Today is World Environment Day. Over recent months, many of us have spent more time in our home surroundings. With more time to reflect, I hope we better appreciate the importance of our environment and reflect on sustainability and our interaction with our ecosystem.

Globally, and particularly in Australia, business is walking the talk on energy innovation – and it is cause for excitement.

We are now, more than ever, seeing strong interest in hydrogen globally including power generation, zero-emission fuel cell transport (cars, buses, trucks, trains, ships, forklifts, aerospace), energy storage, and industrial uses.

It’s getting hotter and Australia is talking battery storage and whether the Telsa battery in South Australia will help keep the lights on.

Australia is in an energy crisis. The current state of pain is clearly understood with mountains of reports, submissions, analysis, policy announcements, and tweets.

A fundamental shift is needed in energy policy to provide a sure path for Australia to meet its emission reduction obligations while ensuring a reliable and affordable supply for customers.

The days and weeks ahead are vital for engaging stakeholders and state governments on the national energy plan’s merits. It won’t please everyone and the detail still needs to be worked through.

The Finkel Report is being lauded as a ‘once in a generation’ energy review. Let’s not waste this opportunity. This is not a report that can go on the shelf.

When the lights went off and all power went out in South Australia on 28 September last year, public commentary was quick to blame renewables.