EcoGen 2011 presentation profile: engagement for wind power

Dr Sandra Nielsen, Specialist Social Scientist for planning and construction consultancy Entura, will present strategies for better engagement with the local communities who host wind energy projects during the EcoGen 2011 Conference’s wind-related forum.

The presentation will identify a range of factors that create high levels of community anxiety and additional scrutiny in relation to wind projects, and will present a methodology that participants in the clean energy sector can use to improve the way they engage with local communities.

Dr Nielsen has worked as a consultant for over 15 years, specialising in preparing and undertaking community consultation programs, and regularly conducts socio-economic impact assessments for renewable infrastructure projects in both urban and rural environments.

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Dr Nielsen’s presentation will begin at 4:30pm on Day One, Monday 5 September. EcoGen 2011 presentation profile: geothermal prospects heating up

Terry Kallis, Managing Director of Australian geothermal exploration company Petratherm, will provide a snapshot of Australia’s geothermal energy industry when he presents a case study on the Paralana Geothermal Energy Project at the EcoGen 2011 Conference.

The project, a joint venture between Petratherm, Beach Energy and TRUenergy Geothermal, is located close to the northern Flinders Ranges in South Australia.

This presentation will delve into the development processes for engineered geothermal system projects such as Paralana, and will explain how Petratherm is seeking to exploit the energy from deeply buried granites by creating and enhancing existing micro-fracture networks to develop a geothermal reservoir.

Mr Kallis has more than 30 years’ experience in the Australian energy sector; his previously-held positions include Chief Financial Officer of ETSA Corporation and Executive Manager of Networks for ElectraNet SA.

Mr Kallis is the Deputy Chairman of the Australian Geothermal Energy Association (AGEA) and is also AGEA’s representative to the Australian Energy Market Commission’s Stakeholder Committee Review of Australia’s energy market.

Mr Kallis will deliver his presentation during the Conference’s geothermal deep drilling session at 3:30pm on Day Two, Tuesday 6 September.