge.io

The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with.

Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only.
Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations.

Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media.

To find more information about the energy transition visit -  www.networkedge.io

In this episode, Greg and Neil chat with Dave King, founder of Move 37, about how AI is shaking things up across industries — especially in energy. They talk about how AI can help consumers use energy more efficiently, improve customer experiences, and streamline how businesses operate. Dave shares the story behind Move 37 and how a legendary Go match between AlphaGo and Lee Sedol sparked the idea. They also get into the big challenges around adopting AI, like messy data and the changing nature of work.

Move 37 is an AI product studio for ambitious companies. We build bespoke AI and help businesses uncover and leverage the most valuable AI use cases across increased efficiency, productivity and growth.

(01:22) The Story Behind Move 37

(04:56) AI's Role in Consumer Efficiency

(07:09) AI Agents and Autonomous Actions

(11:25) AI in Customer Engagement

(17:27) AI in Energy Forecasting and Load Management

(23:10) Memory Retention Techniques

(23:26) The Power of Interactive Simulations

(23:55) Business Problems and Actionable Insights

(24:31) AI in Retail and Staffing

(26:31) Organisational Knowledge and AI

(28:46) Challenges in AI Adoption

(31:04) AI's Impact on Work and Skills

(33:58) Practical Advice for AI Engagement

(39:11) Concerns About AI and Critical Thinking

The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with.

Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only.
Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations.

Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media.

To find more information about the energy transition visit -  www.networkedge.io