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| Clean Energy Council (Australia) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Clean Energy Council (Australia) |
| Type | Industry association |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne, Victoria |
| Region served | Australia |
Clean Energy Council (Australia) The Clean Energy Council (Australia) is a peak industry association representing the renewable energy and clean technology sectors in Australia. It engages with policymakers, corporations, regulators and technical bodies to advance deployment of solar, wind, batteries and associated technologies. The organisation works across standards, accreditation, advocacy and workforce development to influence energy markets and infrastructure.
The organisation emerged from industry consolidation amid debates following the Kyoto Protocol and the Emissions Trading Scheme proposals, drawing input from stakeholders such as Australian Renewable Energy Agency, Australian Energy Market Operator, Energy Networks Australia, Sustainable Energy Authority, and major corporate players including Origin Energy, AGL Energy, Senvion and Siemens. Early activities involved collaboration with state agencies like Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and national regulators including the Australian Energy Regulator and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. Through the 2000s and 2010s it navigated policy shifts under administrations led by Prime Ministers such as John Howard, Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull, while responding to international events like the Paris Agreement and technology developments from firms like Tesla, Inc., Vestas, GE Renewable Energy and First Solar.
The organisation’s stated mission aligns with commitments observed in instruments like the Paris Agreement and industrial strategies from jurisdictions such as New South Wales Government, Queensland Government and the Australian Capital Territory Government. Objectives emphasise accelerating deployment of technologies promoted by companies and institutions such as SunPower, ENEOS, BHP, Fortescue Metals Group and research bodies including the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and universities like University of Melbourne and Australian National University. Strategic goals include supporting market frameworks influenced by the National Electricity Market reforms, grid integration work alongside the Australian Energy Market Commission, and workforce pathways comparable to initiatives from TAFE and the Australian Apprenticeships program.
Membership comprises corporate members from sectors represented by firms such as Acciona, Iberdrola, Brookfield Renewable Partners, Meridian Energy, Goldwind and Neoen, as well as installer networks, technology vendors and consultants paralleling entities like McKinsey & Company, KPMG, and Woodside Energy affiliates. Governance follows norms seen in peak bodies including boards with directors drawn from companies such as Macquarie Group, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, and non-government organisations like Australian Conservation Foundation and World Wildlife Fund Australia. The entity liaises with accreditation and standards organisations including Standards Australia and international standards bodies such as International Electrotechnical Commission and ISO.
Advocacy activities intersect with policy instruments and stakeholders including the National Hydrogen Strategy, the Renewable Energy Target, state-based Renewable Energy Zones, and institutions such as the Department of Industry, Science and Resources and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency. The organisation provides submissions to inquiries by parliamentary committees including the House of Representatives Standing Committee on the Environment and Energy and engages in debates involving political figures and parties like Australian Labor Party, Liberal Party of Australia and The Greens. It coordinates with market bodies including AEMO and the Australian Energy Market Commission on technical rule changes and grid access reform, reflecting similar interventions seen from international counterparts such as European Wind Energy Association and American Council on Renewable Energy.
The body operates accreditation schemes and installer certification frameworks aligned with standards published by Standards Australia and technical committees influenced by IEC working groups. Its accreditation mirrors professional schemes run by organisations like Master Builders Australia and technical registries such as those operated by National Electrical and Communications Association and Clean Energy Council-adjacent trade groups. Certification supports installers of rooftop systems comparable to programs from Solar Energy Industries Association in the United States and supports guidelines used by network service providers including AusNet Services and Jemena.
The organisation convenes conferences, summits and industry forums similar to events hosted by All-Energy Australia, Australian Clean Energy Summit, Canberra Renewable Energy Summit and international conferences like Intersolar and RenewableUK. Programs include graduate pathways, training workshops and webinars coordinated with tertiary institutions such as Monash University, University of New South Wales, Curtin University and research centres including the ANU Energy Change Institute. It recognises innovation through awards akin to the Australian Export Awards and collaborates on community engagement programs with groups such as Environment Victoria and Clean Up Australia.
The organisation’s funding model combines membership fees, event revenue and project funding from entities such as the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, philanthropic foundations, and corporate sponsors including Origin Energy, AGL, Shell Australia, BP Australia and TotalEnergies. Partnerships extend to financial institutions like Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Westpac, ANZ, academic partners such as RMIT University and government agencies including the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and state departments. It also aligns with international cooperation efforts involving organisations like the International Energy Agency and multilateral initiatives linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.