Craigpine Energy Management Partnership

DETA Consulting was privileged to attend the 2025 Australian Renewable Heat Conference, an event marked by practical insights and strategic collaboration for accelerating Australia’s industrial decarbonisation journey. Over two days, leading manufacturers, energy innovators, government representatives, and consultants came together to address the real-world challenges and opportunities in transitioning to renewable heat. Day 1: Practical Pathways to Decarbonisation The event commenced with a Welcome to Country by Aunty Joan Bell, grounding the audience in the need for meaningful action that supports both environmental objectives and local communities. Keynote presentations underscored the urgency of decarbonising industrial heat—framing emissions reduction as both an ethical imperative and a commercial opportunity. Speakers delivered a clear message: industrial heat decarbonisation is no longer a distant goal, but an immediate, actionable challenge. The morning’s second session explored digitalisation and AI as enablers for renewable heat. For DETA Consulting and our clients, the role of digital controls, advanced analytics, and flexible demand management was a standout theme. Presenters demonstrated how smart systems and integrated energy efficiency strategies are already delivering measurable reductions in energy use and emissions. Flexible demand and digital optimisation are rapidly becoming standard practice for proactive, forward-thinking industrial energy management. Electrification was the defining topic of the afternoon. In dedicated sessions, attendees learned from real world case studies highlighting the deployment of heat pumps, mechanical vapour recompression (MVR), resistance heaters, and e-boilers. Technology providers and end-users shared practical advice on project scoping, integration, and operational outcomes. For DETA Consulting, the takeaway was clear: businesses across Australia are successfully retrofitting and upgrading industrial operations with electrified heat solutions, achieving energy cost reductions and compliance for net zero targets. Another key highlight was the discussion on engaging retailers and networks to de-risk and deliver renewable heat projects. Practical strategies for partnership and commercial model innovation were shared—essential intelligence for consultants guiding clients through complex energy procurement and project delivery environments. Sessions also drew attention to the evolving regulatory context, outlining how collaboration among stakeholders is expanding support for industrial decarbonisation. The day concluded with the 2025 Australian Renewable Heat Awards, recognising leadership and operational excellence in electrification, biomass, and renewable gas adoption. Networking sessions fostered valuable peer connections, furthering the collaborative environment necessary to bring decarbonisation projects from concept to reality. 

Renewable energy has rapidly become one of the most transformative forces reshaping industry, commerce, and society. As organisations face mounting pressure to reduce emissions, cut operational costs, and strengthen their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, understanding renewable energy is no longer optional - it is a strategic necessity. Businesses now need to adjust how they look at renewable energy, from a short-term compliance issue into a long-term opportunity, recognising renewable energy integration as a driver of efficiency, resilience, and competitive advantage. It may feel daunting at first, but once you can see the advantages, we think you’ll find the impact and opportunities of renewable energy on your business incredibly exciting. Defining renewable energy: the foundation of sustainable business Renewable energy refers to natural energy sources that replenish themselves over human timescales, making them effectively inexhaustible. Unlike fossil fuels, which take millions of years to form and release harmful greenhouse gases when burned, renewable sources offer clean, sustainable alternatives capable of powering a modern economy while reducing environmental harm. The main types of renewable energy include: Solar power : harnessing sunlight through photovoltaic panels or solar thermal systems. Wind energy : generating electricity from turbines powered by air movement. Hydropower : producing electricity from the flow of water in rivers or dams. Geothermal energy : using heat from beneath the Earth’s crust. Biomass energy : converting organic materials into fuel or power. Tidal and wave energy : capturing the natural movement of oceans. Together, these solutions form the foundation of sustainable business energy strategies.