Energy Transitions: implications for sustainability.

The 2026 Contemporary Issues in PRME Lecture in collaboration with the UWA C0P Sustainability and UWA Campus Management explores the critical intersection of energy transition, responsible management and sustainable development.

As economies move away from fossil fuels, the transformation of energy systems is becoming central to long-term prosperity and resilience. While rooftop solar, electric vehicles and renewable energy projects are the visible signs of change, significant shifts are also occurring within electricity markets. Renewable generation, battery storage and emerging technologies are reshaping how electricity is produced, managed and priced.

Drawing on insights from Western Australia, this lecture examines how evolving technologies, market structures and policy reforms are influencing a more affordable, reliable and sustainable energy future.

Keynote Speaker

Mr Steve Edwell, Chair Economic Regulatory Authority

Steve Edwell is a leading Australian economist and energy market regulator with extensive experience in utility regulation and electricity market reform. He has advised Federal and State governments across Australia and has held a range of senior regulatory and statutory appointments. Since 2021, Steve has served as Chair of the Economic Regulation Authority of Western Australia. Steve’s previous roles include inaugural Chair of the Australian Energy Regulator (2005–2010), Chair of Horizon Power, and Chair of Western Australia’s Energy Transformation Taskforce.

Steve has also contributed to electricity market reforms in the Northern Territory and played a key role in designing the Southwest Interconnected System electricity market.

An internationally recognised expert, Steve regularly presents at energy conferences and policy forums across Australia and abroad.

Steve’s keynote will be followed by the following 3 minute inputs:

• Dr Geraldine Tan, Senior Manager (Infrastructure Sustainability), UWA Campus Planning

• Adjunct Professor Bill Grace, UWA Australian Urban Design Research Centre