Conference Day Speakers - Utility Scale Solar

Philippe has extensive experience in utility-scale grid-connected PV experience in Australia, as well as remote area PV hybrid mini-grids in the Pacific. His skillset bridges the technical, managerial and financial aspects of renewable energy projects, having worked variously as lead design engineer, project manager, contract manager, and financial analyst. His experience both as client-side engineer and as lead design engineer have given him a good understanding of the real-world challenges facing project developers, designers, owners, and end-users.

Al Yates is the CEO of Ecotricity, New Zealand’s first and only Toitū climate positive certified 100% renewable electricity provider. Ecotricity are leaders in supporting the independent development of rooftop and large scale solar farms and the rollout of high powered EV chargers. Al has served on the board of the New Zealand Wind Energy Association, ChargeNet, the Market Development Advisory group for the EA. Al has been involved in the telco sector through founding Brightpoint NZ and wind industry and is a co-founder of Snowplanet.

Josie joined Northpower in 2011, as its legal counsel and moved into an executive role managing the Electricity network in 2017. Prior to that she worked in a range of legal roles in the utilities, construction and professional services industries, both in NZ and the UK. In her current role, Josie is responsible for managing Northpower’s electricity network, including engineering, asset strategy and investment, customer, operational, commercial, and regulatory functions. She is currently President of the NZ Electricity Engineers Association, having been on the Board since 2018. Josie is a member of the Institute of Directors, has been a director of Northpower Fibre Ltd. Josie is passionate about ensuring the electricity network continually evolves to meet consumers’ needs, and believes that collaboration both internally and across industry is essential if we are to adapt and learn at pace to meet our customers’ needs.

Matt has an extensive history and background in infrastructure and energy investment, a senior professional with over 20 years’ experience across Aotearoa New Zealand and offshore markets. He has held senior roles in New Zealand and London and has advised both government and private-sector clients on asset development and procurement, raising structured debt and equity, joint ventures and partnerships, and other corporate transactions. He is currently Head of Specialised Lending at ASB Bank, where he supports infrastructure, energy and other real asset investments. His transaction experience spans New Zealand, Australia, Europe, and the United States, and he brings a practical, commercially grounded approach to the New Zealand market.

Raj joined Northpower in 2008 and is currently GM of Engineering & Operations, responsible for the delivery of maintenance and capital works programme, engineering and 24/7 operation of the Network. Starting out as a graduate engineer, over the last 15 years Raj has held a range of roles within the company, encompassing project management, substation design, construction, testing, and commissioning and protection schemes. This broad experience, gained both on Northpower's Network and across the Pacific, has given Raj a strong focus on ensuring optimal technical, commercial and safety outcomes. Raj's passion lies in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the electricity distribution network and at the same time designing a future-ready network for evolving customer needs and technologies.

With over 15 years of experience, Rogier is a noteworthy leader with extensive business knowledge of the residential, commercial, and utility solar and BESS sectors. Rogier’s goals include accelerating Aotearoa’s decarbonisation by delivering innovative clean energy, storage and electrification solutions. In addition, he harbours a solid commitment to assisting SEANZ members in navigating and front footing the rapidly growing large-scale commercial and Gigawatt utility solar sectors. His vast experience, clear communication, and ability to be decisive in business will help SEANZ fulfil its trifecta vision!

Scott Walls is Managing Director of Drillco and New Energy. Scott studied and graduated from the University of Waikato with a Masters in Technology Management. After 30 years delivering projects and programmes in New Zealand and North America Scott bought his passion and drive for innovation to the Renewable Energy Sector. In the last four years New Energy has been hugely successful delivering projects in Wind and Utility Scale Solar.

Presenting the Transpower perspective on grid access and utility solar development.

Alan joined Northpower in 2018 and is the Network’s Business Development Manager. Alan is responsible for overseeing the Network’s stakeholder management, including industrial customers, councils, hapu, community leaders, and interested parties for key projects. Alan also owns the relationship management of large scale distributed generation developers, supporting the development of energy generation in our region. With over 20 years of experience in the contract and commercial space in the technology and infrastructure sectors, Alan is a proud Northlander and wants to see the region thrive in a sustainable way. Being part of New Zealand’s decarbonisation story by supporting development of renewable energy in the North is both exciting and rewarding.

Matt is a Chartered Engineer and Principal Consultant, with over 20 years’ experience in the distribution and transmission industry in New Zealand, Australia, and the UK. Matt has worked with multiple consultancy companies leading the delivery of major substations design and design, build and deliver projects for many customers. Matt is excited to be a leader of transformation of the NZ power system to be 100% renewable, sustainable and carbon neutral.