sonnen Appoints New Managing Director for Australia and Asia Pacific
Adelaide, 25 October 2018 – Germany’s sonnen Group, the global market leader for smart energy storage systems and operator of the largest energy sharing platform in the world, announced today that it has appointed Nathan Dunn as Managing Director for Australia and the Asia Pacific.
Nathan’s appointment cements the next stage in sonnen’s strategic plans to make Adelaide the centre of its Australian operations. He will be responsible for growing sonnen’s market share in Australia and Asia Pacific and delivering on the company’s strategy to manufacture the sonnenBatterie, an intelligent, high-tech solar storage system for rooftop solar photovoltaic systems, at the former Holden factory in Elizabeth, South Australia. Nathan succeeds Chris Parratt, who will leave the company to pursue new opportunities.
Oliver Koch, Chief Operating Officer of sonnen said, “We are delighted to welcome Nathan to the sonnen Group. His credentials and management experience in the clean energy industry will allow us to accelerate the delivery of sonnenBatteries that are made in Australia.”
“Customers who invest in a sonnenBatterie produce a positive ripple effect on Australia’s economy through their purchase with hundreds of direct and indirect jobs generated for Australia’s manufacturing industry. It will also enable sonnen to accelerate its battery roll-out program to create a “virtual power plant”, an important new renewable energy source for Australia,” Mr Koch added.
"I am both delighted and proud to be part of sonnen as it expands its presence in Australia," said Nathan Dunn. "The Australian residential rooftop solar market is experiencing significant growth and I look forward to being part of a team that is committed to helping customers transition to a clean energy future. Working with sonnen, I believe we will revitalise the pride of Australia’s manufacturing heritage and set a new milestone to position South Australia as a beacon for cleantech manufacturing globally.”
Prior to sonnen, Nathan was the Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Enphase Energy for close to five years where he directed the company’s business strategy, revenue, operations and reseller partners. He brings more than 20 years of experience to sonnen with former management roles at GE Lighting, LG Electronics and MYOB.
sonnen is expecting to produce the first sonnenBatterie from its production line in Elizabeth, South Australia, from November 2018. It aims to produce 10,000 batteries a year to meet demand from Australian households and for export to Asia Pacific. sonnen plans to create up to 430 new jobs in South Australia as it ramps up production as a home battery supplier for the $100 million South Australia Home Battery Scheme.
