2025 REIIF: Spotlighting the clean energy transition in regional Australia

The fourth annual Regional Development Australia (RDA) Orana Resources, Energy, and Industry Innovation Forum (REIIF) is on again in Dubbo this week. Featuring 42 expert speakers and industry leaders, the 2025 program will take a deep dive into the energy transition through the lens of circularity, fosteringcollaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth within the Orana region and beyond.

Taking place from Wednesday June 18 through to Friday June 20, the three-day forum will bring together key stakeholders, policymakers, academics, and innovators to explore and discuss groundbreaking strategies and solutions driving Australia’s clean energy transition in key sectors including resources, workforce and migration.

RDA Orana CEO Justine Campbell said the event is an opportunity to have powerful conversations, connect and collaborate with industry experts and explore the latest innovations and practices in the energy and resources industries.

“With regional NSW doing much of the initial heavy lifting in the energy transition, we want to ensure that our regions, particularly the Orana, are benefitting from emerging technology and new industries, fostering job creation and economic growth,” said Ms Campbell.

“Being a part of Australia’s first Renewable Energy Zone puts our region in a unique position. The Forum will address the impacts on regional NSW and work towards problem-solving for workforce, skills, and community engagement, including initiatives targeting industry, energy, resources, migration, and the circular economy.”

Day 1 of the program will feature a series of Orana region project updates, including EnergyCo, ACEREZ, Port of Newcastle and NBN, alongside three panel discussions focused on the key themes of energy, resources, workforce, and migration. These sessions will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the Orana region and inland Australia as they navigate the energy transition, resource innovation, and the future workforce.

Day 2 will be the Energy + Circularity Summit, new to the REIIF program for 2025, and co-hosted with Circular PV Alliance. It will offer a dedicated exploration of how the energy sector can shift from traditional linear models of production and consumption to a circular economy approach. The Summit will bring together stakeholders to view the energy transition through the lens of circularity, collaboratively identifying what is needed from government, community, and private enterprise to build an integrated and sustainable energy ecosystem.

Day 3 will showcase firsthand the infrastructure supporting energy development in the Orana region, with a tour and overview of the workforce accommodation site and energy hub for ACEREZ - the organisation appointed by EnergyCo to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Orana Renewable Energy Zone transmission network.

“Our region is in a period of rapid cahnge. The REIFF event will allow us to identify opportunities for collaboration, encourage the adoption of sustainable practices, and highlight the impact of renewable energy projects on our communities,” concluded Ms Campbell.

For further information on the full program, sessions, and speakers, please visit https://resourcesenergyinnovation.com.au/

This event is proudly supported by Essential Energy, EnergyCo, Dubbo Regional Council and ACEREZ.