“Certainty and continuity:” Bowen locks in Arena chief for another three years

Darren Miller will serve another three years as CEO of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, his 2024 reappointment locked in eight months early by the Albanese government as it strives to meet its 2030 clean energy and climate targets.

Federal energy minister Chris Bowen said on Tuesday that Miller would commence a third term heading up Arena on August 17, 2024, a decision the government was announcing now “to ensure certainty and continuity … during a period of substantial growth.”

“Darren has done a tremendous job leading Arena through a new strategic approach optimising the electricity transition and will continue its success accelerating clean energy innovation to move Australia toward net zero,” Bowen said.

Since taking up the reins at Arena in 2018, Miller has overseen the commitment of over $940 million for more than 245 projects. In the last financial year, alone, $540 million was committed to 60 projects, representing the largest amount of funding ever committed by the federal government funded agency.

Among the key tasks ahead for Arena include the delivery of the federal government’s $2 billion Hydrogen Headstart program and the push to produce ultra low cost solar energy generation technology.

Arena chair Justin Punch says Miller both “conceived and brought to reality” the agency’s solar 30-30-30 program, has led transformational large-scale battery initiatives and designed and launched the Hydrogen Headstart program.

“Darren has led ARENA through an unprecedented period of growth and impact in recent years, with clear strategy and outstanding execution,” Punch said.

“His reappointment will provide much needed stability as ARENA helps Australia successfully execute this next vital stage of its energy transition.”

Miller, who prior to joining Arena was co-founder of electricity retailer Mojo Power, was first appointed to head up the agency by the former Coalition government, taking over from founding CEO Ivor Frischknecht.

Then energy minister Josh Frydenberg said at the time that Miller’s experience in the renewable energy and electricity retail sectors and in start-ups aligned well with Arena’s mandate.

Miller said this week that he remained “passionate and committed” to Arena’s work and that there was still “much to do” on the road to net zero.

“Arena’s success wouldn’t have happened without the skilled and committed team,” he said.

“They work hard to ensure funding goes towards the most promising technologies and projects throughout Australia and share that knowledge to help accelerate the energy transition.”