DP Energy appoints new BDM

Global renewable energy developer DP Energy has appointed Catherine Way Business Development Manager, DP Energy Australia. Way has played a formative role in the development of renewable energy advances in South Australia within industry, government and the not-for-profit sectors. She worked within the mining sector for resource giant BHP Billiton in a project development role with responsibility for energy and greenhouse gas management for the Olympic Dam Expansion project.

Prior to joining DP Energy in September 2016, she championed the renewable energy industry on behalf of the South Australian Government through RenewablesSA. Her work with industry, policy development and legislative reform has supported an uptake of nearly 50% of electricity from renewable sources in the state.

With Masters degrees in both Environmental Management and Business Administration, and qualifications in leadership, Way works for outcomes that reflect a strong balance between the economic imperative and environmental and social sustainability.

“Catherine’s appointment represents further evidence of our commitment to establish a long-term presence in each of the key, global jurisdictions in which we operate. Simply put — it makes good business sense. We deliver renewable energy projects which are sustainable and environmentally benign; Catherine’s skill set will enhance our ability to accelerate our plans to do that in Australia. We are delighted to welcome her to the DP Energy global team,” explained DP Energy CEO Simon De Pietro.

“I’m excited to be returning to the private sector after nearly seven years working with the South Australian Government’s innovation and support agency for the renewable energy industry, RenewablesSA,” said Way.

“For me this opportunity cements my lifelong career goal of working towards a more sustainable and low carbon future.

“I feel fortunate indeed to be working with DP Energy, a company that epitomises the most sought after attributes of contemporary businesses. They are innovative, agile and forward looking and, being an international company, bring with them a global perspective on best practice in the fields of environmental stewardship, community engagement and commercial reality,” she said.

DP Energy received Development Approval from the South Australian Government for the hybrid (wind and PV solar) Port Augusta Renewable Energy Park in early August. Once fully commissioned it will generate approximately 1000 gigawatt hours (GWh) of clean renewable energy directly into the national electricity grid per year, enough to power about 200,000 homes and save 470,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. Located near the former Northern Power Station, the project will create much-needed employment in the energy sector for the Port Augusta region.