Women in Energy - Samantha Nunan

“Energy is a space where sound judgement and practical, risk-based decision-making can help shape outcomes for the business, communities and the environment.”

 – Samantha Nunan, Head of Environment, Approvals and Cultural Heritage, AGL.

I’m helping AGL navigate environmental approvals and cultural heritage risk

As Head of Environment, Approvals and Cultural Heritage, I lead the team responsible for helping AGL manage environmental and cultural heritage obligations across operations, construction, transition programs and new energy developments. Our role is to enable the business to operate responsibly and deliver strategic projects by integrating environmental and cultural heritage considerations into decision-making, managing risk and navigating complex regulatory requirements. As AGL transforms its generation portfolio and develops new energy infrastructure, our focus is on helping the business deliver outcomes that meet our commitments to communities, regulators and Traditional Custodians.

While much of my role is focused on strategy, governance and decision-making, staying connected to our sites, projects and frontline teams remains essential. The best decisions are made when you understand the realities on the ground and the challenges faced by the people delivering the work.

The opportunity to influence outcomes, work with great people and keep solving complex problems

What I value most about working at AGL is the opportunity to influence meaningful outcomes during a period of significant transformation. The scale and complexity of the work is both challenging and rewarding, with decisions that have long-term impacts on our people, communities, customers and the environment. Equally important are the people. AGL brings together talented individuals from diverse disciplines who are empowered to contribute their expertise, challenge thinking and work collaboratively to deliver outcomes that matter. 

My journey into energy started with a focus on environmental protection

Environmental protection and conservation were the foundations of my career, and they continue to shape how I approach leadership today. I was drawn to the energy sector because it sits at the intersection of some of society's most important challenges: delivering reliable energy, supporting economic development and managing environmental impacts. Over the course of my career, I've seen greater recognition of environmental stewardship, cultural heritage and meaningful engagement with communities and Traditional Custodians, reinforcing the importance of embedding these considerations into strategic decision-making and the energy transition.

There’s complexity, challenge and the chance to make a meaningful difference

Australia's energy transition is creating both significant opportunities and complex challenges. New renewable generation, firming infrastructure and transition projects must navigate environmental, planning and cultural heritage requirements, making it critical to balance risk, regulatory obligations and community expectations from the outset. 

What motivates me most is the opportunity to help shape decisions that have lasting impacts. The work we do enables AGL to deliver the projects needed for the energy transition while ensuring environmental and cultural heritage considerations are embedded in how those projects are planned and delivered. That balance between progress, stewardship and long-term value is what makes the work so rewarding.

Stay curious, get on-site and back your judgement

One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is to stay curious and seek opportunities to understand how things work in practice. Spend time with the people delivering the work, listen to different perspectives and be willing to challenge your own assumptions. Have confidence in your judgement but remain open to learning. Leadership isn't about having all the answers; it's about creating an environment where people can contribute their expertise, learn from mistakes and work together to solve complex problems.