2024-04-30
SEN’s role has evolved, from initially public education about renewable technologies, to computer modelling of options for WA, and now interactions with politicians and government agencies in implementing an energy transition
By Dr Rob Phillips
I am writing this article wearing two virtual hats. Firstly, I am a long-term Greens WA member and a member of the Climate Crisis Working Group.
Secondly, I am Vice-Chair of Sustainable Energy Now (SEN ‒ https://sen.asn.au/). SEN (pronounced SEN as in Zen, not S.E.N.) was formed in 2006 subsequent to a community meeting called by Jo Valentine and Scott Ludlam. Despite the early Greens connection, SEN is apolitical, and it is a volunteer-only not-for-profit organisation.
SEN’s six core principles are to promote and advocate for:
- widespread use of sustainable energy
- efficient energy use and the reduction of energy waste
- greater awareness of the economic and environmental benefits of sustainable energy
- sustainable energy research and technology
- a nuclear-free future
- a safe climate future (by reducing the emissions impact of energy generation, transportation and utilisation).
These are consistent with Greens values and the aims of the Climate Crisis Working group.
Initially, SEN focussed on public education about renewable technologies. Over time, however, this morphed into computer modelling of renewable energy systems. Our detailed energy modelling for the South West Interconnected System, Perth’s electricity grid, has fed into the WA2.0 report published by Scott Ludlam, and the Climate Positive Perth study being promoted by Brad Pettitt.
With the election in 2017 of a State Government that didn’t deny climate science, SEN pivoted more towards advocacy. While we still perform and publish respected energy modelling reports, the focus has shifted to raising public awareness of the energy transition, but also recognising that that energy transition is a complex political process.
Since 2022, SEN has been pursuing a decarbonisation campaign within political circles in WA. This has involved meeting with ministers and shadow ministers, bureaucrats in government departments, and with the various energy utilities. It can be helpful when a group outside the bureaucracy can advocate something that the bureaucracy wants to do...
While we can’t claim the credit, our work has certainly influenced many of the valuable initiatives that the State Government has rolled out, and is rolling out, since around 2020. Many of these initiatives haven’t been well-communicated to the public, and efforts are still piecemeal, without an overall vision and plan. SEN still has work to do, as does the community in general.
During the 2010s, SEN did very technical work, and it continues to do so. However, SEN’s role has now evolved, and new skill sets are required. We need people who are skilled in media communications, writing and presenting, so we can get our messages out to the public. We also need people with administrative skills to keep the organisation functioning.
You don’t need to be an energy system expert to play a useful role with SEN in practically decarbonising Western Australia. If you think you can play a role, please contact us at contact@sen.asn.au.
Header image: The SEN logo
[Opinions expressed are those of the author and not official policy of Greens WA]