Griffith And UQ Host Landmark NEMDEV Conference Shaping Australia's Energy Future

Leaders from across Australia's energy sector gathered in Brisbane last week for the National Electricity Market Development Conference 2025 (NEMDEV2025), hosted by the Griffith University's Centre for Applied Energy Economics and Policy Research (CAEEPR), in collaboration with the University of Queensland's Gas & Energy Transition Research Centre (GETRC).

Held at Sofitel Brisbane Central from 7-8 October, the two-day conference brought together policymakers, regulators, academics, and industry professionals to explore reform pathways for Australia's National Electricity Market (NEM) amid the country's accelerating energy transition.

Co-chaired by Professor Magnus Söderberg, Director of CAEEPR, and Professor David Close, Director of the GETRC at the University of Queensland, NEMDEV2025 provided a unique forum for constructive and evidence-based dialogue.

"The energy transition is a challenge that affects every part of Australian society," Professor Söderberg said. "By bringing together people from government, industry, research, and regional communities, we can work towards shared, practical solutions for the National Electricity Market."

Designed as an inclusive event, NEMDEV fosters open and respectful discussion among diverse stakeholders, including local governments, regional organisations, and early-career professionals, voices often underrepresented in mainstream energy forums.

"An open dialogue that draws on expertise throughout Australia's energy sector is our best opportunity to form a shared vision for the National Electricity Market."

Professor Söderberg added.

Keynote presentations were delivered by Professor Paul Simshauser AM, CEO of Powerlink Queensland, and Associate Professor Tim Nelson, Chair of the Review of the National Electricity Market.

Professor Simshauser highlighted the importance of designing an electricity system that balances reliability, affordability, and sustainability, while maintaining investor confidence and supporting new technologies.

"Our market design must evolve to meet the realities of a high-renewable grid," Professor Simshauser said. "That means forward-thinking policy, flexible infrastructure, and a continued commitment to transparency and collaboration."

Associate Professor Nelson discussed the ongoing Review of the National Electricity Market, emphasising the role of integrated planning, regulatory reform, and system modelling in ensuring Australia's long-term energy security.

"The NEM must be both adaptable and fair," he said. "Conferences like this help align the many moving parts, from industry investment to community engagement, that underpin our transition."

Over two days, the conference explored key themes including:

  • Reliability, affordability, and sustainability
  • Market reform and system design
  • Energy system modelling and integrated planning
  • Risks and opportunities in the energy transition

Following keynote sessions, delegates participated in interactive panel discussions with the audience in the room, encouraging open dialogue and collaboration.

Day one concluded with a networking reception, providing opportunities for attendees to connect with peers across sectors in a relaxed setting.

"NEMDEV isn't about promoting a single view," said Professor Close. "It's about creating a trustworthy, neutral space where people can discuss different pathways forward. That's essential for building a resilient, low-emissions electricity system."

At the core of the conference is the work of CAEEPR, which uses advanced National Electricity Market models to assess the impact of policy decisions and market reforms. The Centre's mission is to maximise the energy sector's potential to achieve emission reductions and contribute to inclusive, sustainable economic growth across Australia.

"CAEEPR's research provides the analytical foundation for discussions like those we've had at NEMDEV," Professor Söderberg said. "By combining data-driven insights with open collaboration, we can ensure policy decisions are grounded in both evidence and practical experience."

For more information about CAEEPR and its research, visit griffith.edu.au/caeepr

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