Malaya Toll and Andrew Steer, both with 25+ years leading digital transformation and utility systems across Australia and internationally, join Greg and Neil to discuss the national electricity market reform roadmap and delivery challenges. They examine whether NEM reform is on track for 2026 milestones, revealing NEM is slightly behind schedule despite momentum shifts across the industry. Key topics include the surprising success of community batteries in expanding energy access, supply failing to meet surging demand from EVs and data centres, the overwhelming complexity of overlapping regulations, workforce constraints, and the case for distribution system operators (DSOs) to manage low-voltage networks autonomously. They also explore how customer information systems must evolve to support flexible trading arrangements, and why regulatory frameworks need standardisation across geographies.

(02:42) Is the NEM on track or falling behind 2026 milestones

(05:52) Community batteries as a raging success story

(21:32) Reform fatigue shifting to industry momentum

(33:51) Data centre load growth and grid stress challenges

(40:24) Low voltage network visibility and DSO model benefits

The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with.

Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only.
Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations.

Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media.

To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io

Paul Geason, CEO of Wave Swell Energy, brings 25+ years of senior utility and infrastructure leadership to commercialise world-leading wave energy technology. Wave Swell's oscillating water column design replicates natural blowholes with no moving parts in water—a critical advantage after decades of competitor failures. The King Island demonstration achieved 50% energy conversion efficiency (the highest published in industry) and proved two-plus years of durability in harsh ocean conditions. Paul explores how wave energy complements intermittent solar and wind, reduces battery storage requirements, and dramatically lowers overall system costs. He discusses data centre module integration for AI compute, coastal infrastructure partnerships from Taiwan (500+ MW potential) to Tonga and Canada, and nearshore shaft technology placing all infrastructure on land. Wave Swell's capital-light partnership model enables global scaling.

(03:00) From telecommunications to renewable energy transition

(05:11) How oscillating water column technology works

(07:51) King Island trial: efficiency and durability proof

(15:00) Complementing wind and solar variable renewables

(22:42) Taiwan project and coastal infrastructure integration

(39:00) 2030 vision and political will requirements

The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with.

Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only.
Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations.

Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media.

To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io

Daniel Batten, climate tech investor, ESG analyst, and co-founder of CH4 Capital, challenges the widespread perception that Bitcoin mining is an environmental villain. Instead, he makes the case that Bitcoin mining can become the essential shock absorber for grids managing simultaneous unpredictability: surging renewable energy supply and spiking AI data centre demand. With 80% of operational costs tied to electricity, Bitcoin miners are uniquely incentivised to monetise stranded renewable energy and provide unmatched grid flexibility through demand response. Daniel explores how his firm weaponises Bitcoin mining to mitigate methane emissions from landfills—converting this gas 84 times more warming than CO₂ into carbon-negative electricity. He discusses permaculture approaches to mining, trials for grid operators, and why energy literacy remains the barrier to policymaker adoption of this counterintuitive climate solution.

(00:00) Introduction and the energy transition paradox

(01:48) What is Bitcoin and Bitcoin mining explained

(05:00) Why Bitcoin mining matters to energy utilities

(08:56) Fact or fiction: energy consumption myths

(14:29) Daniel's aha moment on environmental impact

(22:13) Permaculture approach and ecosystem thinking

(34:54) CH4 Capital and landfill methane mitigation

The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with.

Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only.
Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations.

Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media.

To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io