Wollongong has a proud history of leading in energy production and innovation. With the world well underway in the clean energy transition, what can the Illawarra learn from decades of international experience to help us prosper and become leaders and innovators in this transition?

Join us for an exclusive discussion with internationally-experienced offshore energy experts, Dr Jan van der Tempel of the Netherlands and local Dr Saul Griffith, as they compare industry insights and explore the lessons that Australia can learn from overseas. Moderated by Kylie Flament, social enterprise leader and advocate, this is a unique opportunity to glimpse the future of business and community enabled by renewable energy.

Guest speakers

Dr Jan van der Tempel is an inventor, entrepreneur and academic with over 20 years experience in Europe’s established offshore wind industry. Jan has a Phd from Delft University of Technology, Netherlands, and is the founder and CEO of successful offshore access company Ampelmann, and has started two new ventures: the Delft Offshore Turbine (DOT), a sea-water pumping turbine; and DOB-Academy, a training institute for the offshore energy sector (from oil to wind).

Dr Saul Griffith has been an advisor to the US Government on renewable energy, created Rewiring America and helped shape the historic climate policy: US Inflation Reduction Act. He worked on offshore wind technologies with the US Department of Energy including sea anchor technologies and offshore platforms now being commercialized as Aikido Technologies. In 2006 Saul founded Makani Power, an offshore and airborne wind energy technology funded by Google and Shell that deployed an experimental offshore wind platform in Norway in 2019. Proudly based in northern Illawarra, Saul founded Rewiring Australia and Rewiring Aotearoa and is focused on renewable energy and electrification research, policy, regulatory and advocacy at home and abroad.

Kylie Flament is a social enterprise leader and sustainability expert with a background in managing large teams and projects in the corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors. She currently holds multiple positions including CEO of the Social Enterprise Council of NSW & ACT, and an Expert in Residence at the University of Wollongong. Kylie brings valuable knowledge and experience in promoting sustainable business practices and building strong communities through social enterprise.

Together they will explore:

The challenges and opportunities from the international offshore wind industry,
The role offshore wind plays within Wollongong’s transitioning energy landscape,
The impacts and opportunities for our community of emerging clean energy technologies

Situated right next to Wollongong Station, we encourage you to take the train. There is also free onsite parking.

Places limited so bookings are essential.