ASRC 2018 Energy Security Forum

Featuring two authors previously published by ASRC, Mike Clarke and Duncan Seddon and speakers from the Commonwealth, the 2018 ASRC Energy Security Forum will examine threats to our energy infrastructure, risks to Australia’s ongoing energy supply and what can be done to address the threats and mitigate the risks.  The Opening Address will be delivered by Dr Kerry Schott AO, Independent Chair of the Energy Security Board.

Energy supply is the cornerstone of our developed civilisation. Energy is required for all facets of our lives, and without adequate energy our existence, in the way we have become accustomed, will be jeopardised.

Australia is very vulnerable to failures in the supply of energy, liquid fuels, electricity and natural gas. As shown by the events in South Australia in September 2016, the loss of energy supply to a business is a major threat to the operation of that business and thus its continuity. The loss of energy supply to a community can move from an inconvenience to one of panic and become a cause of political instability leading to challenges to government from a range of groups. For some businesses fuel/power is a major component and thus a critical business requirement; for others, although fuel/power might be a minor expense, interruption of supply can cause serious losses. Furthermore, supply interruption of fuel/power may have consequences on basic life requirements such as food and potable water supply with a consequential impact on the continuity of government and national security.

Energy security is not improving in any of the sectors of concern. The confused debate on electricity generation and pricing proves this point. Energy security in other areas of liquid fuels is largely ignored and ad hoc mechanisms are proposed for solving gas supply problems.

This workshop will address the potential for serious energy supply disruption and canvas some of the actions required to prevent disaster.

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea and conference pack provided.

Venue
SMC Function and Conference Centre
66 Goulburn St, Sydney

Date
27th February 2018
8:30am-5:00pm