Energy21C highlighted the challenge of helping consumers understand cost benefits of smart networks of the future
The Energy21C conference in early September brought together more than 2,100 industry delegates, speakers and exhibitors to address key themes of customers, climate change, networks and competencies.
Energy 21C at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre was the 10th International Electricity and Gas Networks conference and exhibition.
Conference Chairman, Bob Smith, said a compelling program, quality speakers and a vast, interactive exhibition and demonstration area provided unique insights into future networks.
“The energy industry is facing a major transformation to replace and upgrade ageing infrastructure and to meet new guidelines in a carbon reduced economy,” Mr Smith said. “The conference highlighted the challenges that the industry, and consumers, face in bringing about the change to so-called smart networks of the future.
“One of the biggest challenges will be to help customers understand the meaning of smart networks, the cost benefits involved, and the increasing role they will play in the monitoring and management of their own energy use.
“Speakers with global experience in smart networks brought their knowledge to Energy 21C.
“It is clear that Australia is well placed to lead the way towards smarter energy networks in the Southern Hemisphere, but we will have to make the right decisions and the correct investments over the next five to ten years to ensure that we maximise the opportunities.
“This will require closer collaboration with governments and effective communication with our customers because the decisions to be made in the coming years will shape energy production, distribution and consumption for decades ahead.
“We are likely to see more changes in the energy industry over the next two decades than we have experienced in the previous 100 years.”
Mr Smith said the new Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre provided a spectacular forum for Energy 21C.
“The exhibition and demonstration area was an active showcase of industry innovation,” he said. “It was particularly pleasing to see more than 220 exhibition booths contributing technical dimensions to the event
“The conference program was also supported by field trips and site visits that were carefully selected to provide practical electricity and gas industry dimensions to the conference program.”
Guided tours to locations around Melbourne allowed delegates to view and ask questions about latest advances in areas including:
- Network control, fault response and incident management;
- Demand management;
- Security and reliability of supply;
- Cabling and gas pipelines;
- Design for environment rating; and
- Substation innovation.
The next Energy 21C conference is scheduled for 2011.
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The 10th International Transmission and Distribution Conference & Exhibition will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 6-9 September 2009.
Energy 21C will provide a unique experience integrating a series of keynote and panel presentations, workshops, live practical demonstrations, site visits and an interactive exhibition by around 100 companies.
More than 2,000 delegates from Australia and overseas are expected to attend the conference to address the key themes of customers, climate change, networks and competencies.
Energy 21C will ensure delegates are at the leading edge of change with powerful insights into the skills, innovation and intelligent new networks and technologies required to navigate through challenging times.
Energy 21C will provide the learning and knowledge for your people to improve your organisation’s performance, and future proof your business.
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