Wayne Drinkwater

Wayne is a globally experienced Corporate Executive, Consultant, and Project Manager with a strong track record in renewable energy and sustainable development. He specialises in renewable energy solutions, including solar, wind, and hydrogen production and storage, as well as environmental management, waste-to-resource strategies, project feasibility, planning, and sustainable design.

With a background in senior corporate leadership and international consulting, Wayne has extensive expertise in organisational leadership and change management. He has led multiple large-scale renewable energy and battery storage projects, driving innovation and efficiency in the sector.

Key Projects:

• Rodds Bay Solar Farm (QLD): Led site identification, stakeholder engagement, and town planning approvals for the original 300MW solar farm with battery storage, now expanded to 750MW solar and 600MW BESS.

• Utility-Scale Wind & Solar Farms (QLD & NSW): Managed site selection, landowner and government engagement, and development approvals for multiple large-scale renewable energy projects.

• International Hotel Group: Led energy efficiency initiatives and transition to renewable energy.

• Mega Data Centres (Off-Grid): Project Development Program Manager (2020–present), overseeing site selection, landowner engagement, and planning approvals.

• Battery Innovation Centre Australia (BICA): Driving the development of a high-density lithium and sodium battery cell manufacturing facility in North Queensland. In partnership with a Singapore-based firm, the project aims to scale production from 0.5GW to 3GW per annum by 2032, securing a sovereign battery supply solution.

Wayne’s leadership in sustainable energy solutions continues to shape the future of renewable infrastructure and battery innovation.