On behalf of the Australian Government, I am pleased to announce Mr Justin Punch as the new Chair of the Board of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

Mr Punch is an experienced environmental investor focused on climate and energy investment. He has extensive experience in carbon offset investments, as well as business and finance having served as a Partner at Archer Capital, one of Australia’s most experienced private equity firms.

Mr Punch is currently the Chairman of the Karrkad Kanjdji Trust. The Trust supports the work of Indigenous ranger groups to create community-driven education, biodiversity, and employment opportunities in West and Central Arnhem Land.

As Chair of the Board, Mr Punch will provide ARENA with the investment expertise that is required to support the Government’s Technology Investment Roadmap. The Roadmap will bring a strategic and system-wide view to future investments in low emissions technologies to strengthen Australia’s economy and support jobs. Mr Punch will enhance ARENA’s efforts to leverage co-investment from the private sector to deliver the technology priorities under the Roadmap.

Mr Punch’s appointment will commence on 18 July 2020 and he has been appointed to the role for two years. 

An announcement on the remaining Board members will be made shortly.

ARENA was established in July 2012 to improve the competitiveness of renewable energy technologies in Australia.

The ARENA Board sets the investment strategies and priorities, oversees the running of the agency, and approves funding for projects up to $50 million.

I thank the departing Chair Mr Martijn Wilder AM who provided exemplary service on the Board and to ARENA since 2016.

Along with his role on the board of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, Mr Wilder has demonstrated his commitment to the development of new and emerging energy technologies that has assisted Australia to become a world-leader in the renewable energy sector.

Media contact:

Minister Taylor's office 02 6277 7120