The Energy Policy Institute of Australia is a "technology-neutral" not-for-profit energy policy body. It was created as the Energy Alliance of Australia in 1999 to collaborate with the Australian Government in the development of energy export markets and claims to be apolitical. It adopted the Energy Policy Institute of Australia name in 2011. Since 2008, the organisation has convened an annual forum called the Energy State of the Nation. The Institute is governed by a Board of Directors who represent a diverse mix of corporate entities with interests in Australia's energy sector.
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History
The Institute was established in 1999 as the Energy Alliance of Australia, in consultation with the Australian Government's Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism. It was designed as a vehicle for Australia's energy sector to liaise with the Asia Pacific Energy Cooperation (APEC) organisation. The Energy Alliance of Australia initiated the establishment of APGAS in 2005 as a forum for APEC Member States' energy policymakers, industry regulators, oil and gas suppliers and consumers, traders and pipeline and ship owners and operators.
Philosophy
The Institute aims to foster an attractive and secure energy investment climate in Australia, and promote an industry which is internationally competitive. It supports free markets and a "resilient" energy supply system, supported by integrated government policy. The institute accepts "that the world must transition to a low-carbon society as quickly as it can afford to do so."
Activity
The Institute conducts research into policy, technology, economics, trade and investment relevant to the energy sector. The research is disseminated through the publication of policy papers, presentation of briefings and facilitation of workshops. It provides "a trusted communications channel between government and the private sector" and represents the Australian industry to the APEC Energy Working Group and similar international bodies.
In 2016, the Institute commenced to publish a continually updated compendium of its policy papers. The compendium lists the key points of all past papers and is hyperlinked to each of the original papers.
In August 2016, the Institute published An Australian Energy Vision and Framework for Energy Policy Priorities.
Governance
The EPIA's members meet once a year, the board meets three times a year, and an Executive Committee (elected by the Board) meets monthly. Each corporate member has the right to appoint a director to the board. As of October 2016, the Executive Director is Robert Pritchard, and the Board's Chair is Andy Lloyd. Board members as of October 2016 are listed below: