AERI appoints first chairperson

The Australian Energy Research Institute (AERI) at UNSW has appointed George Maltabarow as its first chairperson. Maltabarow is an energy specialist who was previously the head of Ausgrid.

Established in 2011, AERI is a “sustainable energy think tank” based in the Tyree Energy Technologies Building at UNSW. It aims to solve energy-related problems by bringing engineers, economists and policy experts together with the goal of translating research outcomes into real-world applications.

“The institute will be a critical link in the chain that drives innovation into industry and out into the wider community,” said Vassilios Agelidis, a professor in the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications and Director of AERI. “The objective is to transform thinking and provide long-term solutions for the move towards a truly sustainable energy infrastructure.

“George is a very well respected industry leader who can help the institute in this regard. He brings considerable government and policy implementation experience, has a strong network and can help promote our research activities.”

Maltabarow said, “We need a robust, well-designed energy industry backed up by good policy if we want a strong economy. The institute’s work will help shape our nation’s response to the energy challenges of this century - the challenges of integrating new technologies, renewable energy and energy security.”