Teaching the world about renewable energy
A Tasmanian-based teaching facility officially opened today is expected to be a drawcard for international energy and water businesses looking to upskill their workforces.
The Entura clean energy and water institute will deliver a range of courses for utilities, businesses and individuals in the areas of clean energy, including hydro, wind and solar and in water management.
“Energy and water are critical resources for society. Many businesses are new to clean technologies and require training in incorporating such technologies successfully within their energy portfolios in an effective and sustainable manner,” said Hydro Tasmania CEO Roy Adair.
Hydro Tasmania’s consulting business Entura has been delivering targeted training along with capacity development services for the past 20 years as part of its suite of consulting services. Training has been delivered in countries including Papua New Guinea, Micronesia, Malaysia, China and Cambodia, as well as training for local businesses within Tasmania.
The new Institute is based at Entura’s Hobart office and has dedicated training facilities for classes of up to 30 students as well as facilities for smaller workshops and seminars.
“The Institute provides a platform to formalise and expand Entura’s training provision,” said Mr Adair.
“Working with businesses in remote and international locations requires innovative thinking around course delivery. While the Institute will be headquartered in Hobart, its services may also be provided: on site at the workplaces of businesses in other countries; in the field using Hydro Tasmania’s strong asset base to provide real-world experience; or through use of webex and other online technologies. Training will be appropriately tailored to meet the needs of individual clients.”
Courses are targeted at up-skilling businesses, particularly asset owners, in clean energy technologies and water management. The courses have been designed drawing on Hydro Tasmania’s 100 years of experience and expertise in planning, developing, operating and maintaining energy and water infrastructure.
The institute will target both national and international clients, in markets including Australia, Asia, the Pacific and Southern Africa. Courses will be delivered by technical experts within the Entura and Hydro Tasmania business, and by strategic partners in the venture including the University of Tasmania and the Asian Institute of Technology.
The Institute will deliver its first formal course in sustainable hydropower development in February next year to a delegation of senior managers/bureaucrats from Laos.
More accolades for the Wellington Dam Alliance
The Wellington Dam Alliance was recently recognised at the IEA Engineering Excellence Awards in Western Australia, winning the ‘Innovation and Development’ section for the recently completed upgrade of Wellington Dam.
Entura was a key member of the Alliance by leading the design effort and providing the dam design expertise.
This is the fourth award for this project, after taking out three categories at the 2011 Western Australia Leighton Contractors Excellence Awards.
The upgrade has brought the 70 year old concrete weir into line with modern engineering standards, secured the viability of a multi-million dollar irrigation industry and ensured the safety of downstream communities.
The construction at Wellington Dam was successfully completed on 12 August 2011. The $40 million alliance contract has been an outstanding success with work completed four months ahead of schedule, 15%under budget and without a lost time injury.
Entura announces new Managing Director
Hydro Tasmania CEO Roy Adair recently announced that Ms Tammy Chu has been appointed as the new Managing Director for Entura.
Ms Chu has extensive managerial and business development experience in the consulting engineering industry within Australia and internationally.
Mr Adair said Ms Chu was selected for her proven leadership, experience and energy and will bring tremendous value to the Entura business.
Ms Chu has been employed with Hydro Tasmania for 10 years, most recently as a senior manager responsible for the development and operation of Entura’s services in the water and environment sector. Tammy’s previous positions have included technical, project management and business development roles.
“I am looking forward to leading Entura on the next stage of its growth as it expands its operations in the Asia-Pacific region,” Ms Chu said. ” We have a unique set of skills and experience to offer our clients and our focus will be to continue to deliver innovative energy and water solutions to our clients.”
Ms Chu succeeds Scott Baddiley, who has been appointed chief executive of the Tasmanian operations at accounting firm WHK.
Profile
Tammy has a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Tasmania.
Starting as a graduate, Tammy has held a range of positions at Entura, from Technical Professional to Project Manager, Business Development Manager and Group Manager.
Tammy is an active member of the engineering community, publishing numerous papers on a range of subjects, and is regular presenter at conferences. She has also been an executive committee member of the Young Professional Network of Tasmania.
