RenewEconomy’s Energy Insiders podcast wins prestigious industry award

RenewEconomy’s popular weekly Energy Insiders podcast has received a major industry gong, announced on Tuesday as a co-winner of the Clean Energy Council’s Media Award for 2023.

Energy Insiders, hosted by RenewEconomy editor Giles Parkinson and regular contributor and ITK analyst David Leitch, shares the award with the Guardian’s environment reporter Graham Readfern.

The co-winners were announced at an award ceremony at the NAB Gala dinner event at this year’s Australian Clean Energy Summit, in Sydney.

The CEC says the award acknowledges the Energy Insiders team’s work in “leading stories that have demonstrated a meaningful impact” on Australia’s energy transition.

“Our sector is navigating the greatest transformation of our economy since the Industrial Revolution, and this year’s award winners have led the way in delivering the benefits of clean, low-cost renewable energy to Australia’s future success and prosperity,” said CEC chief Kane Thornton.

Parkinson and Leitch have been producing the Energy Insiders podcast since 2016, and discuss leading players in the industry – including ministers, CEO and technology pioneers.

The most recent episode features federal energy minister Chris Bowen. There were nearly one million plays over 2022 in what has become a must-listen for the industry and those interested in the green energy transition.

Parkinson said he was honoured by the award and the recognition of the industry.

“David is the heart and soul and knowledge of the podcast, and it is so gratifying to have people tell us they are keen listeners, whether they are doing the washing, the weeding, or driving to work or sport. It’s been a lot of fun,” he said.

Other award winners include former New South Wales energy minister Matt Kean – another regular Energy Insiders podcast listener – who won the 2023 Outstanding Contribution to Clean Energy Award.

The CEC praised Kean for his “decisive political leadership in support of clean energy and … to drive the state’s clean energy transition in what is the biggest transition in the country – switching the biggest and most coal dependent grid to wind, solar and storage in little more than a decade.

Other CEC gongs included the Collaboration Award, this year won by Supply Solar; the First Nations Engagement and Participation Award, which went to the First Nations Clean Energy Network; and the Diversity and Inclusion Award, which was shared by Hydro Tasmania’s Lucy Aird and renewables developer RES.