Powering the Future: The Truth Behind the Energy Transition

Powering the Future: The Truth Behind the Energy Transition

Hosted by UNAA Young Professionals (QLD) & People Planet Pint Brisbane

📅 22 April 2026
🕠 5:30pm doors | 6:00pm start
📍 The Precinct, Fortitude Valley

Event Overview

What does the energy transition really look like — beyond the headlines?

Powering the Future: The Truth Behind the Energy Transition is a candid, high-impact panel conversation designed to unpack the realities, trade-offs and global implications of the shift toward renewable energy.

Co-hosted by the United Nations Association of Australia Young Professionals (UNAA YP) and People Planet Pint Brisbane, this session will explore what the transition means in practice — for Australia, across the Asia-Pacific region, and for underdeveloped and remote communities.

Through a moderated discussion with expert speakers, we’ll go beyond simplified narratives to examine the complexities, responsibilities, and opportunities shaping the future of energy.

What We’ll Explore

• The current state of the renewable energy transition in Australia and APAC

• The economic, political and social realities behind “going green”

• Energy access as a driver of human development and dignity

• Impacts on underdeveloped nations and remote communities (including within Australia)

• The role of corporates, policymakers and emerging leaders

• How individuals can meaningfully contribute to the transition

• Energy security and the current disconnect across Australia

• What needs to happen next (including the role of industry and innovation)

• What this means for individuals — and how people can start to take more control of their own energy

Who You’ll Hear From

Steph Leahy
Steph is part of PowerWells, working at the forefront of distributed energy solutions and energy resilience. Her work brings a practical, systems-level perspective on what the energy transition looks like on the ground — particularly in the context of energy security and infrastructure challenges, including in remote and underserved communities.

Kimberley Swords
Kimberley brings a strong lens across sustainability, policy, and the broader dynamics shaping the energy transition. Her experience enables her to unpack the economic, social and strategic considerations influencing how Australia — and the wider region — is navigating the shift to renewable energy.

Networking with People Planet Pint

Following the panel, stay on for an informal networking session hosted by People Planet Pint Brisbane.

A chance to connect, exchange ideas, and continue the conversation with a community of like-minded professionals across sustainability, policy and business.

What You’ll Walk Away With

• A clearer, more nuanced understanding of the energy transition

• Insight into global and regional energy challenges and opportunities

• Practical perspectives to bring into your work and conversations

• New connections across the sustainability and energy space

🎟️ Spots are limited — secure your ticket and be part of the conversation shaping our future!