The Federal Government has made key appointments to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Board to support the agency in promoting renewable energy and electrification projects across the country.
Marianna O’Gorman has been re-appointed to the board and will assume the newly created position of Deputy Chair.
Stephen McIntosh has also been re-appointed as a board member, while Angela Karl joins the board for her first term.
Since being established in 2012, ARENA has provided more than $2.9 billion in grant funding to 763 projects and has helped deliver nearly $13.3 billion in investment in Australia’s renewable energy sector.
At the end of 2024, the Federal Government amended ARENA’s legislation to strengthen its independent governance, reinstate its guaranteed statutory funding and establish ARENA as a key delivery agency for Future Made in Australia investments such as the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund.
The legislated Community Benefit Principles provide clear guidance for how these investments will deliver for jobs and local communities as well as Australia’s net zero targets.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, welcomed the appointments.
“ARENA continues to play a pivotal role in supporting Australia’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future,” Bowen said.
“ARENA has consistently demonstrated how reliable renewable electricity is the cheapest option for Australia.”
Background
Marianna O’Gorman
Ms O’Gorman was appointed to the ARENA board in 2023, and brings a wealth of experience across sustainable investment, clean technology innovation, and public policy.
Her career spans roles at the World Bank, the Federal Government, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, and public policy think tanks. Ms O’Gorman currently serves on the boards of Stanwell Corporation and the McKell Institute Queensland. She holds a Master of Climate Change from the Australian National University and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Queensland.
Stephen McIntosh
Mr McIntosh has served on the ARENA board since 2021. With over 36 years of global experience in the resources sector, Mr McIntosh has an extensive background in exploration, innovation, and energy projects.
He spent 33 years with the Rio Tinto Group, culminating in his role as Group Executive, Growth and Innovation, where he led major technical functions, climate change initiatives, and energy projects. He is currently Chair of Datarock Holdings. Mr McIntosh holds a Master’s in Science from the University of Auckland.
Angela Karl
Ms Karl brings over two decades of investment and advisory experience in the energy and utilities sector, with a strong focus on energy transition.
Ms Karl is the Managing Director and Head of Energy Transition at HMC Capital and has held key directorships at Tilt Renewables, Lochard Energy, Epic Energy, Pacific Energy, and PowerCo. Previously, she led the Power and Utilities division for Australasia at UBS. Ms Karl holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Law (both First Class Honours) from the University of Queensland.
