The electricity system we rely on today has been developed over decades, delivering reliable power to homes and businesses and underpinning modern life. As we move toward a net zero future by 2050, this highly complex system is undergoing a profound transformation.

While significant progress has already been made, the journey is far from over. The electricity sector—often viewed as one of the more straightforward to decarbonise—is now being called upon to do even more. Beyond its own transition, it is expected to support the decarbonisation of other sectors such as gas and transport through widespread electrification.

Maintaining the stability and reliability of the system while integrating large-scale renewable resources like solar and wind is a critical engineering challenge. At the 2025 Solar Oration, Merryn York AM, a distinguished electrical engineer with extensive experience across the energy sector, will explore the complexities of this transformation and share insights into how it might be achieved.

An opening statement on the ACT's progress towards net zero emissions will be delivered by Suzanne Orr, Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water.

Professor Andrew Blakers AO from the ANU College of Systems and Society will present an annual engineering student thesis award.

Please note that this is a hybrid event. Participants can attend in person at the Australian National University Acton campus or online via Zoom.

Light refreshments will be available for in-person participants between 5:30 and 6pm. The event will commence from 6pm.

About the speaker

Merryn is an electrical engineer with more than 30 years' experience in the energy sector. Most recently, leading system design and meeting the engineering challenges of a net-zero energy system at the Australian Energy Market Operator. Previous roles were a Commissioner at the Australian Energy Market Commission and Chief Executive of Powerlink Queensland.

Past orators include:
2024: Tim Buckley, Director of Climate Energy Finance
2023: Professor Renate Egan, Executive Director for the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics
2022: Drew Clarke AO, Chair of the Australian Energy Market Operator
2021: Matt Stocks, ANU and Marta Victoria Aarhus University, Denmark
2020: Mark Jacobson, Stanford University
2019: Fleur Yaxley, Head of Development, Australia – UPC Renewables
2018: Ivor Frischknecht, former CEO of ARENA
2017: Audrey Zibelman, CEO of Australian Energy Market Operator

More information:

The event will be recorded and made available online.
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