Queensland’s publicly-owned low emissions energy gentailer has appointed its new CEO

Published: 5 July, 2022

CleanCo Chair Jacqui Walters has welcomed the appointment of Tom Metcalfe who will take up the CEO role on 11 July 2022.

“Tom brings 30+ years’ global experience in the energy industry, most recently as President, We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service, between them owning and operating almost 8000MW of generation and serving 3 million gas and electric customers.

“As CleanCo moves from establishment phase to growth phase, the Board sought a senior energy industry executive with a track record of developing new energy assets, operational excellence and strong customer focus.  

“The CleanCo Board selected Tom for his track record and his proven leadership in leveraging the benefits which renewable energy has to offer.

“Tom’s experience in developing energy generation projects, including in Queensland, building strong stakeholder relationships, and his personal passion for a thriving net-zero economy, position him well to lead CleanCo through its next growth stage.

“The Board has confidence that Tom will successfully grow our portfolio of clean assets and strengthen CleanCo as an employer of choice.”

Mr Metcalfe is grateful and excited to have this opportunity to play a part in the State’s energy transformation.  

“Queensland is fortunate to have abundant wind, solar and hydro resources. 

“CleanCo is ideally positioned to tap those resources while providing its customers and the State with reliable, affordable and dependable energy.”

Tom’s appointment comes as CleanCo commences construction of its first new asset – the 102.6 MW Karara Wind Farm – with more projects in the CleanCo project pipeline including the large-scale battery study as part of the Swanbank Future Energy and Hydrogen Precinct.

On behalf of the CleanCo Board, Ms Walters thanked Interim CEO Darryl Rowell for his capable leadership over the last seven months.

“Darryl has steered CleanCo through a challenging time in the market.

“His commitment to CleanCo and our people has been critical to CleanCo delivering on our mandate to build new renewable generation assets, supporting the establishment of the renewable energy industry more broadly and ultimately contributing to the net-zero journeys of our valued customers.”