Top Leaders to Speak at Green Energy Forum 2026
Townsville Enterprise has announced an impressive array of national ministers, international aviation executives, and renewable energy leaders for the 2026 Secure the Future: Green Energy Forum.
This distinguished group of speakers reinforces the significance of north Queensland in Australia’s shift towards sustainable energy.
Forum Details and Speaker Highlights
Scheduled for March 16–18, this forum is set to gather key policy makers, financial leaders, and project developers pivotal to advancing the green energy sector.
Claudia Brumme, CEO of Townsville Enterprise, expressed that the exceptional expertise assembled for the forum highlights the promising opportunities developing within the region.
“Australia’s renewable energy future is unfolding now – right here in north Queensland – with biofuels, wind, and solar prospects at our fingertips,” Brumme stated. “This year’s forum is convening leaders who are not just observing our energy transition, but are actively making it happen.”
The event will feature influential political figures, including the Queensland Treasurer and Energy Minister, alongside representatives from globally recognised companies like Airbus, Qantas, ARENA, and Jet Zero. The discussions will cover essential topics such as the burgeoning biofuel market, wind investment strategies, and government initiatives.
Strategic Importance of the Forum
As significant projects gain momentum throughout the area, the Green Energy Forum presents a unique platform to engage directly with the leaders driving the transformation from policy to tangible results.
Joseph O’Brien, chair of the Queensland Renewable Energy Council and founder of CopperString, remarked on the forum’s timely significance for Queensland’s industrial competitiveness and renewable infrastructure development.
“We are at a crucial juncture for expanding electricity infrastructure and renewable generation in Queensland, where effective planning and enabling infrastructure will be key to unlocking private investments and boosting our economy,” he noted.
“Events like Townsville Enterprise’s Green Energy Forum bring together policy makers, industry experts, and project leaders capable of translating ambition into action, with northern Queensland poised to play a vital role in this next chapter.”
Key Topics of Discussion
The 2026 Secure the Future: Green Energy Forum will delve into various pressing topics, such as sustainable aviation fuel, biofuel export markets, transmission infrastructure, environmental reforms, wind energy developments, and workforce capabilities, aligning with the significant projects progressing within the region.
The agenda will showcase:
- Nita Green, Assistant Minister for Northern Australia, Tourism and Pacific Affairs, discussing Australia’s national energy priorities.
- David Janetzki, Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Energy, explaining the implications of Queensland’s energy plan for North Queensland.
- Edward Mason from Jet Zero Australia presenting the keynote on establishing Australia’s sustainable aviation fuel industry.
- Stephen Forshaw, chief representative in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific for Airbus.
- Fiona Messent, chief sustainability officer at Qantas.
- Marianna O’Gorman, deputy chair of ARENA, addressing the acceleration of clean energy investments.
- Associate Professor Dr Joel Gilmore, general manager – regulation and energy policy at Iberdrola Australia.
- Joseph O’Brien, chair of the Queensland Renewable Energy Council.
- Leading representatives from Windlab, MMG, NGH, On Common Country, Energy Skills Queensland, and TAFE.
With a diverse speaker line-up comprising government officials, international aviation leaders, and major renewable energy stakeholders, the forum is primed to underscore north Queensland’s expanding role in shaping Australia’s clean energy landscape.
Further information about the event can be found on their website.
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