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In anticipation of our 2nd Annual Remote Area Power Supply conference which is being held next month, we asked a few key speakers what they were most looking forward to discussing with other attendees over the two days. The event is the only one of its kind to specifically look at the opportunities and barriers for solving off-grid energy challenges with renewable and hybrid energy solutions.
Informa Insights: As a guest presenter at the forum, what are you most looking forward to discussing with other attendees?
Garry Ellis, Remote Area Manager, SA Power Networks
> How others respond to emergency breakdowns in remote locations
> Discussing innovative ways of distributing electricity to improve reliability in harsh environments
> How to integrate diesel generation with solar/wind etc without compromising supply quality.
> Cost effective ways of generating electricity without Government subsidies.
Mattias Becker, Solution Manager for Hybrid Power Plants Asia, AUS/NZ, Pacific, Siemens AG
> Talking to potential customers for hybrid power systems and understanding of their requirements and concerns as it is a new technology.
> Getting a better understanding about the market and projects in Australia.
Simon Troman, Managing Director, IT Power
“Remote Area power was all but forgotten while there was cream to be had in the on-grid market. Now the easy pickings are getting rarer with on-grid, what is the plan to regain Australia’s expertise at the forefront of the off-grid / remote sector?”
Liam Byrnes, PhD Candidate, Global Change Institute, The University of Queensland
“Electricity supply in remote areas is changing due to the availability of new technologies and approaches which create both challenges and opportunities. I am looking forward to discussing the future of remote power with an emphasis on the role of renewable energy and storage. Drawing on experience from case studies in remote Australian communities I will discuss the barriers and benefits associated with energy adaptation, and the pathways likely to be most effective in facilitating it. The conference provides an opportunity to discuss how best to ensure reliable supply while working towards reducing dependence on diesel generation and easing pressure on isolated and SWER networks.”
Paul Ebert, Global Director – Renewables Hybrids and Enablers, WorleyParsons
“I am particularly looking forward to discussing the progress of some of the innovative new technologies being used in many remote areas. Also, the changing nature of the sector as it responds to fuel price volatility, changes in the role of Government and pressures from consumers in terms of cost, supply quality and disruptive technologies such as roof top solar.”
Andrew Gray, Project Director – Solar SETuP Project, Remote Operations, Power & Water Corporation
> What methods/policies are being used by supply authorities to cope with customer roof top solar in remote islanded communities?
> What methods are being used/investigated by supply authorities to achieve higher penetration levels of solar in remote islanded communities?
> What are other Authorities /companies investigating in respect to the use of cloud forecasting associated with solar arrays in remote islanded communities & are they willing to share their data?
James Hamilton, University of Tasmania, Centre for Renewable Energy and Power Systems
“I’m leading an exciting new field of research uniquely applicable to the remote area community. It involves the capability of modern diesel generators, specifically for the introduction of maximum renewable content. This makes sense to so many people because it lowers the cost of energy, lowers the environmental impacts and can be implemented at minimal cost. Astonishingly many systems currently have some capability which is not utilised as the owners are not aware of the engines abilities. I’m keen to discuss this opportunity with owners and operators of such systems.”
