Former AEMO boss Zibelman to advise Forrest’s Squadron on green energy transition

Andrew Forrest’s Squadron Energy has named the former head of the Australian Energy Market Operator Audrey Zibelman to its advisory board, continuing the billionaire green energy evangelist’s pursuit of the brightest talent in the industry.

Zibelman is currently vice-president of X, the so-called “moonshot factory” that is focused on breakthrough technologies that can facilitate and fast-track the switch to green energy.

The appointment of Zibelman to the advisory board of Squadron, owned directly by Forrest’s family interests, is expected to be followed by other big names as Forrest continues to surround himself with leading figures in the climate and energy world.

At Fortescue, Forrest has already enlisted the help of former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull in an advisory role to his green energy venture Fortescue Future Industries, where he has also hired former Reserve Bank deputy CEO Guy Debelle and the former head of AGL Andrew Vesey.

Squadron is funding its own large scale energy projects that will feed into the green hydrogen ambitions of FFI.

It owns a majority stake in renewable energy developer Windlab, and has begun construction of the first stage of the Clarke Creek project in Queensland, which promises to be the biggest wind, solar and battery hybrid.

It is also, more controversially, proposing to build an LNG import hub in the Illawarra, and a dual gas and hydrogen power station at Port Kembla.

“Squadron Energy is supporting the energy system’s transition to renewable power sources,” Zibelman said in a statement.

“Rapid decarbonisation can be achieve, and we need innovative businesses like Squadron Energy to help lead the change.”

Squadron’s recently appointed CEO Eva Hanley said Zibelman would provide valuable advice as the business evolves, and said the former AEMO boss has “worked tirelessly” to make energy clean, reliable and affordable.

“Australia can become a green energy superpower and we want to bring the investment and capability to do this,” Hanley said in the statement.