In an industry increasingly defined by scale, speed and expectations, Genus is rising to the challenge and ripping up the traditional playbook in the process.
Australia’s energy transition isn’t just about renewable technologies and major infrastructure – it’s about new ways of thinking.
The scale of what’s ahead is enormous. Not just in terms of megawatts and gigawatts, but also in the way projects are designed and delivered.
Genus has emerged as a bold and agile challenger, proving that local smarts, values and cutting-edge thinking can outpace even the biggest players in the game.
Energy sat down with Genus founder and Managing Director, David Riches, to learn more about the company’s rapid rise, its unique approach to energy infrastructure, and how it represents a new breed for the modern energy industry.
How is Genus positioning itself to meet the needs of Australia’s transforming energy system?
There’s no doubt the energy landscape is shifting at speed. We’re looking at a future that demands scale, flexibility and smart thinking. The grid is becoming more complex, not less, and the projects that support it need to move faster, with fewer risks and better outcomes. That’s where Genus steps in.
We’ve built Genus from the ground up to be a modern operator, unburdened by legacy systems, agile in our delivery model, and deeply connected to the evolving needs of our clients. Whether it’s transmission, distribution or renewables, we’re at the frontline of building the infrastructure that’s going to power Australia’s future.
What’s driving the rapid growth Genus has seen in recent years?
Honestly, it’s a mix of staying true to our values and refusing to do things the way they’ve always been done.
We’re a proudly Australian business that started with a loan I had to pay back in 30 days. From that pressure came purpose. We’re now a $600 million plus business with a $1.5 billion order book, but we still operate with that hungry, hands-on attitude.
We listen, we adapt and we deliver. Our clients know we’re here to solve problems, not create them.
What challenges are you focused on solving?
The industry’s biggest challenge right now is delivery risk.
Projects are getting bigger, timelines are getting tighter, and expectations are sky high. But legacy players are slow; they’re tied up in red tape and rigid processes.
That’s where we’re different. We de-risk projects by being present, accountable and agile. Our structure is flat, our leadership is hands-on, and our teams are empowered to make decisions.
That’s what clients are crying out for: partners who don’t just promise results, but deliver them.
How does Genus’ approach to project delivery differ?
It’s about alignment and ownership. We work shoulder-to-shoulder with clients and regulators. We’re flexible in our methods but disciplined in our execution.
And because we bring everything under one roof – design, construction, commissioning, and maintenance, and directly employ more than 1400 people – we can guarantee quality, consistency and speed at scale.
How does your brand blend old-school Aussie values with a modern business model?
We’re driven by mateship, integrity and a no-nonsense work ethic, but we combine that with cutting-edge systems, digital tools and a future-focused mindset. It’s not either/or, it’s both.
We’ve built a culture where people care deeply about the job and about each other. That’s what allows us to innovate without losing our grounding. You can’t fake that, and our clients feel it.
Collaboration is a core part of your business. How do you foster that internally and with clients?
We work as one team. Internally, it’s about open lines of communication – no silos and no egos.
Externally, we see clients as partners. We bring them into the process early, we’re transparent about risks, and we stay engaged from start to finish. That deep collaboration is what de-risks the job and leads to better outcomes across the board.
What standout projects show Genus’ capability?
We’ve been fortunate to work on some truly nation-shaping projects, and they each say something different about what Genus can do.
The HumeLink East Transmission Project is a perfect example. It’s a critical link in Australia’s renewable future, designed to connect solar and wind generation in the Snowy Mountains region with major demand centres.
In Queensland, we’re proud to have completed the Aldoga Solar Farm substation project, a cornerstone in the state’s Central Queensland Renewable Energy Zone.
And back west, in Kwinana, we’ve been delivering key works on KBESS – the region’s battery energy storage infrastructure, enabling more renewables to flow into the grid.
These projects aren’t just big – they’re symbolic. They show that we’re being trusted to take on the jobs that really matter for the future of energy in this country.
But to us, it’s not just about these headline projects. We take the same pride in a remote outback job as we do in a tier one city build.
What’s next for Genus? What’s your long-term vision for the company?
Our vision is to be the contractor of choice – the name clients trust to get the job done, no matter how complex.
But, more than that, we want to help build an energy system that works for future generations. That will be my rocking chair moment.
For more information, visit genus.com.au
