Wired for Energy

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

In this episode, Greg and Neil chat with Bill Tarlinton, managing director of Zepben, about his journey through the world of electricity distribution, smart software, and energy startups. Bill shares how his early interest in electrical systems led to a career working on SCADA and DMS tech — and how those tools have shaped utilities here in Australia and around the world. They talk through the challenges the energy sector is facing right now, the need for fresh thinking, and how startups are stepping up with new solutions.

(01:29) Bill's Early Memories of Energy

(02:38) Innovations in Energy Distribution

(07:58) Challenges and Opportunities in Energy Transition

(10:24) The Role of Startups and Venture Capital

(13:21) The Future of Energy Systems and Market Structures

(18:18) The Importance of Network Model Data Management

About Bill:

Bill is an electrical engineer with 30 years’ experience in electricity distribution and business
development. He led operational functions and software system implementations in utilities in his
early career and then founded and grew a successful business creating software solutions for
electricity distribution network operators. Bill worked as a product management executive in
General Electric (GE) following the acquisition of his company by GE in 2010. Since leaving GE in
2014, he and his co-founders built Zepben into another successful software and services
company to help support the transition to renewables and distributed energy resources. Bill sits on
the advisory board for the Australian Capital Territory Energy Innovation fund and holds an Honorary
Associate Professor position at the Australian National University in the school of engineering.

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 catch up with Dennis Freedman, CEO of Aquila Capital in Australia and New Zealand, to talk about what’s really happening in the world of renewable energy. They cover the economics behind it, the massive potential in the sector, and why policy and smart market design are so important. Dennis shares stories from his time in the industry, how he got started, and what Aquila Capital is up to — from strategy to on-the-ground projects shaping Australia’s energy future.

(01:08) Guest Introduction: Dennis Freedman

(01:25) Career Advice for the Next Generation

(03:12) Dennis Freeman's Journey into Energy

(06:11) Aquila Capital's Role in Energy Transition

(09:22) Challenges and Opportunities in Renewable Energy

(17:27) Innovation and Success in Energy Projects

(23:49) Government Support for Innovation

(26:42) Challenges in Heavy Engineering

(27:36) Australia's Strength in Intellectual Property

(28:23) Complexity of Energy Markets

(31:51) Importance of Partnerships and Collaborations

(36:28) Role and Impact of the Clean Energy Council

(41:48) Community Energy Systems

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 sit down with Dr. Phil Blythe, CEO and Founder of Climate Tech Assembly, to explore his journey and insights into the evolving energy landscape. The conversation covers key topics such as the integration of digital technology in energy systems, challenges in the transition to renewable energy, and the crucial role of startups in driving innovation. Dr. Blythe also discusses the complexities of market regulations, the slow adoption of new technologies, and the future potential of a digitised, renewable-focused energy market. Tune in for an in-depth look at the obstacles and opportunities in achieving a 100% renewable energy future.

(01:57) Phil's Early Memories of Energy

(02:25) Challenges in the Energy Transition

(03:03) Founding and Vision of GreenSync

(06:09) Slow Adoption of Technology in Utilities

(08:38) Current Environment for Startups

(10:50) Customer Involvement in Energy Solutions

(12:42) Utilities Forced to Adopt Technology

(14:05) Role of Startups in Innovation

(16:21) Government Support and Global Perspective

(21:30) Competing with Global Players

(24:34) Digital Ecosystem and Export Opportunities

(26:58) Distributed Energy Management

(30:45) Market Design and Regulatory Challenges

(35:54) Future of Energy Transition

About Phil Blythe

Phil is an accomplished technologist with a long-standing connection to the energy industry.
He was the founder and CEO of GreenSync, leading the vision and technology build for
digital infrastructure to support 100% renewable grids. More recently, Phil has previously
worked in energy policy with the Energy Security Board (ESB) in Australia.
Today, Phil is a co-founder of the Climate Tech Assembly venture studio, supporting young
climate-oriented technology companies through the early and growth stages by 2030. He is
also co-founder of CAPA Intelligence and deeply involved in AI, cybersecurity, along with
several other Director and Board advisor roles in the CTA portfolio.

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 the first interview of the series, hosts Greg Trainor and Neil Belford talk with Jack Kotlyar, head of Green Transport at EnergyAustralia. They discuss the vital role of electric vehicles (EVs) in decarbonising Australia's transport sector, the anticipated rise in EV adoption, and the associated challenges for grid infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. Jack shares his journey in the energy industry, insights on the future of EVs, and the strategies needed to support this significant transition. Tune in for an in-depth look at how Energy Australia is helping customers electrify and decarbonise!
 

(01:03) Jack's Career Journey

(02:49) Electric Vehicles and Energy: Australia's Role

(05:02) Consumer Adoption of Electric Vehicles

(10:44) Challenges and Opportunities in EV Infrastructure

(15:17) Electrification Beyond Transport

(22:18) Australia's EV Market and Future Outlook

(24:44) Consumer Benefits of Falling EV Prices

(25:32) Cultural Preferences and EV Adoption

(25:57) Advancements in EV Technology

(26:44) Challenges and Opportunities in the EV Market

(28:08) EnergyAustralia's Role in EV Integration

(29:48) Customizing Energy Plans for EVs

(32:10) Battery Storage and Resiliency

(34:58) Future of V2G and Consumer Adoption

(41:52) Government Support and EV Infrastructure

(43:44) Predicting the Tipping Point for EVs in Australia

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 debut episode of the Wired for Energy Podcast, hosts Greg Trainor and Neil Belford introduce the Network Edge team and outline the mission of the podcast. They discuss their backgrounds in utilities and software engineering and preview the diverse range of guests who will be interviewed in the series, including energy entrepreneurs, utility executives, regulators, and futurists. The podcast will explore major themes in the evolving energy landscape, such as renewable energy, grid modernisation, and energy democracy. Tune in to learn about the past, present, and future of energy systems and the innovative solutions driving the industry forward.

(00:24) Meet the Hosts: Greg Trainor and Neil Belford

(00:53) Background on Network Edge

(02:46) The Energy Transition and Digitalisation

(04:22) Podcast Format and Guest Lineup

(05:45) Target Audience for the Podcast

(07:33) Key Topics and Future Discussions

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