“One of the first things I’m trying to do is to help tell our stories in a way that puts UNSW at the forefront of anybody thinking about energy in Australia,” Jarvinen said of her appointment.
“We want them to be thinking about the entire breadth of UNSW’s incredible integrated energy expertise. There is, of course, our world-leading solar reputation. But this is integrated with other areas including the fantastic work being done in hydrogen energy technology, energy storage and other technology across the whole energy value chain from the electric car, to powering houses, to businesses and to creating microgrids.”
Jarvinen has spent the last 25 years in multiple roles in the energy, finance and non-profit sectors.
She has been a petroleum reservoir engineer with Exxon, a senior business analyst with Shell, an equity analyst with JB Were, Head of Community Unit with New Philanthropy Capital, Head of Emerging Technologies with AGL and is currently a board member for Pollinate.
The Dean of Engineering, Professor Mark Hoffman, said Jarvinen’s appointment reflects the outstanding work she has already done for the Energy Institute in the last couple of years.
“In the short time she’s been here, JJ has launched the Energy Institute, worked to establish the multi-million dollar UNSW Digital Grid Futures Institute, and supported the successful bid for a nationally-significant ARC Research Hub for Integrated Energy Storage Solutions.
“At the same time, UNSW has signed a 15-year solar supply agreement to have all its electricity supplied by solar energy.
“I can think of no other person in Australia who is as well-connected and experienced in the energy industry and could match JJ’s depth of knowledge and passion. She is a welcome addition to the evolution of Australia’s leading energy research organisation.”