Queensland’s new publicly-owned electricity generator, CleanCo, has appointed its inaugural permanent Chief Executive Officer.
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Jackie Trad today confirmed Dr Maia Schweizer, an experienced executive, has been endorsed by the CleanCo board.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to improving competition in the wholesale electricity market and supporting the growth of Queensland’s renewable energy industry, through CleanCo’s mandate to build, own and operate new renewable generation,” Ms Trad said.
“Maia’s extensive global experience in energy and infrastructure means she is well positioned to lead the newly established CleanCo as the organisation prepares to begin trading in the Australian National Energy Market on 31 October,” she said.
The Deputy Premier said Dr Schweizer has experience in developing and delivering business strategies in continually evolving and fast-moving environments, achieving outstanding results.
“Maia is a strong leader who has a proven track record in building and leading high-performing teams, and for forging positive relationships with stakeholders across the board.”
Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said Dr Schweizer had the experience to deliver on CleanCo’s mandate, including completing the Renewables 400 Program to deliver up to 400 megawatts of new renewable energy projects in Queensland.
“The Palaszczuk Government is delivering for Queenslanders with the lowest average wholesale electricity prices on the eastern seaboard, reliable supply and a smooth transition to a renewable future,” he said.
“I look forward to Dr Schweizer and the CleanCo board also delivering for their shareholders, the people of Queensland, on price, reliability and renewables, to underpin new investment and jobs.”
CleanCo Chair, Ms Jacqui Walters welcomed Dr Schweizer’s appointment and said she has the skills to establish CleanCo as a dynamic business.
“The Board has full confidence that Maia will build CleanCo to be a truly competitive force in the energy market, focussed on improving electricity affordability and contributing to the achievement of Queensland’s 50 per cent renewable energy target by 2030.”
Dr Schweizer brings a wealth of experience including as a management consultant in McKinsey & Company’s London, Houston, Shanghai and Sydney offices. As a geoscientist, Dr Schweizer was awarded a PhD from Oxford University. Most recently she has held general management roles in the gas and retail businesses of Origin Energy.
Ms Walters also thanked Miles George, Interim CEO for the past seven months.
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Miles for taking on the role of Interim CEO. His experience, skills and knowledge have been invaluable in establishing CleanCo and preparing the business to commence trading on the Australian National Energy Market” Ms Walters said.
Dr Schweizer will commence as CEO of CleanCo on 30 September 2019, with Mr George to remain with the organisation for a period of time to support the transition.
About CleanCo
CleanCo Queensland Limited was created to build, own and operate new renewable generation as part of the Queensland Government’s Powering Queensland Plan which outlined the state’s strategy to guide the state through the short and long-term challenges facing Australia’s energy market.
The plan includes reforms to establish a new government-owned clean energy generator to improve competition in the wholesale electricity market and support the growth of Queensland’s renewable energy industry.
CleanCo was established as a government-owned corporation (GOC) under the Government Owned Corporations (CleanCo Queensland Limited) Amendment Regulation 2018 on17 December 2018 and an independent Board was appointed with effect from that date.
CleanCo’s activities will help to improve electricity affordability, contribute to the achievement of Queensland’s 50 per cent renewable energy target by 2030, support secure and reliable electricity generation, and create new investment and jobs in regional Queensland.
CleanCo’s target is to support 1,000MW of new renewable energy generation in Queensland by 2025 which will be achieved by building, owning and operating new renewable energy projects and by contracting the output from investment in new renewable projects by others.
Foundation assets include the Wivenhoe pumped storage hydro power station, Swanbank E gas power station, and three far north Queensland hydro-electric power stations including Kareeya, Barron Gorge and Koombooloomba. Ownership of these assets will be transferred from CS Energy and Stanwell Corporation to CleanCo on 31 October 2019, when trading commences.
