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WOMEN IN NET-ZERO FUTURE
WOMEN IN NET-ZERO FUTURE
“Women in Net-Zero Future 2026” Open Room
Theme: Leading Change, Powering Impact: Women Driving the Next Phase of Energy Transition
Date: 9 July 2026
Time: 10:00 – 12:00
Venue: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC), Exhibition Centre Door 9–10
Admission: Free for all sponsors, speakers, delegates, and visitors
Introduction:
As the clean energy industry moves from ambition to large-scale implementation, the Women in Net-Zero Future 2026 Open Room will celebrate and empower female leaders who are turning net-zero strategies into tangible results.
This year’s program focuses on women leading delivery — from pioneering renewable projects and developing low-carbon fuels and carbon solutions, to accelerating energy development, shaping equitable workforce policies, and advancing sustainable innovation.
Through thought-provoking keynotes and interactive panel dialogues, the forum will highlight the real-world impact of women who are redefining leadership, overcoming systemic barriers, and inspiring the next generation of energy transition champions.
Discussion Highlights:
From Vision to Action: Female leadership in delivering large-scale renewable and clean energy projects
Innovation with Impact: How women are driving technology, investment, and policy breakthroughs
Workforce, Diversity & Empowerment: Building inclusive ecosystems and pathways for women across the energy value chain
Next-Gen Leadership: Mentoring, upskilling, and inspiring future female professionals in the net-zero era
Nicola Falcon
Executive General Manager System Design
Australian Energy Market Operator
Jenny Selway
Chief Executive Officer
HILT CRC
Allison Hortle
Science Director
CSIRO Energy
Electra Davies
General Manager, People & Experience
Momentum Energy
2026 Program Agenda
10:00 - 10:05
05 mins
Opening Welcome
10:05 - 10:15
10 mins
[Keynote] Women at the Frontline of the Energy Transition: Turning Ambition into Impact
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An inspirational address by a senior industry leader highlighting how female leadership is shaping the delivery of clean energy projects — from wind and hydrogen to CCUS and decarbonized fuels — and how collaboration, resilience, and innovation drive measurable progress toward net-zero.
10:15 - 10:45
30 mins
[Fireside Talk] Leading with Purpose: Redefining Success in the Net-Zero Era
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A conversation between influential women exploring what “purpose-driven leadership” means in today’s energy industry — balancing business outcomes, sustainability goals, and social responsibility.
Nicola Falcon
Executive General Manager System Design
Australian Energy Market Operator
10:45 - 11:25
40 mins
[Panel] Delivering the Transition: How Women Leading Real-World Projects in Clean Energy
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Women leading large-scale renewable, fuels, and decarbonization projects
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Overcoming challenges in project financing, permitting, and technology deployment
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Building cross-sector partnerships and regional collaboration
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Case studies from Australia and APAC markets
Jenny Selway
Chief Executive Officer
HILT CRC
Allison Hortle
Science Director
CSIRO Energy
11:25 - 12:00
35 mins
[Panel] Empowering the Next Generation: Inclusion, Skills, and Future Leadership
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Creating pathways for women in STEM, operations, and executive leadership
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The role of mentorship, training, and workplace transformation
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Building an inclusive culture that drives innovation and retention
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Preparing young professionals for the next wave of clean energy jobs
