Hello! My name is Leo, I've recently joined Geni Energy volunteering in the Narrabri shop on Saturdays.
I'm a local from Coonabarabran and I am passionate about increasing renewable energy uptake in North-west NSW. I am a keen bushwalker, climber, kayaker, traveller, and have studied environmental science at university. These experiences have given me a great appreciation for Australia's natural wonders and the need to preserve them for future generations.
I've come from a firefighting background, and have witnessed first-hand the devastation of the 2019/20 season on Australia's local rural communities & biodiversity. This woke me up to the real life effects a rapidly changing climate is currently having on Australia, and the urgency of local to global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Geni Energy is a great not-for-profit community energy initiative which represents a positive way forward for this region.
I'm excited to play a part in the transition to sustainable energy across Australia. I think it's the concept of the Virtual Power Plant (VPP) that really resonates with me as it provides a workable means for the community to make a tangible difference to increasing the share of renewables to Australia's energy mix. My scientific studies have given me a firm appreciation of the daunting and complex challenge of climate change at many different levels. However, I'm constantly motivated by the scale of local grass-roots action across Australia. It serves as a reminder of how strong the force of local community action can be.
I look forward to meeting you one day, come and call into the shop in Narrabri or become a volunteer too.
Regards, Leo Butler
