Entura proudly contributes hydropower insights and expertise at World Hydropower Congress
Entura has shared valuable hydropower insights and expertise at the 2023 World Hydropower Congress in Indonesia.
From 31 October to 2 November, more than 1000 decision-makers, energy experts and industry leaders from 50 countries came together in Bali to discuss hydropower’s role in powering sustainable growth. Panels, workshops and networking events explored everything from market frameworks to financing and hydropower’s role in decarbonisation.
Upon the opening of the event, Indonesian President HE Joko Widodo said, “I hope this congress will help with international collaboration for sustainable hydropower to help develop a sustainable green global economy.”
The congress provided a stage for high-level policy statements, recommendations, and commitments to further sustainable hydropower. This included the launch of the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance, which is designed to enhance transparency in the sector
The Bali Statement on Powering Sustainable Growth was released at the congress, calling for sustainable hydropower to be the backbone of national strategies to build thriving, low-carbon economies, bolstered by clean, renewable energy. It was proudly supported by both Entura and Hydro Tasmania.
Attendees included Entura’s Managing Director, Tammy Chu, and Director of Sales, Strategy and Commercial, Dr Amanda Ashworth, as well as Hydro Tasmania CEO Ian Brooksbank, and Program Manager, Battery of the Nation ESG and Approval, Donna Brown.
Tammy facilitated a panel discussion on ‘Transforming the hydropower workforce for a just transition’, which explored opportunities and challenges in securing the next-generation workforce to deliver a hydropower resurgence.
“A major challenge for the clean energy sector is ensuring that we will have enough skilled workers to enable the mammoth task ahead, while also ensuring that no one is left behind and the transition is both fast and fair,” she said.
Ian participated in a session on powering the clean energy transition in East Asia and the Pacific, which included updates and country profiles from local experts.
The World Hydropower Congress also marked the end of Roger Gill’s tenure as President of the International Hydropower Association. The baton has now been passed to former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
Four key deliverables were met during the congress. These include:
- reaching consensus on policy and finance recommendations for advancing the clean energy transition to deliver COP28
- breaking down barriers to the development of renewables by advancing policy and investment-driven solutions
- demonstrating how complementary renewable technologies can be harnessed to fast-track the shift away from coal
- highlighting the immense untapped hydropower potential that exists in many regions of the world, particularly Asia and Africa.
“It was a highlight for me to meet our clients and industry peers, and create shared experiences at the congress. The hydropower industry has many challenges and opportunities that it needs to work with, and this event has helped us all to focus on the priorities and solutions,” said Amanda.
With Entura’s unique asset-owner heritage as part of Hydro Tasmania, our history is steeped in hydropower. We have supported hydropower developments in South and South East Asia, the Pacific, Africa and Australia, across all stages of the project lifecycle.
Entura specialist shares insight into importance of pumped hydro storage for renewable transition
Richard Herweynen, Entura’s Technical Director, Water, has shared insights into the importance of pumped hydro storage for the renewable energy transition in an article for International Water Power & Dam Construction magazine.
Titled ‘Pumped storage: Powering a sustainable future’, the article features a Q&A with Richard, where he outlines some of the main advantages of pumped hydro storage, the economic benefits, and key considerations for planning, designing, and operating pumped storage facilities.
Read the article here.
Celebrating the success of the Entura clean energy and water institute’s latest dam safety program
The Entura clean energy and water institute is celebrating the success of its latest dam safety training program for an international delegation.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade-supported training was delivered as part of the South Asia Regional Infrastructure Connectivity (SARIC) initiative. Over the last two weeks, 21 senior engineers and executives with roles in water and hydropower organisations from the government and private sector in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, have taken part in the tailored course.
The group travelled to Hobart, Tasmania for the program, which included both classroom learning and several on-site visits to Tasmania’s key dams and hydropower assets, including Trevallyn, Miena, Meadowbank, Upper Reservoir and Craigbourne dams, and Poatina Power Station.
Over the course of two weeks, they were taught industry-leading dam safety principles and practice from some of Entura’s most experienced dams specialists. This included sessions by our Director, Water, Richard Herweynen, our Senior Principal, Dams & Headworks, Paul Southcott, Dr Tapan Mukhopadhyay, our India-based Principal Consultant, Geotechnical Engineering, and Team Leader, Dams & Geotech, Mike Budahazy.
They also took part in networking sessions with representatives from TasWater, Hydro Tasmania, the Tasmanian Department of State Growth, Tas Irrigation and UGL, among others.
“We’re proud to celebrate another successful training through Entura’s dedicated training arm, the Entura clean energy and water institute,” said ECEWI Project Coordinator, Leesa deGroot.
“Not only did participants learn invaluable skills to support capability building in their respective organisations and regions, they also had the opportunity to connect with key dam asset owners in Tasmania and build international networks.”
Participants with Entura’s Principal Consultant, Dr Tapan Mukhopadhyay (far left) and Director, Strategy, Sales and Commercial, Dr Amanda Ashworth (far right).
In closing the program, Dr Amanda Ashworth, Entura’s Director, Sales, Strategy and Commercial, and ECEWI’s Business Manager, acknowledged the active participation and passion of the attendees that helps “build our person-to-person relationships, as well as between our organisations and our nations”.
“The program was not simply about individual skills uplift, it is an investment in the future of the participating organisations and countries and the long-term regional resilience and protection of assets, environment, and people in those catchments,” she said.
Reflecting on the experience, Mr Gali Srinivasulu, who is the Deputy Director of the National Water Academy in Pune, India, said: “The cross-cultural exchanges, networking opportunities and camaraderie during the welcome reception and other gatherings were invaluable. It’s not just the knowledge we gained, but the connections we formed that made this program so special.”
“The organisation, presentation, and overall facilitation of the program were outstanding. The dedication of the hosts and the diligence of the facilitators was evident in every aspect, from the technical sessions to the excursions.”
Another participant, Mr Samir Kumar Shukla, the Director of India’s Central Water Commission, added: “The last two weeks will always be etched in our memory and the knowledge gained during the period will be a real asset that we will carry through our professional career. We also salute team Entura with the utmost respect for their warmth and care.”
Entura has delivered training through ECEWI for over ten years. During that time, it has delivered over 150 training programs to power and water clients in Australia and internationally. This includes dam safety training for the Malaysian National Committee on Large Dams (MYCOLD), dam safety training for local Tasmanian utilities, and close relationships with Bangkok’s Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and Kuala Lumpur’s Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), among others.
Find out more about Entura’s customised training offerings here. Learn more about the SARIC program through their website and LinkedIn. SARIC is funded by the Australian Government and is implemented by the World Bank, IFC, Palladium and ASI. Training and networking services under SARIC are managed by Palladium.
Entura celebrates hydropower day, today and every day
On 11 October, Entura is proud to celebrate Global Hydropower Day and shine a light on the positive impacts of sustainable hydropower around the world.
As a member of the International Hydropower Association (IHA) and as part of Hydro Tasmania, Entura deeply understands and values the role of hydropower in powering communities, growing economies and fuelling the clean energy transition.
Tammy Chu, Managing Director of Entura, is Vice-President of the IHA. She is an international advocate for hydropower and continuously works to provide a voice for Tasmania and Australia in shaping and guiding the IHA’s work at this crucial time in the global clean energy transition.
“I’ve been passionate about hydropower since I first visited Tasmania’s Gordon Dam as an undergraduate engineering student,” says Tammy. “I was awestruck by the size of the infrastructure and what it was doing, and had done, for Tasmania.”
She says, “Living in Tasmania helped me to recognise that hydropower is a marvel and can be a transformative force: that by harnessing the incredible power of water, hydropower can grow economies and improve quality-of-life for communities throughout the world, just as it did for Tasmania over the last century.
“It is deeply satisfying to reflect on the very long, productive lives that existing hydropower assets can have with the right stewardship. In Tasmania, we see this combination of long-term value and new potential every day in our state’s hydropower system.”
Entura is currently supporting Hydro Tasmania’s Battery of the Nation with a range of expertise and services. This includes preparation for a potential redevelopment of the Tarraleah hydropower scheme and technical studies for new pumped hydro at Lake Cethana in the state’s north-west.
Entura is also supporting hydropower and pumped hydro projects throughout Australia and the Indo-Pacific region, including flagship projects such as Genex Power’s 250 MW Kidston Pumped Hydro Storage Project in Queensland, which is the first pumped hydro to be constructed in Australia for 40 years.
“It is really only hydropower and pumped hydro that can offer the deep, long-duration storage to meet peak demand and stabilise the grid as the clean energy transition gathers pace,” says Tammy.
In November, Tammy will participate in the World Hydropower Congress in Bali, along with Ian Brooksbank, CEO of Hydro Tasmania.
“I’m thrilled to advance fundamental and urgent international discussion about hydropower’s role in fast-tracking the clean energy transition and powering sustainable growth around the world,” she says.
“The San José Declaration on Sustainable Hydropower and the Sustainability Assessment Protocol are just some of the initiatives through which the IHA is leading the conversation,” she says, “and we look forward to seeing the Bali Statement on Powering Sustainable Growth endorsed at the Congress.”
Read about Entura’s hydropower services and more hydropower projects, such as the Bulanog Batang hydropower project in the Philippines and the Nam Pha Gnai hydropower plant in Laos.
Explore our thought leadership articles here, which include many on topics of sustainable hydropower, pumped hydro and asset management.
Watch excerpts from Entura’s 2022 Global Hydropower Day webinar – from Rajeev Raina (Resident Director, India), Donald Vaughan (Technical Director – Power), and Amanda Ashworth (Director of Sales, Strategy and Commercial).
Farewelling Colin Hepher after more than 40 years with Entura
Entura is saying farewell to Specialist Electrical Consultant Colin Hepher, who is hanging up his hard hat and retiring after almost 42 years at the business.
Colin (left) onsite in Malaysia, 2018.
Colin joined the business as a Trainee Technical Officer, having spent much of his childhood at Tarraleah in Tasmania’s central highlands where his father worked for Entura’s parent company, Hydro Tasmania.
He started in the protection and test department, before moving into a project group where he travelled around Tasmania for 14 years testing and commissioning projects in substations or power stations
In 2000, he joined Entura’s design team for protection and control as a Senior Design Technician. During his career, he has worked on projects for Brisbane’s Powerlink, a protection and control system refurbishment for Malaysia’s Batang Ai hydropower station, Tasmania’s Gordon member 3 machine, Anthony Scheme and the number 1 and 2 machines at Hydro Tasmania’s Reece Power Station. He has also regularly provided consulting services for protection and control projects for TasNetworks.
“Reflecting on my career and achievements, it’s difficult to name one standout moment,” says Colin. “There have been many highlights, and they all stand out for different reasons.”
“I have been very fortunate to work with some very talented people. I’ve formed many relationships over some 40 years, and they are all deeply valued, especially with those whom I’ve worked with closely on a daily basis.”
“This organisation has always been one of opportunity for personal growth and diverse experiences, where you can expand your career in many directions thanks to the multitude of projects and ever-changing nature of the energy business,” he adds.
“I’m forever grateful for the culture of supporting others, for the mentoring I received, and, in turn, the mentoring I have been able to provide to the next generation of professionals.”
“There’s no better evidence that Entura is a great place to work and grow one’s career than the retention of many highly valued Enturans who have remained with the business for decades – all the while staying abreast of change in our industry and continuing to lead in their fields,” says Tammy Chu, Entura’s Managing Director.
“Colin’s long contribution to Entura and the Hydro Tasmania business is extraordinary. He has played an important role in maintaining the safety and reliability of Tasmania’s power systems over many years, and we wish him all the best for a healthy and happy retirement.”
Entura supports international capability development through dam safety training
Entura will be delivering tailored dam safety training for an international delegation next month, supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The 10-day dam safety training course will take place in Hobart, Tasmania, from October 2-13. It is part of the South Asia Regional Infrastructure Connectivity (SARIC) initiative, formed and funded by the Australian Government in 2019.
The delegation comprises 21 senior engineers and executives from India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka from the government and private sector, with roles in water and hydropower organisations.
Entura’s dedicated training arm, the Entura clean energy and water institute (ECEWI), will deliver the training, drawing on the technical expertise of their engineering staff.
“We are proud to be part of this important Australian Government initiative to promote sustainability, economic growth and lasting benefits to communities through safe energy and water infrastructure,” said ECEWI’s Project Coordinator, Leesa deGroot.
“Entura has excellent educational capacities and we have delivered numerous successful training programs via ECEWI, drawing on the expertise of our people and industry-leading practices.
This program exemplifies our commitment to support capability building for global partners, share dam safety knowledge, and foster networks to produce a long-lasting community.”
The course will be delivered by several of Entura’s dam specialists, including Richard Herweynen, our Director, Water, Paul Southcott, our Senior Principal, Dams & Headworks and Dr Tapan Mukhopadhyay, our India-based Principal Consultant, Geotechnical Engineering.
The Australian National Committee on Large Dams (ANCOLD) Deputy Chairman, Angus Swindon, will also deliver a special welcome address.
The program covers an array of dam safety principles in Australian, South Asian, and Southeast Asian contexts, and global sustainability guidelines. Delegates will visit several key Hydro Tasmania sites as part of the training, including Trevallyn, Miena, and Meadowbank Dams.
“Sharing knowledge about how to safely operate dams is important for protecting assets and communities and creates opportunities to ensure future developments and upgrades are undertaken with improved safety in mind” said Dr Amanda Ashworth, Entura’s Director of Sales, Strategy and Commercial, and ECEWI Business Manager.
“Lifting the capability of your people and creating a skilled engineering workforce is a critical part of ensuring ongoing sustainability of the power and water sectors,” she said.
Entura has delivered training through ECEWI for over ten years. During that time, it has delivered 150 training programs to power and water clients in Australia and internationally. This includes dam safety training for the Malaysian Committee on Large Dams (MYCOLD), dam safety training for local Tasmanian utilities, and close relationships with Bangkok’s Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and Kuala Lumpur’s Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), among others.
Find out more about Entura’s customised training offerings here, and the SARIC program through their website and LinkedIn.
Entura expertise and contributions recognised at engineering excellence awards
One of Entura’s engineers has received the top accolade in the Tasmanian chapter of the Australian Engineering Excellence Awards for his contribution to renewable energy developments and dam safety over his 30 year career. David Gerke, a principal civil engineer at Entura, was named Professional Engineer of the Year. David will now represent Tasmania at the national Australian Engineering Excellence Awards later in the year.
The Australian Engineering Excellence Awards (AEEA) identify, recognise and reward outstanding achievement in the practice of engineering and service to the profession, promoting industry excellence across engineering projects and professionals, and highlighting the significant contribution engineering makes to communities.
“David is highly valued and respected by all his colleagues at Entura and has made substantial contributions to the development of sustainable renewable energy and water projects in Tasmania, mainland Australia and throughout the Indo-Pacific,” said Tammy Chu, Entura’s Managing Director.
“David is highly deserving of recognition for his lifetime achievement across hydropower, dams, water management, wind farms and a range of associated civil engineering activities.
He has demonstrated an exceptional ability to broker solutions that balance the needs of clients, stakeholders, the environment and communities. His mix of professional experience and personal qualities makes him an outstanding role model and example for the engineering profession and we’re incredibly proud to have him as part of our Entura team.”
David said, of winning the award, “I am very honoured to be recognised for my contribution to the engineering industry through 32 years of project work, teaching and mentoring, and for my voluntary humanitarian contributions in remote communities in Vanuatu.”
“I’m proud to have played a role in the development of Tasmania’s wind farms, and in creating and maintaining safe dam and hydropower infrastructure that not only meets our clients’ immediate needs, but also builds a healthier, safer and more sustainable future in Australia and around the world.”
“While this is an individual award, my achievements also reflect the expertise, innovation and professionalism of my many colleagues at Entura,” said David.
David is currently project managing upgrade works at Lake King William to prepare for redevelopment of the Tarraleah hydropower scheme to participate optimally in the changing energy market and support integration of more renewables as part of Hydro Tasmania’s ‘Battery of the Nation’ initiative.
This project is fundamental both to Tasmania’s Renewable Energy Action Plan and to the decarbonisation of Australia’s National Electricity Market.
Entura’s contribution to Tonga’s clean energy journey was also celebrated at the awards as a nominee of the Project of the Year. The Tonga Renewable Energy Project (TREP) targets the energy needs of eight separate islands, contributing substantially towards clean energy targets and enabling further investment. TREP will rapidly shift Tonga’s current 90% dependence on diesel generation to a lower carbon and more climate-resilient electricity system, as well as provide increased electricity access for marginalised populations on outer islands.
Entura has been well represented at the awards in previous years, with a number of individuals and projects reaching the finals or winning awards, including winning the Professional Engineer of the Year (Richard Herweynen, Donald Vaughan, Seth Langford, Paul Southcott) and Young Professional Engineer of the Year (Lyndon Johnson) and winning in the project category for our work on Meander Dam.
Entura power expert provides Australian perspective on energy transition to global peers
Entura’s Technical Director Power, Donald Vaughan, presented this week at the global CIGRE Symposium in Cairns, Queensland.
CIGRE is a global community of thousands of power systems professionals from over 90 countries. CIGRE hosts an extensive range of local and international events, fostering engagement and knowledge sharing to strengthen electrical expertise and systems across the globe.
The theme of the 2023 CIGRE Symposium was the end-to-end electricity system – including transition, development, operation and integration – and the changes that are necessary to move towards the sustainable power systems of the future.
“The overarching theme of the symposium is the urgency of the transition of our electricity systems towards net zero,” said Donald, “and it’s important that global experts pool their experiences and act decisively to overcome the technological and economic issues involved in this crucial clean energy transformation.”
Donald’s presentation provided an Australian perspective on the role of hydropower and storage technologies in supporting increased variable renewable energy, such as wind and solar PV.
“As we move from predominantly dispatchable sources of power to more variable renewable energy, there is a growing need for firming and/or storage in our power system,” said Donald.
“In the Australian context, the storage required is expected to be around 46 GW by 2050, and it is likely that conventional hydropower as well as pumped hydro and battery energy storage systems can play a role.
“My paper explored how the storage capability of conventional hydro can aid the energy transition and capture value in markets with frequent power supply surpluses and potentially shorter and less-frequent periods of deficit, given that hydro schemes can retain or delay energy release and provide much-needed flexibility in dispatch.
“There will also be a significant role for pumped hydro and battery storage in the clean energy transition. Their contribution will depend on several factors including the amount and composition of variable renewable energy relative to conventional hydropower, the level of demand in the system, and the interconnection capacity,” he said.
Donald’s analysis was based on examples from the hydropower-dominated Tasmanian power system, which has already achieved 100% renewable energy and has a target of 200% renewables by 2040. With increased interconnection to mainland Australia, Tasmania is expected to be able to provide even more clean energy and storage to support the transition of Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM) as the country navigates the progressive retirement of the coal fleet.
“Tasmania has the potential to act as a giant battery for Australia, drawing on the flexibility, fast response and storage capacity of hydropower,” said Donald.
Entura is part of Hydro Tasmania, and is helping to deliver Hydro Tasmania’s ‘Battery of the Nation’ initiative, which aims to repurpose an aging hydropower station to operate more flexibly and to add new pumped hydro and interconnection to support the transition of Australia’s National Electricity Market.
Read a summary of Donald’s paper
Entura welcomes appointment of Malcolm Turnbull as new President Designate of International Hydropower Association
Entura welcomes the appointment of former Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, as the new President of the International Hydropower Association (IHA).
Mr Turnbull will be taking on the position from October 31, where he will be formally inducted during the opening session of the 2023 World Hydropower Congress.
He will replace Roger Gill, who has held the position since 2019. Mr Gill has been a long-time Board member of the IHA and is company director for Pacific Hydro.
As a specialist in water energy solutions, Entura has enjoyed a close relationship with the International Hydropower Association for several years. Entura’s Managing Director, Tammy Chu, has been a longstanding Board member and IHA Vice President since 2019.
“It has been a pleasure to work alongside Roger Gill during his IHA Presidency,” said Ms Chu. “He has been an inspiring leader and I am proud of what we’ve achieved over the last four years of his Presidency.”
“I am delighted that the baton is now being passed to my fellow Australian and equally dedicated figure in the hydropower space, Malcolm Turnbull. Mr Turnbull’s appointment as IHA President is a testament to Australia’s commitment to hydropower and the important role it plays in the global renewable energy transition. I look forward to working with Mr Turnbull as we continue paving the way for a sustainable hydropower future.”
Entura will be part of the forthcoming World Hydropower Congress in Bali, Indonesia this year, where Mr Turnbull will make his debut as IHA President.
“The World Hydropower Congress is an important event for knowledge-sharing with decision-makers, energy experts and industry leaders,” added Ms Chu. “Entura’s asset-owner heritage as part of Hydro Tasmania means we have more than 100 years of hydropower experience, which we are proud to contribute to the industry, our clients, and their water projects.”
“Our recent involvement in landmark Australian hydropower developments, such as Hydro Tasmania’s Battery of the Nation and Genex Power’s Kidston Pumped Hydro Storage project, is testament to our expertise and practical application of this longstanding knowledge.”
Entura has deep understanding and knowledge of all aspects of hydropower. Our specialists regularly contribute thought leadership articles exploring topical issues, technologies and considerations for hydropower developments, opportunities and upgrades.
We have contributed to numerous hydropower developments in Australia and internationally, including multi-purpose dam assessments in the Philippines, hydroelectric projects in India, Papua New Guinea, Laos, and many more.
Hydro Tasmania announces ambitious net zero targets
Hydro Tasmania, Australia’s largest generator of renewable energy, today (Thursday) announced its ambitious plan to achieve net zero reportable scope one and two emissions by 30 June 2025.
The Towards Net Zero plan involves a raft of initiatives to measure, reduce and offset emissions across Hydro Tasmania, its energy retailer, Momentum Energy, and its consulting business, Entura.
Hydro Tasmania CEO Ian Brooksbank said the company was already one of the lowest emitters in the sector, had significantly reduced emissions over the past few years, and was committed to doing even more.
“Hydro Tasmania has a proud history of sustainability, and our renewable energy is helping the State achieve its own net zero targets,” Mr Brooksbank said.
“Committing to our own journey towards net zero emissions is the next step in our story. Our action plan is redefining the way we generate, distribute, and consume electricity, so we can address the impacts of climate change and help keep our planet healthy for future generations.”
Activities to reduce emissions include replacing passenger vehicles with electric vehicles, improving energy efficiency in buildings and power stations, and reducing reliance on diesel on the Bass Strait Islands. Remaining emissions will be offset, with a priority on purchasing Tasmanian carbon credits.
Hydro Tasmania has already started the complex task of measuring scope 3 emissions, so it can devise further emission reduction strategies.
Momentum Energy, the Hydro Tasmania-owned mainland retailer, was rated 4.5 in the 2022 Greenpeace Green Electricity Guide. Its Managing Director Lisa Chiba said sustainability was an important point of difference for many consumers in choosing their electricity retailer.
“Renewable energy and sustainability are in Momentum’s DNA. We’re determined to support Australia’s drive to Net Zero by providing the education and products our customers, both large and small, need to help them reduce emissions and switch to renewable energy,” Ms Chiba said.
Managing Director of Entura Tammy Chu said the company played a unique role, taking expert skills and knowledge honed over a century on Tasmania’s hydro schemes, to the rest of the world.
“Entura works in Australia and around the world helping communities to transition to renewable energy and reduce their carbon emissions,” Ms Chu said.
Mr Brooksbank said Hydro Tasmania would continue to investigate, track and report greenhouse gas emissions and progress towards net zero, communicating openly on challenges and solutions.
Learn more about Hydro Tasmania’s towards net zero program here.
Media contact: Megan Tudehope on 0409 722 359 or media@hydro.com.au
Entura’s Technical Leadership Team expands with new Senior Principal appointments
Entura’s Technical Leadership Team is undergoing an exciting period of growth with the appointment of two new Senior Principals.
Dr Andrew Wright will move into the role of Senior Principal, Renewables & Energy Storage, while Dr Colin Terry has been appointed as Senior Principal, Water (Hydraulics/Hydrology). This comes as a natural career progression for both specialists, who have been engineering professionals for over 20 years.
Andrew joined Entura in 2005 as a technical consultant. Since then, he has held several positions in Entura’s Renewables Development Team, including Technical Specialist, Technical Lead, Project Manager and Team Leader.
He has been involved in several-high profile renewable energy developments, such as Hydro Tasmania’s King Island and Flinders Island hybrid renewable energy systems, Mannar Wind Farm in Sri Lanka, and Tasmania’s Musselroe, Granville Harbour and Cattle Hill Wind Farm projects.
Andrew has co-authored several industry papers, and is committed to furthering his own professional development as well as that of his peers.
“This is a new position for me, but also for the business, that recognises the important place that renewables has within our organisation and the industry in general,” said Andrew of his appointment.
“I’m grateful to have received this opportunity, and look forward to further strengthening Entura’s renewables capabilities in this exciting phase of the clean energy transition.”
Andrew in King Island, Tasmania.
Colin, Entura’s newly appointed Senior Principal, Water (Hydraulics/Hydrology), joined the business more recently in 2018, but is backed by 30 years of engineering expertise. He has held a strong water focus throughout his career, with skills in modelling, design and construction. He has worked at senior technical levels of small and large organisations, and is well-versed in many aspects of the water cycle within Australia and New Zealand.
Colin’s experience includes planning town water supplies and sources, civil design to support commercial buildings and subdivisions, and flood management. Through Entura, he has been involved in several flood management projects for councils such as Latrobe, Central Coast and Kingborough; impacts assessment for the hydrodynamics of the new Bridgewater Bridge in the River Derwent, and CFD modelling of the intake for the Tarraleah hydro power redevelopment.
“I’m excited for this leadership opportunity in the water space, and the mentoring opportunities it provides,” said Colin. “I was fortunate enough to learn from other enthusiastic specialists who were incredibly knowledgeable in their craft, and I hope to be that person for others on the team.”
Colin in the field, Tasmania.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Andrew and Colin to the Technical Leadership Team,” added Katrina McDougall, Acting Director Water & Renewables. “They are specialists in their respective fields with technical skills and capabilities that will be invaluable to their colleagues and our clients going forward.”
Andrew and Colin join previously announced Senior Principals Paul Southcott, Dams & Headworks, and David Wilkey, Grid & Power.
Paul joined Entura in 2000 as a senior dams engineer. During his time at the business, he has led the dams team and acted as Entura’s principal civil engineer. He is a respected dams specialist and was recognised as Tasmania’s Professional Engineer of the Year in Engineers Australia’s 2021 Engineering Excellence Awards. Paul holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) and a Master of Engineering Studies (Structural and Foundation Engineering) and is a Fellow of Engineers Australia.
Paul has contributed to many major dam and hydropower projects in Australia and abroad, including Battery of the Nation, the Tarraleah hydropower scheme, SeqWater, Sun Water, SAWater and Snowy Hydro. His expertise is a crucial part of Entura’s ongoing support for upgrade and safety works for Hydro Tasmania’s and TasWater’s extensive dams portfolios.
Paul is passionate about furthering the engineering profession through knowledge sharing, and has supported many young and emerging engineers through training and mentoring.
Entura’s Director, Hydropower & Headworks, Dale Bryce said, “This is a great appointment. Our new Senior Principal positions are all about entrenching and enhancing our technical leadership.”
“Paul is widely recognised as a leader in the industry and has been active in ANCOLD through contributions to guideline development and numerous conference papers. He brings 30+ years’ experience in the industry, with a career covering all aspects of the lifecycle of dams, but also hydropower and pumped hydro development, and as an educator.”
“It’s an exciting time of growth and development in the dams and hydropower space, and I look forward to continuing to deliver excellent outcomes for our clients and their projects,” said Paul.
“I’m also excited for the mentoring and teaching opportunities this role provides. Entura have a fantastic team of dams and hydropower engineers with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working closely during my 23 years with the business, and I am excited to be part of the team’s ongoing development.”
Entura’s new Senior Principal David Wilkey joined Entura in 2006 as a specialist electrical engineer. He then became a principal engineer for secondary electrical systems, where he provided high-level technical expertise to the electrical teams. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) and a Graduate Diploma in Science (Mathematics).
David’s expertise covers multiple facets of electrical engineering, with a particular focus on electrical protection, power systems studies and rotating electrical machines. He has worked on several key projects for Entura’s clients locally and internationally, including Clermont Solar Farm, Genex Power’s Kidston Pumped Storage Hydropower Project and due diligence for Australia’s Electricity Market Operator (AEMO).
“I’m excited for this opportunity to continue delivering technical expertise to client’s and their projects, while also taking on more leadership within the business. My journey at Entura has been pleasantly progressive, and I look forward to the new challenges this role will bring,” added David Wilkey.
Paul and David’s roles are two of six new Senior Principal positions created to provide leadership and growth opportunities for Entura’s senior technical experts. The Senior Principals will drive client engagement and provide mentoring and support for other engineers to develop their careers.
“These roles are a testament to Entura’s commitment to providing our clients with access to the most experienced specialists, as well as celebrating and acknowledging the professional development and capabilities of our people,” said Entura’s Managing Director, Tammy Chu.
“Andrew, Colin, Paul and David are excellent additions to the technical leadership team, and we welcome their continued growth and contributions.”
Entura shares hydropower insights with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Entura’s Managing Director Tammy Chu recently shared Entura’s hydropower insights with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a Roundtable event in Sydney.
Ms Chu, who is also Vice-President of the International Hydropower Association, was one of several business leaders who took part in the 24 May event, hailing from a diverse range of industries including steel, banking, IT and tertiary education. Also present was Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon. Penny Wong.
The Roundtable attendees, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (front middle), Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon. Penny Wong (middle left), and Entura’s Managing Director Tammy Chu (far right, second row).
As part of the Roundtable, Ms Chu spoke about Entura’s hydropower and pumped hydro capabilities, as well as our extensive dam safety training programs. In particular, Ms Chu referred to the dam safety work Entura is doing for India’s Central Water Commission as part of its Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP).
“It was an honour to take part in this event and share Entura’s knowledge with our industry peers and government officials,” said Ms Chu. “Our partnership with Hydro Tasmania’s Battery of the Nation project gives us unparalleled insight and experience of the successful elements of major hydropower schemes and pumped hydro energy storage, which is shared across the regions in which we operate, including India.”
“During the Roundtable, I suggested that further cooperation and partnership between India and Australia would benefit both countries with our clean energy transformation, and am very hopeful that these future endeavours will be fruitful on our mutual journey to Net Zero.”
Rajeev Raina, Resident Director of Entura’s India operations, said that Entura has been working actively for 17 years in India, supporting government agencies, private developers and funding agencies across a range of hydropower projects.
“Hydropower will play a crucial role in India’s transition to clean energy,” he said, “providing benefits including baseload and peak-load supply, quick ramp-up and ramp-down rates, and greater grid stability by complementing intermittent renewables such as solar and wind.”
“For India to achieve its net zero goals, the increase in wind and solar power requires a corresponding increase in hydropower and pumped hydro energy storage, so that electricity supply can be secured without recourse to fossil-fuel-based power generation,” he said.
“The government of India has identified pumped hydro energy storage as a priority and anticipates the need for 18.8 GW of pumped storage by 2032 to integrate the new renewable capacity,” he said.
“Entura is eager to contribute our deep asset-owner experience and significant specialist skills to support India’s pathway to a more sustainable energy future.”
Find out more about Entura’s hydropower insights and expertise in these short videos from Entura’s International Hydropower Day webinar:
- What are some of the challenges of hydropower in Southeast and East Asia? (Rajeev Raina)
- Why is hydropower important for deep storage? (Donald Vaughan)
- What role does hydropower play in the race to Net Zero? (Amanda Ashworth)
Entura’s planning expertise recognised at Planning Institute of Australia Awards
Entura’s Senior Environmental Planner Bunfu Yu has been recognised as the Planning Institute of Australia’s (PIA) National Young Planner of the Year.
Ms Yu was awarded the title at the awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 24, which took place in Adelaide. It is the first time in almost 20 years that a Tasmanian candidate has won the national title.
“It’s all a bit surreal still, but what I do know very clearly is that this award is in no way an individual award,” Ms Yu said in her acceptance speech. “It’s only possible because of the opportunities I’ve been given across my career so far. Many projects and people who have challenged, pushed, and supported me, but most of all, allowed me to have fun at work and let my passion naturally grow.”
“So to my team at Entura, including my colleagues who are here today, colleagues at Hydro Tasmania in particular, Ian Jones who nominated me for this award, and the many other planners, urban designers, engineers, and others, who I’ve been fortunate enough to work with and learn from, thank you for sharing your knowledge, being my sounding board for whacky ideas, and keeping me on my toes.”
Bunfu Yu (middle) accepting her award. Credit: Planning Institute of Australia
The judges commended Ms Yu on her passion for the planning and delivery of renewable energy infrastructure projects through her role at Entura. They also highlighted her commitment to the planning profession through involvement in PIA events, mentoring and knowledge sharing, as excellent contributions to the field and her own professional development.
“Bunfu has been a committed and passionate member of Entura during her time with the business, and this recognition of her achievements is well deserved,” said Entura’s Managing Director, Tammy Chu.
“We are proud to foster an environment in which our people can grow their skills and capabilities, and Bunfu’s professional development is a testament to that.”
It follows from her win in the PIA awards’ Tasmanian division earlier this year. She was nominated for the award by Hydro Tasmania’s Principal Environmental Planning and Policy Specialist, Ian Jones, who said: “Bunfu demonstrates the highest qualities of an emerging planning professional through her outstanding technical delivery and project management at Entura.”
“She has developed a considerable suite of skills that span statutory, strategic, and environmental planning, stakeholder engagement and communications, and project management.”
Ms Yu has been involved in a number of key projects across Australia, including a pumped hydro project in Queensland, a critical water supply development for a remote town in New South Wales, managing approvals for a Victorian wind farm, and her ongoing work on the landmark Battery of the Nation project and Marinus Link.
“Planning has a collective vision to make places better for people,” she said on Wednesday.
“Whether it’s through our work, the causes we champion, or the way we represent communities. It’s also about values, those which define us as a person and which are behind our ideas and decision making, and it’s so important to not lose sight of those. Planning good spaces and places is our best way to give back.”
Entura supports Australian Energy Mission to Thailand and Vietnam
Entura proudly supported the recent Australian Energy Mission to Thailand and Vietnam, which took place in March.
Led by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, the mission aimed to share Australia’s expertise and capabilities in renewable energy, energy storage solutions and new technologies for energy efficiency with partners in Thailand and Vietnam.
Entura was among the renewable energy organisations invited to join the delegation, which travelled to Bangkok, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. There were a number of networking opportunities and forums held over the week-long program, with our Director of Strategy, Sales and Commercial, Dr Amanda Ashworth, attending. (or which our Director … attended)
“It was an honour to be part of this important Energy Mission and be able to share our expertise with key local stakeholders,” said Dr Ashworth. “Vietnam and Thailand are both making strong progress towards their renewable energy targets and playing active roles in the global energy transition.”
Dr Ashworth took part in panel discussions in both countries to address their specific goals and current position in the clean energy landscape. In Bangkok, she drew on Entura’s portfolio of off-grid hybrid renewable projects in both the Pacific and Australian mining sector to provide insights into integration and hybrid technologies.
“Thailand has experienced strong growth in its energy sector over the past 15 years, and has strong national infrastructure,” Dr Ashworth said. “The country is looking to optimise its existing facilities and increase its hybrid renewable energy generation, which Entura is well placed to support.”
In Hanoi, she joined a forum conversation on the role of hydropower and pumped hydro storage in the energy transition generation mix and opportunities for optimisation of existing hydropower combined with potential new developments, grounded in Entura’s long-standing technical hydropower experience.
“Australia and Vietnam have similar net zero timeframes and there are synergies between the commitments of our two countries,” she said. “With Entura’s extensive experience in the Australian renewables sector, we are able to make informed recommendations for optimisations that can be implemented into Vietnam’s existing energy system to support these goals.”
“This visit was also very special as it follows the 50th anniversary of Vietnam and Australia’s diplomatic relationship. It was a privilege to meet and engage with local stakeholders and we look forward to strengthening this relationship moving forward.”
Entura proudly supporting annual Energy and Mines Australia Summit in Perth
Entura is proud to support the 7th annual Energy and Mines Australia Summit, hosting a panel discussion at this important event focused on the road to net zero mining.
Taking place from June 14-5 at Perth’s Optus Stadium, the Summit will bring together more than 500 mining and decarbonisation experts. Across two days, they will discuss the critical topics which miners have identified as pivotal to this stage of the decarbonisation transition, including shifting to fully decarbonised power systems and all-electric mining.
Entura’s Specialist in Hybrid Energy Solutions, Ray Massie, will host a breakfast briefing on the ‘Operational Implications of Renewables and Storage for Mines’. Greg Koppens, Entura’s Specialist Engineer, Hybrid Renewable Systems, will also be participating in the panel, which will provide critical insight on key topics for miners managing the complicated transition to fully decarbonised power systems.
The Summit will address key questions for major and mid-tier miners currently identifying their pathways to 2030 and 2050 climate targets, including:
- How can mines grow their assets and portfolios while reducing their carbon footprints?
- What is needed to accelerate the transition to fully decarbonised power systems for mines?
- How does the all-electric mine move from concept to reality in line with net-zero targets?
- How are diesel displacement options for heavy haulage trucks progressing?
Enter “entura10” on the registration page to receive a 10% discount on registration for this event.
Click here for full event details.
Entura shares training insights at 2023 International Conference on Dam Safety Management and Engineering
Entura’s Director of Strategy, Sales and Commercial, Dr Amanda Ashworth, recently took part in the 2023 International Conference on Dam Safety Management and Engineering (ICDSME23).
Amanda was one of many speakers and presenters at the 2-day event, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, by the Malaysian National Committee on Large Dams (MYCOLD). Her presentation focused on certified dam safety inspector training, and a specific collaboration between Entura’s clean energy and water institute (ECEWI), MYCOLD and Malaysia’s Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN).
“Entura’s dedicated training arm ECEWI has worked closely with MYCOLD and UNITEN to deliver a Certified Dam Safety Inspector course,” said Dr Ashworth. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, restricted travel meant that we had to find remote training options and overcome challenges to deliver the program.”
“We are proud to say that this has successfully resulted in the first batch of 29 participants receiving their certifications, which I was fortunate enough to be present for at this year’s ICDSME.”
The collaborative training program was delivered in three phases. The first involved online classes where theory on dam safety principles such as surveillance, inspection, monitoring and reporting was taught to participants by ECEWI’s key trainers in Australia. This was followed by practical site visits to two Malaysian dams, Tembat Dam and Kenyir Dam, with local supervisors. Lastly, students undertook examinations and were rewarded by successfully completing their Certified Dam Safety Inspector training.
“At Entura, we are passionate about knowledge sharing and capability building with our industry partners, and this training is representative of that. We’re looking forward to bringing through more batches of certified dam safety inspectors and delivering executive management training in the future,” said Dr Ashworth.
“Building people’s capability in engineering is required to strengthen economies, governments and individuals, and is one of the most critical elements in developing the right capacity to implement Malaysia’s dam safety guidelines and its anticipated regulatory laws.”
ECEWI has been delivering training programs and initiatives to clients and partners throughout Australia and Asia over the last decade. The institute has enjoyed close relationships with MYCOLD, UNITEN, Bangkok’s Asian Institute of Technology, Sarawak Energy Berhad and others. To find out more about ECEWI and training options available, head to our website.
Entura’s Tammy Chu promotes hydropower and clean energy in India and Brazil
Entura’s Managing Director, Tammy Chu, has shared Entura’s insights into the global renewable energy transition as part of the recent Australian Senior Business Delegation to India, led by Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia.
At the CEO Forum held during the visit, Ms Chu spoke about the need across Australia and India to build skills and capability in the renewable energy sector.
She also proposed the idea of a joint renewable energy council between the two nations, which was well received and led to an agreement that the concept will be further explored during 2023.
Entura’s Managing Director, Tammy Chu, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“With India committed to Net Zero by 2070 and with 60% of its current energy production coming from coal, there is a huge decarbonisation move underway, with plans for 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030,” said Ms Chu.
“Lowering emissions is a global challenge that can’t be solved without international collaboration,” she said.
“Forums such as this delegation to India bring leaders together to share knowledge, inspire each other, and affirm our commitment to a sustainable energy future.”
“Entura is excited by the many opportunities through which Australia can lend support to India’s renewable transition. Our teams are already working on a number of pumped hydro storage projects in Australia, and are eager to help bring about more pumped hydro projects in India, solving the grid challenges of firming wind and solar power through long-duration storage and rapid response.”
“Through Entura’s clean energy and water institute (ECEWI), we are supporting renewable energy skills development and capacity building throughout the Indo-Pacific. Developing a skilled workforce, ready to take up the jobs of the future, is a make-or-break factor for the clean energy transition.”
The Australian trade delegation, with Tammy Chu on the far right.
Ms Chu is the Vice-President of the International Hydropower Association. In that capacity, she recently participated in Latin American and Caribbean Roundtable on Sustainable Hydropower in Brazil.
“I was interested to learn of the focus in Brazil on hydropower refurbishment and upgrades, with policy and finance facilities to increase existing capacity,” she said.
“It’s easy to be drawn to new projects, but satisfying to reflect on the very long, productive lives that existing hydropower assets can have with the right stewardship.”
“Based in Tasmania, we see this combination of long-term value and new potential every day in our state’s hydropower system. For example, our teams are hard at work helping to breathe new life and flexibility into the aging Tarraleah hydropower scheme so that it can make an even bigger contribution to Australia’s National Electricity Market.”
Entura supports a bright future for Tasmanian hydropower icon
The Tarraleah hydropower scheme has generated clean energy for Tasmania for more than 80 years. Entura is supporting our parent company, Hydro Tasmania, with the first stage of activity to reimagine an exciting future for the scheme.
Hydro Tasmania Chief Executive Officer Ian Brooksbank said that Tarraleah is an incredible piece of engineering and an icon of the Central Highlands.
“Our vision for Tarraleah is to redevelop the scheme to deliver the benefits that the future energy market will need and generate up to 250 jobs during peak construction.
“The redevelopment would boost capacity, better support the growth of wind and solar through faster, more flexible operation and generate around 30 per cent more energy from the same water.”
Specialist renewable energy and water consultants from Entura are a key part of delivering construction works at Lake King William and Mossy Marsh Dam that support a potential new scheme and station in the future.
On site at Lake King William to see progress first hand, Mr Brooksbank said that it was fantastic to see work well underway for progressing the vision for Tarraleah into action.
“The network of canals that have fed water from Lake King William to the station for decades will need to be replaced in future.
“What is happening now are important upgrade works to construct a brand new water intake and connecting tunnel to meet up with a future new water conveyance. Improvements to the dam at Mossy Marsh are largely completed and upgrading the local access road is also underway.
“There’s almost 100 full-time equivalent roles working on these upgrades across Hydro Tasmania and Entura and our contractors – that’s great news for the region and there’s more to come as we progress our plans.”
Well-known Tasmanian civil construction company Hazell Bros was awarded the contracts for the first tranche of upgrade works projects.
These works, together with activity to assess the viability of building a brand new scheme and power station, represents a $123 million investment towards a clean energy future, with up to $65 million of that committed by the Australian Government.
Hydro Tasmania has also started environmental approvals through the Federal Government, a vital part of the redevelopment assessment, allowing the public to comment on Tarraleah’s proposed future.
“Getting the views of the local community on Tarraleah’s future is important. We will continue to provide opportunities to talk directly with our team about what is ahead,” he said.
L-R: Hazell Bros Executive General Manager, Construction – Tasmania, Jesse Brunskill; Minister for Energy and Renewables, Guy Barnett; Entura Managing Director, Tammy Chu; and Hydro Tasmania CEO, Ian Brooksbank
Background
Tasmania has abundant, low-cost wind resources and hydropower potential, which can be unlocked through the new 1500 MW Marinus Link interconnector.
Hydro Tasmania’s Battery of the Nation vision is to maximise Tasmania’s existing hydropower capacity and add pumped hydro.
The first 750 MW Marinus Link cable will unlock flexibility in the existing hydropower system to provide the on-demand back-up needed. It also opens up potential for capacity upgrades in Hydro Tasmania’s assets including the Tarraleah scheme and the West Coast stations.
A Federal Government funding commitment of up to $65 million for Tarraleah, together with $58 million in investment from Hydro Tasmania, is supporting work progressing on a commercial assessment of redeveloping Tarraleah and delivering upgrade works that position the scheme well for the future, regardless of the outcome of the commercial decision.
Hydro Tasmania’s feasibility study showed the Tarraleah scheme could be redeveloped to increase capacity and flexibility – all valuable requirements in a future electricity market.
This is a great example of repurposing existing hydropower assets to better align to future market opportunities and to deliver more value to Tasmania from the same water resource.
The second Marinus Link cable creates the opportunity to develop a new pumped hydro scheme – a 750 MW, 20-hour, cost-competitive, long-duration storage opportunity at Lake Cethana.
With more interconnection, new wind projects and increased hydropower capacity, Tasmania will produce more than enough renewable energy to power Tasmanian homes, businesses, and industries plus it can export the extra power to support a clean energy future for Australia.
Benefits will flow back to Tasmania through access to affordable power, economic investment, creation of much needed jobs, attraction of new business, and increased profitability for Hydro Tasmania which brings revenue to the state government to support vital infrastructure and services.
Entura expanding with exciting leadership opportunities
Entura is growing, and with that comes a number of exciting new leadership opportunities for senior technical specialists.
With significant experience in dams, hydropower, hybrid renewable systems, solar, wind, battery energy storage and more, our services are in great demand. We have been instrumental to the success of a number of landmark projects, and we are currently involved in ground-breaking work such as Hydro Tasmania’s Battery of the Nation, the redevelopment of Antarctica New Zealand’s Scott Base research facility, Genex Power’s Kidston Pumped Hydro Storage Project, the Tonga Renewable Energy Project, and other work in Australia and the Indo-Pacific.
In response to the sector’s rapid growth, Entura has created six new roles for experienced industry professionals to help us continue to empower people and communities with clean energy.
These Senior Principal leadership opportunities will see candidates bring their skills and knowledge to one of five key areas: dams and headworks; hydropower; water (hydrology and hydraulics); power transmission and distribution; and renewables and energy storage.
The roles will report to our Directors, with a direct line of sight to our internationally acclaimed Technical Directors Donald Vaughan (Power) and Richard Herweynen (Water). Entura’s keen focus on career development also provides scope to progress within the business and build a professional portfolio, through involvement in mentoring, industry events, awards and career-defining projects.
“These roles will help Entura play a greater role in the booming renewables sector, which is on track to grow exponentially in Australia and throughout our region in the coming years,” said Entura’s Managing Director, Tammy Chu.
“The new Senior Principal positions indicate our commitment to supporting career development in the engineering sector and our desire to create opportunities for new leaders to bring fresh, innovative ideas and technical expertise to our business.”
“At Entura, we believe that our people are the key to our success as a business and our goals of creating a more sustainable future.”
Visit our careers page to find more information about the roles. Applications are open until Monday March 13.
Celebrating 10 years of Entura’s clean energy and water institute
Entura is celebrating 10 years of our dedicated training arm, the Entura clean energy and water institute (ECEWI).
The institute was established in 2012, and has since delivered 146 training programs to power and water clients in Australia and internationally. More than 2,000 participants have been trained during this time, across a total of 10,857 training days.
ECEWI’s courses can be specifically tailored to the needs and business requirements of each client, and can cover a full range of clean energy and water subjects. This includes areas of risk minimisation, safety, operations, management, environmental assessments and more.
From L-R: Leesa deGroot (ECEWI’s Program Coordinator), Amanda Ashworth (ECEWI’s Business Manager), and Tammy Chu (Entura’s Managing Director)
“ECEWI formalises a long history of knowledge sharing, capability development and training across our full range of expertise and services,” says Amanda Ashworth, Entura’s Director of Sales, Strategy and Commercial, and ECEWI Business Manager.
“We are passionate about empowering and supporting our clients through training, and understand the importance of a skilled renewables workforce in the global energy transition.”
ECEWI has formed strong training relationships with a number of local partners over its ten years. In Australia, ECEWI has conducted hydropower operator training for a power utility and has longstanding relationships to deliver certified dam safety training regular dam safety training courses.
“We’re proud of our training achievements in international markets too, such as the Pacific region, where we provided hydropower operator training to a client in Papua New Guinea, to build capability and improve efficiencies,” says Amanda.
“We’ve also delivered wind resource assessment and remote community power training in Vanuatu, to build understanding and capability for future renewable energy development in the country.”
In Asia, ECEWI has enjoyed close relationships with Bangkok’s Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Kuala Lumpur’s Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), the Malaysian Committee on Large Dams (MYCOLD), Sarawak Energy Berhad and others. The institute recently celebrated the successful completion of MYCOLD’s dam safety inspector course (Batch 1), which was conducted virtually through remote training with supported assessments using photos and videos due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“The pandemic was an opportunity for us to adapt our offerings and brainstorm how we could continue to deliver training for clients in a hybrid format, using a blend of traditional and virtual technologies and methods,” says ECEWI’s Program Coordinator, Leesa deGroot.
“This has led to other training opportunities moving forward, including a current collaboration with UNITEN to deliver international hydropower training in south Asia for AIT’s Energy Development, Services Management and Technology Program.”
“The first decade of ECEWI has been very fruitful and satisfying,” says Amanda, “and we’re looking forward to continuing the journey of building skills across our regions to support the clean energy transition and greater safety and sustainability of energy and water infrastructure.”
“Our clients have considerable renewable energy and water needs and ambitions, and we are proud to support them in achieving those. And, in the process, we can make an enduring contribution to those clients and communities.”
Find out more about our customised training offerings here.
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