On this week's episode, we have Ryan Wavish, GM of Innovation at Engie Australia, to explore how one of the world's largest energy companies is navigating Australia's unique energy transition challenges. From his early days at boutique consultancy Marshman Hill working with ARENA's A-Lab initiative to leading Engie's ambitious 500MW virtual power plant vision by 2030, Ryan shares insights into building customer trust, managing distributed energy resources, and creating the "business model of the future" for energy retailers.
On this week's episode, we have Ryan Wavish, GM of Innovation at Engie Australia, to explore how one of the world's largest energy companies is navigating Australia's unique energy transition challenges. From his early days at boutique consultancy Marshman Hill working with ARENA's A-Lab initiative to leading Engie's ambitious 500MW virtual power plant vision by 2030, Ryan shares insights into building customer trust, managing distributed energy resources, and creating the "business model of the future" for energy retailers.
(01:00) Working at global energy company Engie
(03:00) Getting into renewables after Copenhagen
(04:00) Marshman Hill and ARENA's A-Lab initiative
(07:00) GM Innovation role and future business models
(09:00) Customer flexibility and asset control
(11:00) Building trust with energy customers
(12:00) Global collaboration across Engie businesses
(15:00) Technology platforms and business systems
(18:00) Engie's value and sustainability philosophy
(21:00) ARENA VPP trial growth to 50MW
(24:00) Customer lessons and price sensitivity
(26:00) Are Australia's energy markets too complex?
(28:00) Role of community energy models
(29:00) Simplifying energy through mobile apps
(31:00) Career advice for energy newcomers