Dr Lars Schernikau is a renowned energy economist and keynote speaker at global energy and commodity forums. His latest book, The Unpopular Truth… about Electricity and the Future of Energy, discusses the “energy transition” and how to meet global growing energy demand from an energy economic point of view.

With two decades immersed in the commodity industry, Lars’ journey began at The Boston Consulting Group (USA and Germany) from 1997 to 2003. He also has personal commercial experience in the industry as a co-founder, shareholder, and former board member of the supervisory board at both HMS Bergbau AG and IchorCoal NV – German-based, publicly listed, international commodity marketing and mining companies.

Germany’s “Energiewende” has progressed further than most country’s Energy Transitions with reports that 58.1% of her electricity was produced by renewables in the first quarter of this year. This experience and the lessons from it should be invaluable in a country that hopes to have 82% produced from renewables in just 6 years time in 2030.

Dr Schernikau’s presentation will be followed by a panel discussion where he will be joined by serial mining entrepreneur Nick Jorss, of Bowen Basin Coal and Ballymore Resources, and Steven Boxall, CEO Resources Centre of Excellence.

Bowen Basin Coal is a metallurgical coal producer, and Ballymore Resources explores for copper, gold and critical minerals in Queensland. Nick holds a Bachelor with Honours in Civil Engineering from the University of Queensland, a Master of Business Administration from the University of NSW (AGSM) and a Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance and Investment (FINSIA)

The Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) was established to connect the brightest minds in research, technology, education and METS to shape the resources sector of the future. It is based in Mackay. Steven is a resourceful and well-rounded business leader with a successful track record of being able to set, monitor and execute strategic business plans especially within complex frameworks and legislative environments. Steven has a unique skill set developed across a university education in business, Local Government as CEO, general management in a corporate environment and as managing director of a highly successful SME.