Reliable, Renewable Power to Support Australia's Green Energy Future
BrightNight Australia
BrightNight is an international renewable, independent power producer built to deliver industry-leading, large-scale solutions. We work to deliver dispatchable renewable power capacity to utilities and commercial & industrial (C&I) companies around the globe. We are excited to introduce our experienced team and innovative solutions to Australia.
Beyond supplying affordable and readily dispatchable power, we recognise the green energy transition impacts each community in unique ways. We want to understand what is important to our projects’ neighbours, share our experience, and move into the future in lockstep with the communities we serve. As the long-term owner of our renewable projects, BrightNight’s engagement with communities is based on an enduring relationship. We make an effort to inform, educate, gather feedback, and adapt throughout each project’s operational lifetime.
The BrightNight Difference
We develop, design, construct, and operate renewable power projects that our customers actually need. Our projects go beyond the standard renewable energy design. We provide customers with hybrid, multi-technology, dispatchable solutions aimed to support decarbonisation and overcome the challenges of intermittent renewable supply. Across the globe, BrightNight supports renewable power investments with our safe, reliable, and economical solutions.
Our Experienced Team
BrightNight’s Australia team is passionate, driven, and committed to determining the best energy storage and dispatch solution for each community. Our local experts are backed by industry leaders worldwide with a proven record of developing, delivering, and operating large-scale renewable energy projects.
Our team is eager to share our cutting-edge hybrid model of co-located renewable generation (large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) that help make renewable energy more affordable.
Featured Project: The Mortlake Energy Hub
Mortlake in southwest regional Victoria has been identified as the preferred location for BrightNight’s Energy Hub Project. The site has been chosen due to its close proximity to an existing substation, meaning existing power infrastructure can be utilised. It will allow solar energy to be stored in the BESS and distributed quickly and efficiently to homes and businesses in peak demand when the sun isn’t shining.
Learn more at the Mortlake Energy Hub Project Page
Our Local Leaders
Jerome Ortiz - Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific
Jerome Ortiz led BrightNight’s entry into Asia Pacific and drives its operations and growth in the region. He brings over two decades of experience in power sector development and financing across emerging markets. Prior to BrightNight, Jerome held senior leadership roles at 8minutenergy, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, and Standard Chartered Bank, where he led multi-billion-dollar project finance and advisory transactions across Asia and Africa. Jerome holds a master’s in finance from Grenoble Graduate School of Management and a bachelor’s in economics and finance from the University of Nantes.
Polly Baranco, Chief Development Officer, Australia
Polly Baranco leads development for BrightNight Australia, bringing two-decades-long deep expertise in energy finance, M&A, and project development across the U.S., U.K., and Australia. She has successfully built local partnerships, expanded regional energy investment, and fostered collaboration between industry and government. Prior to BrightNight, Polly held senior roles at Lightsource bp and sPower (AES). She holds an MBA in Finance from the Drucker School of Management.
Brian Morris, Chief Commercial Officer, Australia
Brian Morris leads commercial strategy for BrightNight Australia, bringing over 30 years of expertise in energy trading, renewable energy strategy, and risk management. He has a proven track record of securing long-term revenue contracts and building strategic partnerships across the energy sector. Prior to BrightNight, Brian was Director at Macquarie Group’s Green Investments business. He serves on the board of the Energy Users Association of Australia and previously the Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity. Brian holds a Master of Applied Finance from Macquarie University.
Katie Barnett, Chief Financial Officer, Australia
Katie Barnett leads BrightNight Australia’s financial strategy, bringing over two decades of experience in power markets, energy finance, and M&A. She has led more than 50 transactions valued at over A$18 billion, with deep expertise in project financing and large-scale renewables. Prior to BrightNight, Katie was a Partner at PwC, advancing the firm’s utility-scale storage practice, and held senior roles at Origin Energy and PowAR (now Tilt Renewables). She holds a Master in Applied Finance from Macquarie University and is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
