Darren Edwards

Darren Edwards established Energy Grid Alliance after becoming acutely aware that regional communities were struggling to have their voices heard and understand how to actively participate in a transmission project's development to best shape its outcome. Darren lives live in the regional communities he supports but independence and objectivity are fundamental principles that underpin his approach to all discussions and engagement around renewable electricity transmission.

Darren has been involved in the examination of electricity transmission regulation and energy policy from environmental, socio-economic and social licence perspectives. He has published with respect to energy regulatory frameworks and policy across complex issues, with current research focusing on the laws, policies and objectives governing electricity transmission development. He is passionate about just and equitable transmission development for regional communities and has advised government, industry, local government and non-government organisations on issues relating to the energy transition, energy regulation and policy.

Darren works collaboratively with all stakeholders to help establish best planning practices for new electricity transmission projects and to advocate the critical importance of policy, planning and meaningful engagement with communities to better facilitate the acquisition and maintenance of social licence. Darren advocates for all communities to be authentically engaged in decisions that affect them through education and awareness of authentic engagement and all its benefits, in alignment with the IAP2 Quality Assurance Standard and Code of Ethics for Community and Stakeholder Engagement.