Emerging energy leaders called to step forward as national Consumer Grid Summit dates are announced 

THURSDAY 17 MARCH

RACE for 2030 is calling on the current and future generation of energy sector leaders to be part of a new national initiative to help shape the future of Australia’s electricity system, with dates now confirmed and Expressions of Interest applications open. 

The Consumer Grid Summit 2026, confirmed today for 24–25 June in Sydney, will bring together current and emerging leaders from industry, government, regulation, research, and consumer advocacy to develop practical options for navigating the next phase of Australia’s energy transition. 

The Summit will be preceded by a series of Grid Transformation Masterclasses, running online from May to June, designed to build a shared foundation of knowledge and practical tools, while strengthening participants’ leadership capability and cross‑sector networks. Up to 100 participants will be selected for five two‑hour Masterclasses on 13 May, 20 May, 3 June, 10 June and 17 June. 

A shortlist from the Masterclasses will be invited to progress to the two‑day, in‑person Summit, which will be conducted under the Chatham House Rule to enable candid, high‑value discussion. 

RACE for 2030 CEO Bill Lilley said the current moment demanded a step change in how the sector collaborates and leads. 

“In the past year alone, we’ve seen milestones that show Australia’s energy transition is no longer theoretical, it’s happening in real time,” Dr Lilley said. 

“But while technology and consumer uptake are moving fast, progress is uneven. The energy sector is being challenged to get the most out of a new system with enormous potential, and making sure the benefits are shared equitably.” 

“The challenge now isn’t ambition or technology, it’s alignment. We have talent, momentum and powerful new tools, but we need better ways to bring people together, share understanding, and turn insight into coordinated action.” 

Dr Lilley said pairing emerging leaders with established decision‑makers was essential to building the capability and confidence the energy sector needs at this moment of rapid change. 

“The energy transition is being reshaped faster than our institutions were designed to adapt, and that means we need to be developing the next generation of leaders now.” Dr Lilley said. 

“The real value comes from bringing emerging and experienced leaders into the same space, working on the same challenges. That’s where fresh perspectives meet institutional knowledge, and where new solutions start to emerge.” 

“For participants, this isn’t just about contributing to a national conversation, it’s about building the skills, relationships, and systems‑level understanding they’ll need to lead through the next phase of the transition.” 

Dr Lilley said RACE for 2030’s role as a neutral convenor is central to the initiative’s design. 

“RACE for 2030 sits at the intersection of research, industry, innovation and policy, which allows us to convene these conversations in a trusted and candid way,” he said. 

“This isn’t about replacing existing processes, it’s about strengthening them by building shared views about the future and supporting more coherent action across the system.” 

The Summit will culminate in a shared collaborative vision that the sector can commit to, setting out practical, least‑regrets pathways to support a cleaner, more affordable and more equitable electricity system, complementing existing policy and regulatory frameworks. 

“What this work shows is that we already have agency over the future of the electricity system,” Dr Lilley said.  

“By working together and using the right tools, we can move faster and with more confidence.” 

RACE for 2030 is inviting EOIs from current and emerging leaders who want to contribute to shaping Australia’s future electricity system and build capability to lead through the next phase of the transition. 

Visit the website for more information and to register future interest.