September 27 and 28 will see Melbourne's Federation Square transform into the epicentre of progressive thinking for the nation's energy needs.
The Powering Australia 2011 conference will focus on current and future problems facing the power industry in the hopes that viable solutions can be put into action.
By providing a platform to share valuable sustainable energy information, attendees can expect a range of issues to be explored over the two days.
Speakers and panellists are said to be leaders in their fields and directly involved in the forging of Australia's future power resource policies.
The minister for resources and energy Marc Ferguson will be speaking along with other representations from the Clean Energy Council, the Australian Geothermal Energy Association and BP Solar.
Scheduled topics include the consideration of renewable and alternative energy sources currently available – as well as those currently in development.
Diversification of energy generation practices is also on the agenda – with discussion expected to look at the future of solar panel technology, in combination with wind turbines and coal-seam gas extractions.
Powering Australia says that the country needs to focus on the 'three C's' – Carbon, Cost and Continuity of Supply.
It states: "Australia has embarked on a decade in which some of the biggest changes to electricity supply for a half-century will need to be pursued."
Australia's demand for power needs to be taken into account during the transition away from coal-fired power towards more sustainable practices.
The conference will be used to release a new whitepaper, volume five of Powering Australia – Navigating a New Electricity Supply Era.
Over the course of 144 pages, the publication will use case studies to examine progress and problems facing the power sector including viable generation practices and the problem of electricity distribution.
Power Australia has said that it will also include in-depth evaluation of the South Australian Green Grid and the Solar Flagship program.
Once released, the document will be submitted to federal, state and territory leaders and policymakers, as well as key stakeholders in the private energy sector.
One panel will be dedicated to looking at the Moree Solar farm and the potential for additional large-scale solar power systems to be created in Australia.
The solar industry will also have its say, during a speech led by Douglas Smith, sales and marketing manager of Australasia for BP Solar.
Posted by Mike Peacock – Solar Correspondent