The energy trilemma: focus on Australia
Australia’s energy transition is not just an environmental imperative - it’s a strategic business opportunity.
While renewables are rapidly gaining ground and rooftop solar adoption leads the world, Australia still depends on fossil fuels for over 90% of total energy use and remains a major exporter of coal and gas. With aging coal plants closing and an ambitious target of 82% renewable electricity by 2030, the pace of change is accelerating - but infrastructure delays and grid constraints pose risks. For businesses, continued progress toward net zero is critical to avoid escalating climate-related disruptions, protect trade competitiveness and attract global investment.
At the heart of this global transition, the ‘energy trilemma’ is a framework for policymakers to balance three critical and often conflicting goals: sustainability, security of supply, and affordability. The trilemma highlights that achieving progress in one area can have trade-offs in the others, with no single solution that fully satisfies all three objectives at once.
We are excited to have engaged with key industry representatives in Australia’s energy transition to better understand the countries current position in the energy trilemma, how organisations can capitalise on Australia’s abundant renewable resources and critical minerals, and the benefits of taking a position at the forefront of a trillion-dollar clean energy economy.
Don’t miss this deep dive into the energy trilemma - listen now >
Meet the presenters
Nikunj PanchalGlobal Vice President of Energy Infrastructure TransitionNikunj Panchal is Ricardo’s Global Vice President of Energy, Infrastructure Transition. He has over 25 years’ experience optimising business and delivering projects across the entire global energy value chain, working internationally in the UK, Norway, Azerbaijan, India and Australia. Nikunj’s experience covers a comprehensive range of technologies, economics, financial and stakeholder management as well as techno-commercial due diligence in shaping green economy portfolios. |
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Jorge Martin GistauDirector Energy Infrastructure Transition ANZJorge Martin Gistau is an energy transition specialist focused on Australia’s shift to a cleaner, more resilient energy system. He brings a clear, practical perspective on the technical, commercial and policy challenges shaping decarbonisation, from renewable generation and storage to networks, markets and infrastructure delivery. Jorge is recognised for his ability to turn complex energy topics into engaging, accessible conversations. Curious, informed, and candid, he creates thoughtful dialogue with industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers - helping listeners understand what’s driving Australia’s energy transition and what it will take to make it work. |
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Episode list
EPISODE ONEExploring affordability: financing the transition |
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Alexandra Motbey, Associate Director & Hydrogen Investment Lead for Arena explores the challenges facing Australia as it progresses through the energy transition. Our expert panel consider the substantial opportunity of Australia’s abundant renewables and the implications of transitioning from importing fossil fuels to producing low carbon alternatives locally from financial, sustainability and security perspectives. Discussions also explore the missing elements that will enable Australia’s transition, including driving market demand, regulatory and policy aspects, and accessing investment from connected markets. From hydrogen and e-fuels to policy gaps and investment strategies, this episode explores what it will take to unlock Australia’s renewable potential and secure a sustainable, competitive future. Listen now > |
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EPISODE TWOSustainability at scale: hydrogen, policy and the path to a net zero energy future |
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Fiona Simon, CEO of the Australian Hydrogen Council, offers a candid and strategic view of Australia’s role in the global energy transition. Framed around the energy trilemma of affordability, security and sustainability, the discussion explores hydrogen’s potential to underpin Australia’s future export competitiveness – while confronting the realities of infrastructure gaps, policy coordination and investment risk. Fiona challenges common misconceptions around project readiness, highlights the critical role of demand-side policy, and examines how initiatives such as Future Made in Australia could accelerate large‑scale deployment. This conversation provides timely insights into what it will take to move from promise to delivery in a rapidly shifting global market. Coming soon |
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EPISODE THREEEnergy security |
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Energy security matters for Australia because a vast, islanded grid facing climate extremes must keep lights on while transforming supply and managing geopolitical and fuel risks. Coming soon
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