2026 Annual General Meeting

Bio

Adrian Marziano is Vice President Australia & Pacific at NHOA Energy, a global leader of utility-scale battery energy storage systems. He leads the company’s strategic initiatives and market development across Australia and the Pacific, bringing extensive international experience in technology, energy and infrastructure. 

His career has included senior positions with major technology and energy companies, combining commercial leadership with a technical understanding of complex power and energy systems. His expertise spans utility-scale battery storage, renewable energy integration, project development, system integration, market strategy and deployment. 

At NHOA Energy, Adrian works with customers and industry stakeholders to advance energy storage projects that support grid stability and the integration of renewable generation. He has worked on more than 7 GWh of battery energy storage projects, navigating complex contract negotiations, government regulation, and engagement with other relevant authorities. He has represented the company in discussions on Australia’s energy transition, including engagement with Western Australian government representatives, and at the launch of EnergyAustralia’s 245 MWh Hallett Battery. He has also spoken publicly on NHOA Energy’s partnership with Neoen to deliver the 963 MWh Culcairn Battery, a landmark solar-plus-storage project in New South Wales. 

Adrian holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Chemistry and a Master of Business Administration from RMIT University in Melbourne. He brings a practical, internationally informed perspective on the challenges and opportunities of delivering clean energy infrastructure in Australia.

Supporting statement

Australia’s clean energy transition depends not only on renewable generation, but also on the storage, grid capability and industry collaboration needed to deliver reliable outcomes. I am seeking election to the Clean Energy Council Board to contribute a practical perspective grounded in delivering large-scale energy infrastructure.

As Vice President for NHOA Australia, I work at the intersection of technology, commercial strategy and battery energy storage deployment. Across international energy and technology businesses, I have seen that innovation succeeds when supported by effective market frameworks, disciplined execution and strong partnerships. Large-scale storage is critical to renewable integration, system resilience and maximising the value of energy assets.

I would contribute to the Board in three areas. First, I would bring a storage and system integration perspective to discussions on accelerating Australia’s energy transition. This includes technology deployment, grid connection, project delivery and long-term asset performance. not by capacity alone but reliability and resilience. Second, I would contribute a commercial and international perspective. Australia can learn from global markets while developing solutions suited to its regulatory, network and investment environment. Third, I would support the Clean Energy Council’s role as a collaborative and credible industry voice. Delivering the transition requires engagement between industry, government and communities. Through my current role, I regularly engage with stakeholders on storage, grid resilience and renewable integration. If elected, I bring a collaborative approach and a sector-wide perspective. My objective would be to support the Council’s strategic priorities and ensure the realities of developing and operating clean energy infrastructure are reflected in industry discussions, contributing to a stronger, more resilient and globally competitive Australian clean energy sector.

Bio

Anita Saunders is Renewables Executive Manager at Programmed, where she is building a national Clean Technology platform from the ground up. She connects solar, battery storage and EV charging with Programmed's operations, maintenance and asset management capability, focusing on keeping clean energy assets safe, reliable and high-performing for their full life.

Anita has more than 20 years' experience across energy, renewables, resources and telecommunications, turning early-stage ideas into programs that are investable and deliverable. At RAA, she led the delivery of RAA Charge, one of South Australia's largest public EV charging networks. The program covered more than 155 sites and over 150 agreements with more than 90 government agencies, utilities, councils and landholders, including Traditional Owner lands. It won a Premier's Award for Energy and Project of the Year from the Australian Institute of Energy (SA Branch). She also led RAA's commercial solar, battery and EV charging portfolio.

Anita brings governance experience from steering committee and executive reporting roles on major capital programs, with a disciplined approach to risk, safety and commercial outcomes. Working across six states and territories, she has a practical national view of how the transition is affecting customers, communities and the workforce.

She speaks at national clean energy events, mentors emerging energy professionals and holds a Master of Commerce (Economics) from the University of Debrecen.

Anita wants to bring a delivery and operations voice to the Clean Energy Council Board, helping make sure Australia's energy transition is built quickly and built to last.

Supporting statement

Australia's energy transition is entering a new phase: making sure the solar, batteries and EV charging we install today stay safe, reliable and valued for decades. I want to bring that delivery and long-term operations perspective to the Board, with practical governance experience.

At RAA, I led the delivery of RAA Charge, one of South Australia's largest public EV charging networks. Taking 155+ sites from concept to operation meant managing grid connections, land access, approvals and more than 150 agreements with over 90 agencies, utilities, councils and landholders, including Traditional Owner lands. The program won a Premier's Award for Energy and Project of the Year from the Australian Institute of Energy (SA Branch).

At Programmed, I am building a national Clean Technology platform linking solar, batteries and EV charging with operations and asset management. Public support depends not only on how much we build, but on how well assets perform. I would help keep quality, safety, workforce capability and lifecycle performance on the Board's agenda.

I have advised executives and steering committees on major capital programs. With a commerce and economics background and hands-on experience in pricing, operating models and investment cases, I am comfortable testing assumptions and asking hard questions.

Working across six states and territories with government, utilities, transport operators, customers and suppliers, I can help the Board see how policy is landing for members and regional communities. I would also represent service providers, installers and maintainers who keep assets running.

I mentor emerging energy professionals and would support the Council's work to build a diverse, capable workforce. I will commit the time the role requires and act in the best interests of the Council and its members, helping ensure Australia's clean energy future is built to last.

Bio

Charles is Chief Executive Officer of Star of the South, Kut Wut Brataualung, and leads Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners’ offshore wind development across Australia and New Zealand through Southerly Ten. Since joining in 2022, he has led the team that secured the two feasibility licences and, for Star of the South, lodged its environmental approval, reshaped the investment case to cut development costs, and is now leading its bid into Victoria’s first offshore wind auction. He works closely with federal, Victorian and New Zealand governments at ministerial and senior official level on the policy, fee and market settings for a new industry, and with Traditional Owners and Gippsland communities on partnership and local benefit.

Charles brings more than 25 years across energy, infrastructure and finance. As Managing Director of Nexif Energy Australia, he took the Lincoln Gap Wind Farm’s Stage 1 out of default to practical completion, delivered Stage 2 from financial close to completion, and developed the Snapper Point gas peaking plant to COD. As Executive General Manager of Yurika, Energy Queensland’s unregulated business, he launched what became Australia’s largest virtual power plant, signed one of the country’s largest corporate PPAs, and moved remote First Nations communities onto solar and storage, work recognised with a Clean Energy Council Innovation Award. Earlier, as Head of Strategy at Victoria Power Networks (CitiPower and Powercor), he led a major cost transformation and launched new energy services businesses.

His finance career spans Macquarie, Financial Security Assurance and NAB, including the Hallett Wind Farm and Victorian Desalination Plant transactions. He began his career as an Australian Army officer, graduating from Duntroon and serving as a Captain.

Charles holds a Global Executive MBA (IE Brown), a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne, and is a graduate of the AICD.

Supporting statement

The next phase of the transition will be decided by whether projects of every kind can get built: bankable revenue frameworks, transmission, social licence and supply chains. I would bring three things to the Board to help the CEC lead on these.

First, a missing technology voice. Offshore wind is a CEC member sector with no seat at the Board table. As CEO of Star of the South, Australia’s most advanced offshore wind project, I have taken a first-of-its-kind project through licensing, environmental approval and into Victoria’s first auction, working with governments at ministerial level on the settings a new industry needs.

Second, depth across the whole system. Over 25 years I have built wind, storage, gas peaking and Australia’s largest virtual power plant, run network strategy at CitiPower and Powercor, and structured project finance at Macquarie and NAB. My Yurika team’s work bringing solar and storage to remote First Nations communities won a CEC Innovation Award. I understand the commercial pressures facing developers, networks, distributed energy businesses and investors alike, and can contribute to the Finance, Risk and Membership Committee. I was recently active in shaping the ESEM through various working groups and influential in the outcomes coming through presently.

Third, governance and advocacy experience. I have reported to boards and shareholders across listed, government-owned and global fund structures, and I am a graduate of the AICD. I have helped shape market design and fee policy at federal and state level, and I know the CEC is strongest when it speaks for the whole membership, from rooftop installers to utility-scale developers.

I would serve as an independent director in the interests of the CEC and all its members, not my employer, and would declare and manage any conflicts openly. Leadership was instilled early as an Army officer, and I would bring the same discipline and teamwork to the Board.

Bio

Craig has spent 30 years as a consumer goods professional, in sales, marketing, product development, and operations. Over the past 6 years, he created, launched and now manages the ALDI solar program and AKAI Energy residential solar programs at ALDI and Bunnings. These are Australia's most trusted retailers, and their entry into the residential solar market gives consumers a trusted avenue and further incentive to transition into clean energy in their home. Craig leads the team at Tempo in product development, consumer journey and service, operational practice, installer network and support, and compliance, ultimately running a highly vertically integrated residential solar offer. He is consumer focused and driven by a strong desire to accelerate the clean energy transition.

Supporting statement

I contribute a broad perspective on the residential solar industry. I have designed product with factories, worked through development and compliance, and factory accreditation and QC with major retailers. I have built consumer purchase pathways and experience to make purchasing residential solar easier. I have challenged the way solar is retailed to be more transparent and customer-centric. I have also built and managed an installer network and understand their needs and challenges. My experience is very current and includes navigating the battery rebate effect on the market, customer, product, and installers.

I believe I could drive positive change, in a balanced way that supports all facets of the residential solar industry. I have a customer-first mentality, and strive for positive change that benefits the consumer experience. I truly believe we can speed the consumer transition to clean energy by using the voice of the customer, understanding manufacturer, distributor, and retailer needs, and within the context of consumer protection drive change that creates win/win/win outcomes.

Bio

Jamie Marciniak is an award-winning Australian entrepreneur, business leader and clean energy advocate with more than 15 years of experience in Australia's energy and renewable energy sectors.
 
As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Electrify Me, Jamie has built one of Australia's emerging home electrification businesses, helping thousands of households transition to cleaner, more affordable and sustainable energy solutions. Under his leadership, Electrify Me has grown into a national business operating across multiple Australian states, employing more than 70 people and delivering solar, battery storage, energy-efficient heating and cooling, heat pumps and other electrification solutions.
 
Throughout his career, Jamie has developed extensive experience in renewable energy retailing, business development, operational management, regulatory compliance, customer experience and building high-performing teams. His hands-on understanding of the challenges facing retailers, installers and consumers provides him with a practical, commercially grounded perspective on Australia's clean energy transition.
 
Jamie's entrepreneurial achievements have received significant national and international recognition, including two Gold Stevie Awards for Young Entrepreneur and Sustainability Entrepreneur, the 2025 Melbourne Young Entrepreneur Awards for Best Start-Up and Best Specialty Business, and the 2025 South East Melbourne Local Business Awards Business Person of the Year. He has also received a 2025 Global Recognition Award and recognition among the Elite Business Top 40.
 
Passionate about industry integrity, consumer protection and making electrification accessible to all Australians, Jamie believes that strong industry representation must reflect the businesses delivering Australia's energy transition on the ground.

Supporting statement

Australia's clean energy transition isn't happening in boardrooms. It's happening on rooftops, in switchboards, inside homes and across businesses delivering installations every day. Yet how often are the people doing that work heard when decisions affecting their livelihoods are made?
 
For over 15 years, I've worked on the frontline of Australia's energy industry. I've built businesses, created jobs, managed installations, navigated regulations and dealt with rebate delays. I know the pressure of keeping teams employed, customers satisfied and businesses financially sustainable.
 
I don't just understand this industry. I live it every day.
 
As Founder and CEO of Electrify Me, I believe the Clean Energy Council Board would benefit from more firsthand experience of residential solar, batteries and electrification. Installers, retailers and wholesalers are essential to Australia's energy transition, and their practical experiences should help inform industry strategy.
 
I respect the expertise already on the Board. My contribution would complement it with an operational perspective and the commercial judgement, financial accountability and leadership developed through building an award-winning national business.
 
If elected, I would focus on listening to members, supporting practical safety and compliance standards, highlighting the impact of rebate delays and rising costs, strengthening consumer trust and contributing to sound governance and risk oversight.
 
I understand a director must act in the interests of the CEC as a whole, not any individual business or sector. I would bring independence, integrity and a willingness to listen and challenge constructively.
 
To CEC installers, retailers and wholesale members, I ask for your support and your vote.
 
The clean energy transition is delivered by people in the trenches. It's time more of that experience had a seat at the table.

Bio

John Titchen brings 30 years of executive management and senior leadership experience across renewable energy and energy policy. As Managing Director he led the establishment of Goldwind Australia and growth into a leading Australian renewable energy business from 2009 to 2022. He has continued to actively serve as a Director since 2022.

Goldwind has installed more than 2 GW of wind and solar generation capacity across Victoria, NSW, Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania. 

Before joining Goldwind, John held senior executive positions with Hydro Tasmania and Roaring 40s. He began his career with the Electricity Commission of NSW.

John brings a broad electricity-market perspective, with experience across wind, solar, hydro, thermal generation and energy storage. His contributions span project development, construction and operations, as well as wholesale markets, energy policy, transmission interconnection and electricity retail.

John has been an enthusiastic contributor to the CEC with a view to the success of our industry.

Supporting statement

Australia’s clean energy transition is a defining economic and nation-building opportunity. Realising it requires our industry to attract investment, strengthen community confidence, remove development barriers and bring projects online faster.

I am seeking election to the Clean Energy Council Board to help the Council and its members navigate this critical period and strengthen the industry’s influence when it matters most.

Over three decades, I have helped shape energy policy, advance major projects, secure investment and lead teams through significant change. As Managing Director of Goldwind until 2022, I established and grew the business, built strategic partnerships and delivered projects through challenging market, regulatory and commercial conditions. Now, as a Director, I bring a practical understanding of the needs of developers, investors, customers, governments and communities—and of what it takes to turn ambition into outcomes.

As a Board member, I would contribute deep industry experience, sound commercial judgement and a proven ability to unite stakeholders around practical solutions.

My focus will be on tangible outcomes on the issues that matter most to members: investment certainty, market and regulatory reform, transmission and system integration, workforce capability, community support and supply chain resilience.

Throughout my career, I have worked closely with governments, regulators, industry bodies, investors, customers and regional communities. I would bring those perspectives to the Board, listen carefully to members and work constructively with fellow directors and the Council’s leadership. My focus would be disciplined governance, clear advocacy and practical action that accelerates the transition while delivering reliable, affordable energy and lasting benefits for communities.

Bio

Sech Zabaleta is Executive Chairman of ACEN Australia and a senior renewable energy executive with more than 20 years’ experience in the sector. His career spans Australia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and the United States, giving him extensive international experience across renewable energy development, strategy, operations and executive leadership. 
 
Sech Zabaleta joined ACEN in 2017 as Group Chief Development Officer and subsequently served as Group Chief Operating Officer and Chief Development Officer. He has served as Executive Chairman of ACEN Australia since 2023 and is a member of ACEN’s Strategy Committee, Investment Committee and Executive Management Committee.
 
Prior to joining ACEN, Sech Zabaleta spent more than a decade with Bronzeoak Clean Energy, including six years as Chief Executive Officer. Earlier in his career, he held strategy, development, consulting and management positions across Asia, the United States and the United Kingdom. 
 
Sech Zabaleta holds an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and a BS Management Honors degree from Ateneo de Manila University.

Supporting statement

Australia’s energy transition presents an extraordinary opportunity, but delivering it successfully requires strong industry leadership, sound governance and a clear understanding of the commercial and practical realities of developing renewable energy at scale.
 
As Executive Chairman of ACEN Australia, and with more than 20 years’ experience in renewable energy across Australia and international markets, I would bring to the CEC Board a combination of strategic leadership, governance experience, commercial judgement and a global perspective on the energy transition. My experience across Australia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, the UK and the US has given me insight into different energy markets and the opportunities and challenges involved in building and growing renewable energy businesses. 
 
I believe I can contribute a practical, constructive and solutions-focused perspective to the CEC Board, particularly as the industry works to maintain investor confidence, advocate for effective and enduring policy settings, and build the community and stakeholder support required to deliver Australia’s clean energy ambitions.
 
My role as Chair of ACEN Australia, together with my broader leadership roles within ACEN, has reinforced the importance of strong governance, long-term strategic thinking and collaboration in navigating a rapidly evolving energy landscape. 
 
If elected, I would bring this experience and perspective to the CEC while representing the interests of the broader membership and industry. I would welcome the opportunity to work with fellow Directors and the CEC to strengthen the industry’s collective voice and help advance a sustainable, investable and successful clean energy future for Australia.

Bio

Karen is the Managing Partner of Palisade, one of Australia’s largest renewable energy investors. Palisade’s portfolio includes 2.5GW of operating and in-construction wind, solar and BESS projects, as well as a leading distributed energy platform. 
 
Karen has over 20 years’ experience in the clean energy industry. Before joining Palisade, she invested in global renewable energy projects at Macquarie Bank, worked as a renewable energy and climate change lawyer at Baker & McKenzie, was a senior policymaker and UN climate change negotiator with the Australian Government, and an engineer with CH2M Hill (now Jacobs).
 
Karen is Deputy Chair of the Clean Energy Council and a Director of Intera Renewables. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (1st Class Hons) and a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (1st Class Hons) from the University of Sydney and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Supporting statement

Karen is committed to ensuring the CEC is a strong and effective advocate for the entire clean energy industry. She believes its priorities should include unlocking greater investment, building political and community support, removing barriers to project delivery and strengthening collaboration across the industry.
 
Karen’s experience as an investor, developer and policymaker gives her a practical understanding of the challenges facing the industry and the changes needed to address them. She understands what investors need to commit capital, as well as how government policy is made. She also brings extensive board experience to help shape the CEC’s strategy and oversee its delivery.
 
If re-elected, Karen will continue to support the interests of the CEC’s diverse membership and help ensure the organisation is well governed, financially sustainable and focused on delivering meaningful results for members.