The Great Energy Debate: Uhlmann and Griffith go head-to-head on Australia’s energy future
Chris Uhlmann and Dr Saul Griffith will go head to head in The Great Energy Debate – Watch the Video
Australia’s energy transition is no longer theoretical—it is a defining commercial challenge for every organisation that consumes or supplies energy.
At the centre of this conversation are competing viewpoints: one advocating rapid electrification and clean energy adoption, the other questioning cost, reliability and the practical realities of implementation.
At Sustainability Business Live 2026 (3–4 June, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre), these perspectives will come head-to-head in one of the most anticipated sessions of the year: The Great Energy Debate, featuring Dr Saul Griffith and Chris Uhlmann.
A different kind of energy event
What makes this debate—and the broader event—different is its commercial focus.
Sustainability Business Live is organised by Stirling Media, founded by well-known large-scale event organiser Craig Macfarlane. The event is designed specifically for business decision-makers, not just policy makers or technical specialists.
For the energy sector, this is a critical distinction.
This is not a niche or purely technical conference. It is a whole-of-business event, bringing together:
- Energy buyers (corporates, property, transport, infrastructure and industry)
- Sustainability and ESG leaders
- Finance, procurement and operations teams
- Energy providers, innovators and solution partners
In short, it is where energy meets commercial decision-making.
Backed by industry
The strength of the event is reflected in the calibre of organisations already involved, including energy-focused partners such as Flow Systems and SEC Victoria.
Their involvement signals that this is not just another industry gathering—it is a platform where serious commercial conversations are taking place.
Why this debate matters now
Australian businesses are under increasing pressure to:
- Reduce emissions
- Comply with climate reporting requirements
- Manage rising and volatile energy costs
- Maintain operational reliability
For many organisations—particularly in manufacturing, logistics, construction and property—energy is a core business input, not just a sustainability issue.
This creates a fundamental tension:
- How fast should the transition occur?
- What technologies will deliver real value?
- How do businesses balance cost, risk and long-term outcomes?
These are the questions that Griffith and Uhlmann will tackle directly.
Built for energy users
A defining feature of Sustainability Business Live is its focus on end users of energy.
Rather than focusing solely on policy or generation, the event addresses the practical realities faced by organisations that consume energy at scale:
- Reducing cost while decarbonising
- Navigating supplier and technology choices
- Meeting reporting obligations
- Turning sustainability into commercial advantage
For energy professionals, this offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with the buyers and decision-makers driving demand.
Moving beyond the echo chamber
Energy debates are often held within like-minded circles.
The Great Energy Debate has been deliberately designed to challenge that—bringing together two informed but contrasting perspectives in front of a commercially focused audience.
For attendees, the value lies in gaining a balanced, real-world understanding of the transition and what it means for business.
Why attend
For anyone working in or around the energy sector—whether in supply, advisory, infrastructure or as a large-scale user—this session offers a chance to:
- Hear two leading voices debate the future of energy
- Challenge assumptions and test prevailing narratives
- Understand the commercial implications of transition decisions
- Connect with a broader business audience than traditional energy events
In a time of rapid change, clarity is a competitive advantage. For those serious about where Australia’s energy future is heading—and what it means for business—this is a conversation not to be missed.
Exclusive offer
Readers of Energy Source & Distribution can access an exclusive 30% discount by using code ENERGY30 when registering before the end of April.
The Great Energy Debate takes place at Sustainability Business Live, 3–4 June 2026 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Click here for more information or to register.
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