#5 Rotary Melbourne Speaker Series 29 July 2026 2 SD 480p

David Norman – Australia’s Energy Transition: Challenge, Opportunity and Reality Australia’s transition to a low-emissions economy is one of the most significant economic and engineering challenges in our nation’s history. At Rotary Melbourne, energy specialist David Norman drew on decades of international experience to explain why the transition is far more complex than simply replacing coal with renewable energy. In a thought-provoking presentation, David explores the realities of energy security, affordability and emissions reduction, highlighting the scale of investment required in electricity networks, storage, transport and industrial energy systems. He challenged many commonly held assumptions, arguing that practical engineering, disciplined project delivery and evidence-based decision making must underpin Australia’s path to net zero. The presentation prompted a lively discussion on major infrastructure projects, the importance of maintaining reliable and affordable energy supplies, and the need for governments to exercise stronger discipline in planning and delivering complex public investments. Throughout, David emphasised that successful energy policy demands long-term thinking rather than short-term political responses. This was an insightful and balanced presentation that encouraged members to think beyond slogans and engage with the technical, economic and governance challenges involved in transforming Australia’s energy future.