Are Solar And Batteries Undermining Australia’s Grid? Deep Dive Australia 03: Marc England

Australia's electricity networks are entering a new era. As rooftop solar, battery storage and electric vehicles demand reshape the grid, the role of distribution networks is changing from simply delivering electricity to actively enabling a smarter, more resilient and affordable energy system.

For the third episode of our Deep Dive Australia series, Michael sits down with Marc England, CEO of Ausgrid, one of Australia's largest electricity distribution businesses, to explore what that transformation looks like in practice. Ausgrid is responsible for supplying electricity to millions of customers across Sydney, the Central Coast and the Hunter Region in New South Wales.

Marc reflects on how networks have to become intelligent, flexible and community-focused while balancing commercial realities with public service. He shares how distribution companies like his are adapting to an increasingly decentralised electricity system, where balancing reliability, affordability and customer expectations has never been more complex. From the growing role of battery storage and managing unpredictable energy flows, to supporting the rapid rise of data centres and preparing for extreme weather events, he explains why networks will play a critical role in delivering a successful net zero future.

Also, Michael travels inside the electricity tunnels beneath Sydney, to see how Ausgrid has built a resilient electricity system for Australia’s financial capital.

Topics Include:

• The evolving role of electricity distribution networks
• Balancing commercial success with community responsibility
• Battery storage and building a more flexible grid
• Managing the rise of rooftop solar and distributed energy resources
• Preparing for growing electricity demand and data centres
• Building resilience for extreme weather and changing energy patterns
• Leading innovation through Australia's energy transition

Leadership Circle:

Cleaning Up is proud to be supported by its Leadership Circle. The members are Actis, Alcazar Energy, Arup, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Cygnum Capital, Davidson Kempner, Ecopragma Capital, EDP, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, Schneider Electric, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information about the Leadership Circle, visit cleaningup.live

Links:

• Watch our full Deep Dive Australia Series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc8cNKXCII70&si=GmXz-zQe3yK42V3o
• Sign up to our newsletter: cleaninguppod.substack.com
• Marc England’s bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-england-9147711/
• Ausgrid: https://www.ausgrid.com.au/
• Transgrid: https://www.transgrid.com.au/
• PLUS ES: https://www.pluses.com.au/
• John Pettigrew on Cleaning Up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7Lg1A958aA
• Tim Meyerjürgens on Cleaning Up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQgUuJ-dx78

Acronyms:

• SES - State Emergency Service
• CBD - Central Business District
• DNSP - Distribution Network Service Provider
• C&I - Commercial & Industrial
• AEMO - the Australian Energy Market Operator
• CIS - Capacity Investment Scheme