By Matt GillettThe Australian is in Australia for the first time in 25 years and we’re lucky to be there.
The Dark Storm Industrial Development Group (DSIG) is a new industry, created to harness the industrial potential of the solar energy sector, which now accounts for about one-third of the Australian energy mix.DSIG, which will hold its first annual conference in Melbourne on March 31, is a collaborative effort between Australia’s largest private and public sectors, and it’s hoped that this conference will attract the world’s leading industrial players to the state.
The first annual Dark Storm Conference will feature presentations from leading companies in the solar industry, the aerospace and solar engineering industries, and the healthcare, finance, telecommunications, energy, transport and telecommunications industries.
“It’s the first-ever conference where a national company will come together to engage with a national industry,” says Dan Smith, who will be the keynote speaker at the conference.
“It’s a great opportunity to build on the strength of our sector, to engage in a dialogue with industry leaders and to build our industry.”
Smith, who is co-founder of Sunpower Australia, will speak about his company’s solar business and how it’s transforming Australian manufacturing.
He will also address the future of the industry and what it means for the future, while also discussing the challenges and opportunities in the field.
Smith has worked with the Australian Government on the solar program for over 20 years, and says that it’s been the perfect opportunity to meet with industry.
“Solar is the only industry that has really changed the world and it is a wonderful industry that will help to drive economic growth in Australia,” he says.
“There are a lot of opportunities for the industry, and we are hoping to see some industry leaders coming here to Melbourne.”
We are trying to build a community that is supportive of the sector and the opportunities that it presents for us.
“Smith says that while there’s a lot to talk about, he feels there is still a lot that needs to be done.”
As a solar industry leader, we are working very closely with the Government to make sure that our solar industry is strong, that we are making sure we have the resources to build out the facilities needed, that the systems are well supported and that we have a proper manufacturing strategy.
“At the same time, we need to ensure that we keep our focus on the business that is really at the heart of our success.”
There are currently two large solar projects in Australia.
One is being built in the eastern suburbs of Sydney and will be Australia’s first ever solar farm.
The second is in Melbourne, which is expected to be the world capital of solar energy.
Smith says he hopes that the Dark Storm conference will help bring about changes in the industry.
“I think that we can be a beacon for the sector,” he said.
“This is a very exciting time for solar and the whole industry.
The opportunities that the industry presents for our country and the rest of the world are endless.”