Playford Capital CEO Amanda Heyworth has become the only South Australian member on the inaugural board of the Federal Government’s new Australian Centre for Renewable Energy (ACRE).

ACRE will oversee over $560 million in renewable energy programs, including establishing a venture capital mechanism to accelerate innovative technologies.

The Federal Minister for Minister for Resources, Energy and Tourism, Martin Ferguson announced ACRE’s inaugural board on budget night.  The board includes senior scientists and energy experts as well as Ms. Heyworth, who has nearly a decade of experience working in venture capital.

The ACRE board will be chaired by NSW Chief Scientist Professor Mary O’Kane.  Other members are Australian Solar Institute Research Advisory Committee Chair Dr Bruce Godfrey; Transfield Services Infrastructure Fund CEO Steve MacDonald, CSIRO Group Executive, Energy Dr Beverley Ronalds; Australian Energy Market Commissioner Dr Brian Spalding; and Victorian Department of Primary Industries Secretary Richard Bolt.

By consolidating efforts to support the development of renewable and enabling energy technologies, ACRE will be the focal point for the Australian Government’s efforts in the renewable energy technology sector.

The Board will also provide advice to Government on skills and capacity-building in the sector and foster collaboration between Australian and overseas governments, industry and the research community on renewable energy technologies.

For more information about Playford Capital, visit www.playford.com.au

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Call John Harris on 08 8431 4000 or email jharris@impress.com.au.