Tom Best

Tom is the COO of Eku Energy, leading development, construction and project management teams across the entire value chain to deliver and commission high-quality battery energy storage systems (BESS) across Europe, Japan and Australia. Most recently, his team commissioned Eku’s first BESS in the UK, with several projects in construction or final stages of commissioning across the globe. 

As a first not only for Eku but also for Australia, Tom oversaw the Hazelwood BESS project that originated from repurposing the site of an aged coal-fired power station in the La Trobe valley, paving the way for more renewable energy on the grid to supply Victoria. In addition, Tom was instrumental in developing Rangebank BESS in the South of Melbourne and getting Eku shortlisted for our largest project to date, the Big Canberra Battery in the ACT due to be operational in 2026. Similarly in Japan, Tom laid the groundwork for our initial sites to ensure key risks were identified early on. 

With over two decades of experience in energy construction projects, Tom is a specialist in renewable energy and has worked on projects across solar, onshore and offshore wind energy. Before moving into his current role, Tom served as the Construction Director for APAC at Macquarie Group and worked with First Solar Australia where he established the project development team, delivering systems in Australia and Japan. He held technical, operations, and construction roles in energy and infrastructure companies such as Fotowatio Renewable Ventures, Infigen Energy, DONG Energy, and Aurecon.

Tom is a certified practicing project manager (CPPM) and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). Tom holds a commercial pilot licence and is an A grade electrician. 

Tom has been involved in developing large scale wind and solar projects for the past 20 years. Noticing the challenges intermittent renewables can cause to the grid, he is striving to implement battery energy storage systems to make this valuable resource dispatchable, supporting networks and helping achieve net zero emissions.  At Eku, he is proud to bring together teams of people that are just as passionate as him. Tom is committed to leaving the world a better place for future generations.