The 29th Richard Jones Memorial Lecture

Tasmanians face some of the highest energy costs in the country with household bills for petrol, gas and electricity climbing year on year. At the same time cars and home energy use make up about a quarter of our national emissions.

Energy expert Dr Saul Griffith believes the solution starts at home. By switching to electric cars, heaters and appliances powered by renewables, households can cut thousands from their annual bills while reducing emissions dramatically. In this talk, Griffith will explain how and why families can rewire their budgets and play a central role in the shift to a cleaner energy future. He will also reflect on his national and international experience in the energy revolution and comment on how Tasmania fits into the national electrification task.

Tickets are free but limited. Get yours now to avoid missing out.

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About the expert

Born in Australia, Saul Griffith is an author, inventor and entrepreneur. Saul has founded a dozen technology companies across 20 years in Silicon Valley. Saul founded Rewiring America, Rewiring Australia and Rewiring Aotearoa, non-partisan organisations dedicated to electrification and decarbonisation and the associated policy and regulatory implications of meeting climate goals. He is the recipient of numerous awards including the MacArthur so called “Genius Grant” in 2007, was named a World Economic Forum “Young Global Leader” in 2011 and was a 2024 NSW Australian of the Year Nominee. He is the author of four books: Electrify, The Big Switch, Quarterly Essay: The Wires That Bind and Plug In! The Electrification of Handbook. Saul is a father of two, and a consistent champion of STEAM education (including the A for ART!). Saul is a prominent science communicator and energy expert whose public profile includes public lectures and media appearances.

Pre-event refreshments

Head to the venue early and enjoy complimentary refreshments from 5.30pm.

The Richard Jones Legacy

This named lecture is named for the late Dr Richard (Dick) Jones, who made an outstanding contribution to environmental awareness in Australia and beyond. He played a pivotal role in the Lake Pedder Action Committee and in the formation of the United Tasmania Group (the world's first comprehensive Green party) in the early '70s, both of which provided the groundwork for the later successful national campaign to prevent the damming of the Franklin River. Dr Jones was instrumental in establishing the community-based Tasmanian Environment Centre, and he played a leading role in converting the Australian Conservation Foundation into one of the nation's most dynamic environmental organisations. Further, in establishing the postgraduate Centre for Environmental Studies at the University of Tasmania, Dr Jones did much to promote problem-oriented, interdisciplinary environmental research that has provided the community with valuable information and innovative ideas.

Parking

Free parking, including accessible spaces, is available at the venue.

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