Conference delegates dived into day one, with speakers covering topics including policy change, increased federal spending and Australia taking the lead from Europe, America and China in renewable investment.

The second day of the event began with a panel session focusing on global industry chaired by Phil Harrington, Executive Manager for Climate Change with pitt&sherry. Members of the discussion panel included The Hon. Peter Rae, Vicky Sharpe and Nils Voermann. A highlight of the day was an appeal by Greens Senator Christine Milne during a keynote address for the clean energy industry to unite in order to pave a way forward.

Citing conflict between factions within the energy efficiency industry as an example of how infighting can halt real progress, Senator Milne said that the unique minority government scenario that will be in place for the next three years is a fantastic opportunity for the clean and renewable energy industries to push for real policy changes, only if the kind of changes sought can be agreed upon, and agreed upon quickly.

Also evoking a lot of questions was The Hon. Greg Hunt, Federal Shadow Minister for Climate Action and Heritage. Mr Hunt went into detail about the three-tiered Liberal Direct Action climate plan. The plan includes $50 million of spending on a solar towns demonstration program, and $50 million on a solar flagships for schools program, as well as an emissions reduction fund proposed to finance the purchase of carbon abatements.

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The Gala Dinner concluded the day, hosted by Aaron Wood, 2007 Prime Minister’s Environmentalist of the Year. Attendees witnessed the inaugural EcoGen 2010 Clean Energy Industry Awards and enjoyed an address from comedian Peter Berner, host of ABC TV's The Einstein Factor.

Streamed sessions on solar, geothermal and energy efficiency were the focus of the morning on day three. John Grimes, CEO of the Australian Solar Energy Society, chaired the solar stream; Susan Jeanes, CEO of the Australian Geothermal Energy Association chaired a session on geothermal energy; and the session on industrial energy efficiency was chaired by Rob Murray-Leach, CEO EEC.

The day concluded with streamed sessions on water, bioenergy and hydrogen – with all speakers providing new insight into these technologies.

Following the success of the event, EcoGen 2010 would like to thank the event sponsors for their support and looks forward to seeing you at the bigger and better EcoGen 2011 event in Brisbane.