Dani Alexander: Forging Her Own Path to Net Zero

Dani Alexander doesn’t follow straight lines.

Her curiosity and willingness to dive into the unknown have shaped her unconventional path – from a degree in international business and microbiology to a career in energy policy, research and innovation. She even found time to represent Australia at the World Ultimate Frisbee Championships.

“My background may be unusual,” she said. “But the thread that runs through it all is a passion for finding solutions to climate change. I’m interested in new decarbonisation technologies that have the potential to protect our environment and secure our future economic prosperity.”

Her first foray into sustainability came through a graduate position with the Australian Government Department of Energy, leading to her current roles as CEO of the UNSW Energy Institute, Chair of the Energy Research Institutes Council for Australia and Board Member of the Energy Efficiency Council.

Along the way, Dani has developed a strong command of renewables, clean fuels, energy storage, electricity networks and energy markets, and a deep understanding of how consumers can drive our energy transformation. She is well known for her transdisciplinary approach, bridging the gap between emerging technologies and commercial adoption.

Now, as the new interim CEO of the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub, she is applying her drive and breadth of experience to one of the state’s most ambitious challenges: achieving net zero emissions while supporting economic growth.

A space for bold solutions

For Dani, one of the Hub’s greatest strengths is the space it creates to tackle complex problems head-on. Backed by State Government departments and 10 NSW universities, along with strong ties to industry, the Hub brings together a rare depth of expertise and the autonomy to act as a neutral broker.

“The independence of the Hub creates a productive space to have conversations that may not be possible elsewhere,” she said. “We can bring together academia, industry and government in the same room to work through issues that are difficult, but crucial to solve.”

Dani notes that the Hub’s three networks – covering electricity, powerfuels, and land and primary industries – enable a systems-level approach to decarbonisation.

“If we can bring together the right expertise across these sectors, we’ll have a real chance to achieve the state’s net zero mission,” she said. “Collaboration isn’t just for collaboration’s sake. It’s essential because emissions reduction spans multiple sectors and every lever we pull affects another.”

She also points to NSW’s position at the centre of Australia’s energy system as a major advantage.

“NSW is Australia’s most populous state and sits at the heart of the national electricity market,” she said. “That gives NSW an enormous opportunity to influence the broader national transition and become a global leader for decarbonisation in action.”

A hands-on approach to work, sport and leadership: clockwise from left, Dani Alexander charging her electric car; celebrating a win in Ultimate Frisbee; and sharing ideas for a net zero future.

Tackling a wicked problem

Dani describes decarbonisation as a “wicked problem” – complex, interconnected and resistant to simple solutions.

“We’ve known about the greenhouse effect for over two centuries, and seen the impacts of climate change since 1938,” she said. “If emissions reduction were easy, it would have already been solved.”

To meet the challenge, she believes emissions reduction is a space for experimentation and learning. “It’s about testing ideas, iterating quickly and being honest about what works and what doesn’t,” she said. “The problems are hard, but that’s also what makes the solutions exciting.”

Finding solutions also requires thinking beyond traditional silos. “Decarbonisation isn’t just a technical challenge; it involves people, policy, markets and technology all at once. You have to embrace complexity rather than shy away from it.”

For Dani, the stakes are personal as well as systemic. “At the end of the day, this isn’t just about energy systems or emissions numbers,” she said. “It’s about people – our communities, our livelihoods and the future our children will inherit. That’s what drives me to keep pushing for solutions, even when the problems feel impossibly complex.”

Looking ahead

In the coming months, Dani is focused on concluding the Hub’s first three-year strategy and shaping the next phase.

“My hope is that in the short term we identify the areas of highest impact, in the medium term work together on projects we’re proud of and in the long term help put the state on a path to net zero by 2050,” she said.

“I look forward to an electricity grid that is almost entirely powered by renewables, the revitalisation of regional NSW, including through hosting our renewable energy zones, vibrant green industrial precincts and more equitable energy for all. This transformation opens doors for communities, including First Nations, to share their knowledge and benefit from net zero initiatives.”

Achieving net zero isn’t just about technology and policy. It’s also about people working together toward a common goal – the kind of teamwork this Ultimate Frisbee champion knows all about.

“I’m so glad to be on this team. We’ve got the right people to tackle the big challenges, and I’m committed to helping us get there.”

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