Driving Wind Energy Innovation for a Sustainable Future in Australia
Meet Chris Kearney, an experienced professional with over 8 years of expertise in wind farm development, construction, operation, and maintenance across Australia. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Wind With Purpose, Chris is leading the charge towards a sustainable future powered by clean energy in Australia. Ahead of his Tech Talks Session with CORE and METS Ignited, we will delve into Chris's role within the company, his perspectives on the industry challenges, the pace of technological change in the resources sector, his thoughts on innovation, and the exciting topics he will cover in his upcoming session.
In his role as CEO and Co-Founder of Wind With Purpose, Chris plays a pivotal role in guiding the company's direction and strategic focus. His key focus in the coming months involves negotiating Power Purchase Agreements with clients for the KRI Wind Farm, which marks the first stage of the Western Trade Coast Renewable Energy Hub. Additionally, he is actively preparing for the feasibility licence application for the Catalpa Offshore Wind Farm. Chris is also dedicated to locking in landholder agreements within the development envelopes of regional onshore wind farms in Western Australia, while providing wind studies and support to industrial and mining clients.
Chris acknowledges that the wind energy industry in Australia faces a couple of significant challenges. One such challenge is labour shortages, which can hinder project development and completion timelines. Another challenge lies in the lack of available and relevant grant funding in Western Australia. Overcoming these hurdles requires innovative approaches and collaboration with stakeholders to address labour gaps and explore alternative funding sources.
According to Chris, the pace of technological change in the resources sector, including wind energy, is moving at an astonishing speed. He emphasises the importance of investing in and supporting appropriate technologies that have the potential to deliver long-lasting socioeconomic benefits. Staying at the forefront of technological advancements allows the industry to harness the full potential of clean energy sources and accelerate the transition to a sustainable future.
Innovation holds a special place in Chris's vision for Wind With Purpose. To him, innovation means providing the freedom and support for entrepreneurialism. It entails pushing the boundaries of what's possible, embracing new ideas and technologies, and continuously seeking better solutions to drive the clean energy transition. By fostering a culture of innovation, Wind With Purpose aims to revolutionise the wind energy sector and empower companies on their journey to achieve net-zero emissions.
Chris is thrilled to cover the benefits of embedded wind power for heavy industry in Western Australia in his upcoming Tech Talks session on July 11. Embedded wind power, as a reliable and sustainable energy source, has the potential to revolutionise heavy industry operations while reducing carbon footprints. Exploring the practical applications and advantages of embedded wind power will shed light on its transformative impact and inspire further adoption across various sectors in Australia.
Spots are very limited with CORE members given priority.