A sweeping change of management at energy giant AGL announced at the company’s AGM today could see the company grow its presence in the country’s renewable transition.
Energy heavyweights Dr Kerry Schott, former head of the Energy Security Board, former Tesla executive Mark Twidell, Professor John Pollaers and CSR director Christine Holman will join the AGL board following votes held at the energy company’s Annual General Meeting in Melbourne.
The leadership renewal at AGL follows a turbulent period for Australia’s biggest energy generator, which saw it lose billions of dollars. AGL’s previous leadership team’s proposed demerger was voted against by its powerful shareholders in June, leaving the company in urgent need of a new direction.
Greenpeace Australia senior campaigner Pacific Glenn Walker said AGL’s renewed leadership is part of the company’s energy transition.
“The exciting new leadership at AGL signals the start of a potential transformation of Australia’s biggest climate polluter to a renewable energy powerhouse, but there’s a need for speed.
“After years in the coal doldrums AGL now faces serious competition in the renewable transition, with rival Origin set to get a $20 billion renewable development cash injection from new owners Brookfield.”
Mr Walker said a renewed AGL could play a pivotal role in addressing the Australian energy and cost-of-living crisis.
“The opportunities here are boundless. In addition to bringing the closure of its ailing coal fleet forward to 2030, there’s immense potential for AGL to use its reach into millions of households and businesses to accelerate the electrification of homes, helping Australians get off polluting and expensive gas and breaking the stranglehold gas companies have on energy prices.”
