The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson has announced the final board appointments and the chief executive officer to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

 

ARENA will commence on 1 July 2012 and consolidate $3.2 billion in funding to support the research, development and deployment of renewable energy technology in Australia.

 

Dr Jane Sargison, Ms Betsy Donaghey, Ms Judith Smith and Mr Mark Twidell will be appointed as inaugural ARENA board members.

 

The board members join Mr Greg Bourne (Chair), Dr Brian Spalding and ex-officio Mr Drew Clarke who were appointed on 9 May.

 

Mr Ivor Frischknecht, currently executive director of the Australian Solar Institute, has been appointed as the agency’s inaugural chief executive officer, taking  effect on 6 August 2012.

 

Mr Ferguson said the board will oversee ARENA’s delivery of project funding; develop skills in the renewable energy sector, and promote information sharing and collaboration with state and territory governments and Australian and international institutions.

 

Dr Sargison was Engineers Australia’s National Professional Engineer of the Year in 2011 and brings experience and a strong background in developing renewable energy technologies.

 

Ms Smith brings long-standing business investment, finance and corporate experience as head of private equity at Industry Funds Management.

 

Ms Donaghey has an extensive background in strategic planning, general management and business analysis with senior roles at Woodside Petroleum and BHP Billiton.

 

Mr Twidell and has more than 20 years’ experience in the solar power industry.

 

ARENA replaces the Australian Centre for Renewable Energy (ACRE).

 

The ACRE Board was responsible for assessing and making independent recommendations for funding renewable energy projects, and for translating these policy outcomes into strategic policy advice on developing renewable energy.

 

“As the only body covering the full range of renewable energy technologies in Australia, ACRE has re-examined the way that Governments think about supporting renewable energy technology in Australia, and how the market can be used to more effectively leverage renewable energy funding,” Mr Ferguson said.

 

“From 1 July, ACRE’s initiatives will be incorporated into and administered by ARENA, with the Australian Solar Institute following from 1 January 2013.”

 

An interim general funding strategy will be released by the ARENA Board shortly which will be formalised in the second half of the year following public consultation. The interim strategy will allow the Board to maintain momentum in the renewable energy sector, whilst continuing to administer existing ACRE programs and projects; consider funding shortlisted for Solar Flagships;  progress the Emerging Renewables Program; and select eligible applicants under the Advanced Biofuels Investment Readiness program.

 

More information can be accessed at http://www.ret.gov.au/energy/clean/arena/Pages/arena.aspx.