Mr. Luke Jenner, Chief Operating Officer, Essential Energy
Luke is an experienced executive with engineering and operational expertise in the energy and mining industries. Luke has been a member of Executive Leadership Team since 2012.
Luke has spent much of his career in the energy and mining sectors in senior management roles, including as Executive Manager Engineering, General Manager Customer and Network Services and General Manager People and Services with Essential Energy, and various Engineering Management roles with DBT (now HBT GmbH), a global mining equipment supplier, and Royal Dutch Shell’s underground coal division.
Mr. Andrew Kingsmill, Executive Director of Technical Advisory Services, EnergyCo, NSW, Australia.
Andrew Kingsmill is Executive Director, Technical Advisory Services. Andrew is responsible for the NSW Network Strategy, REZ network solutions, REZ optimisation, access scheme technical design and timely and effective connection processes.
Andrew has extensive experience in electricity infrastructure planning, operations regulation, and asset management. At Transgrid, he led the planning and economic evaluation of new transmission with a total value of $3 billion and managed technical due diligence for connection of new generators and customers totalling five gigawatts. Andrew provides technical leadership, ensuring successful and optimal integration of REZ infrastructure as part of an integrated and coordinated NSW Network Strategy – working closely with the Consumer Trustee, AEMO, Transgrid and the Distribution Network Service Providers.
Mr Anisur Rahman, Digital Systems Centre Manager, ABB, Australia.
Anisur Rahman joined ABB in 2007 and is Digital Systems Manager within ABB Australia’s Electrification Distribution Solutions business.
In this role, he oversees digitalisation and automation products and solutions across multiple segments including utility, transport, mining, data center and oil & gas. His areas of interest and expertise include smart substation control & protection, ultra-fast earth switching, smart grids, wireless networks, high-speed auto transfer systems, and low-cost load shedding management systems.
Anisur has 20 years of experience as an electrical maintenance engineer and over 15 years of experience in protection and control systems design, including load flow analysis, fault level calculation, primary and secondary equipment selection, protection relay configuration & coordination, and testing & commissioning of protection and communication systems.
Anisur holds a degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and a Computer Science degree from Auckland University, NZ.
Mr Matthew Webb, Head of Connections and Planning in Transmission Development and Growth, Ausgrid
Matthew Webb has played integral roles at Ausgrid, demonstrating expertise in strategic positions within the Transmission Development & Growth Group. Beginning as the Head of Asset Investment for nearly seven years, he transitioned into his current role as the Head of Connections and Planning. In this capacity, Matthew collaborates extensively with business experts, customers, and partners to streamline the integration and planning processes for large-scale renewable energy sources and battery systems .
Mr Doug Thomson, Manager/ Strategic Network Development, TransGrid
Doug Thomson is a highly experienced professional with more than 30 years in the electrical power sector. He has a strong background in transmission and distribution network operations, netwrok operations, maintenance, and planning, as well as electricity markets and regulation. Doug leads the planning and development of strategies for grid transformation, industry decarbonisation, and the integration of large-scale renewables.
Ms Emily Scivetti, Chief Operating Officer, Oceanex Energy
Emily Scivetti is the Chief Operating Officer of Oceanex Energy and former Chief Operating Officer of the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence. She has over 20 years of experience in developing major infrastructure projects across a number of industries including transmission, renewable energy, transport, urban development and education. Emily has led complex supply chain, local content and WHS strategies in both the public and private sectors.
Mr Cory Urquhart, Head of Network Strategy & Future Networks, Essential Energy
Cory Urquhart has spent over a decade and a half at Essential Energy, showcasing expertise across various key roles. Starting as a Graduate Engineer, Cory progressed through positions focused on demand management, innovation, technology, and forecasting. His journey led to managerial roles, culminating in his current position as Group Manager for Strategy and Future Networks. Based in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, his contributions have significantly influenced Essential Energy’s network optimization and asset management performance.
Dr Alexander Klimenko, Director of Centre for Multiscale Energy Systems, School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, The University of Queensland, Australia
Dr Klimenko has made an outstanding contribution to theory and computation of reacting flows: the conditional equations introduced by him proved to be a most efficient toll in simulation or multiscale phenomena of different nature. His models and approaches (CMC,MMC,IDFE, PCMC theory of RCLand others) have resulted in dramatic improvements in efficiency of simulations and are used and recognized worldwide.
Ms Julie-Anna Smith, Market Leader Energy Transition & Sustainability Services, Bureau Veritas Australia & New Zealand
Julie-Anna Smith brings nearly 14 years of expertise to the Bureau Veritas Group, currently serving as the Head of Energy Transition & Sustainability Services. In this role, based in Brisbane, Queensland, she leads initiatives focused on steering the company towards sustainable practices and navigating the energy transition landscape. With extensive experience in the field, Julie-Anna plays a pivotal role in shaping the group’s strategies in sustainability and energy-related services.
Dr Aleksandar Staykov, Associate Professor and Principle Investigator, International Institute for Carbon-neutral Energy Research (WPI-I2CNER), Kyushu University
Staykov laboratory specializes in theoretical chemistry and computational materials science. We use computer simulations to understand the structure and properties of energy materials for solid oxide fuel cells, gas separation membranes, and catalysis. We apply the methods of classical and quantum mechanics to understand the electronic properties of solids and molecules. We develop novel artificial intelligence and machine learning methods for application in the materials design.
Ms Yuko Fukuma, Acting General Manager, Hydrogen Engineering Australia, Pty Ltd. (HEA)
Yuko Fukuma leads hydrogen technology initiatives at Hydrogen Engineering Australia Pty Ltd, drawing from nearly 15 years at Kawasaki Heavy Industries. As Acting General Manager in Melbourne, she brings extensive expertise in project development and corporate technology, driving advancements in the hydrogen engineering sector.
Mr Ben McGruer, Head of Engineering, Endua
An experienced research and design engineer with a background in high-precision, high-performance systems. With experience in start-ups and established high-technology companies, leadership and teamwork has been demonstrated under challenging conditions. Innovative problem solving abilities are complemented by very strong computer-aided design and analysis skills including 3D modelling, finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics.
Mr. Tony Morton, Vysusgroup, Australia
Tony Morton is a leader in Electric Power Engineering within the Vysus Group Renewable Energy and Power business stream. With a focus on technical excellence, he coordinates teams across Australia, Canada, and Southeast Asia. Based in Melbourne, he spearheads the local electrical engineering team, aiding clients in grid connection for new generation projects, assessing power system upgrades, and enhancing dynamic models for transmission plants. His expertise spans power system dynamics, congestion analysis, wind turbines, and PSS/E software, offering invaluable insights into network performance and transport planning, along with providing commercial and regulatory guidance.
Dr. Hiroyuki Mori, Professor, Meiji University
He is currently a Professor of Dept. of Electronics and Bioinformatics at Meiji University. Since 2001, he has been the ISAP (International Conference on Intelligent System Applications to Power Systems) Board Director. From 2005 to 2010, he was the head of Meiji University High-tech Research Center for sustainable energy. In 2011, he founded Research Institute of Smart Grid Innovation (RISGI) at Meiji University. His research interests include voltage instability, power flows, state estimation, distribution automation, load forecasting, system identification, stochastic models, fuzzy, meta-heuristics, artificial neural networks and data mining. Dr. Mori is a member of AAAI, ACM, SIAM and a senior member of IEE of Japan.
Dr. Henry Liu, Sungrow, Australia
Henry Liu is a seasoned professional at Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd., where he serves as the Technical Director. Over his tenure, he has held key roles focused on utility-scale energy storage and grid connection management. With extensive experience spanning project management for utility-scale solar and energy storage projects, he brings valuable skills in coaching, mentoring, and technical leadership. His expertise lies in facilitating grid connections, managing energy storage projects, and providing guidance in utility-scale energy storage initiatives.
Prof. Michael Negnevitsky, University of Tasmania, Australia
Dr Michael Negnevitsky is Professor, Chair in Power Engineering and Computational Intelligence, Director of the Centre for Renewable Energy and Power Systems. Professor Michael Negnevitsky has been active in initiating and conducting research in power system security, power quality, reliability, distributed and renewable power generation, demand response management and smart grids. His research also involves the development and application of intelligent systems in power systems.
Ms Fatima Bazzi, Head of Customer Connections, Assets and Digital Group, Ausgrid, Australia.
Fatima Bazzi is a dynamic leader at Ausgrid, excelling in roles focused on customer connections, asset management, and transformation. As Head of Customer Connections, she spearheads electrification efforts and oversees the end-to-end process of connecting customers. Previously, she led Ausgrid’s $2 billion portfolio as Head of Portfolio Planning & Insights and orchestrated the enterprise transformation strategy as Head of Transformation, showcasing her versatile leadership across crucial domains.
A/Prof. Rukmi Dutta University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), Australia
Associate Professor Rukmi Dutta holds a distinguished position in the field of Energy Systems at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). Renowned for her pioneering research in electric machines and drive systems, electric and hybrid vehicles, renewable energy, and power electronics, she is a driving force in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.
Dutta’s recent research endeavours have focused on the design and control of permanent machines, particularly in the automotive and renewable energy sectors. Her work in this area has not only advanced the efficiency and performance of electric propulsion systems but has also contributed significantly to the global effort to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
In addition to her groundbreaking research, Dutta is a dedicated educator and mentor. She is passionate about nurturing the next generation of engineers and scientists, instilling in them the knowledge and enthusiasm needed to tackle the world’s most pressing energy challenges. Her commitment to teaching excellence has made her a beloved figure among her students, who benefit from her deep expertise and guidance.
Dutta has authored numerous scholarly publications that have earned her recognition and respect in her field. Her work not only informs and inspires fellow researchers but also informs the development of cutting-edge technologies in the energy sector.
As an Associate Professor at UNSW, Rukmi Dutta continues to make invaluable contributions to the advancement of sustainable energy systems. Her unwavering dedication to research, education, and mentoring has solidified her status as a leading figure in the pursuit of a greener and more energy-efficient world.
A/Prof. Galina Mirzaeva University of Newcastle, Australia
Galina Mirzaeva is an Associate Professor in sustainable energy solutions at the University of Newcastle, Australia. With an unwavering commitment to tackling climate change, she combines boundless optimism with a pragmatic approach. Galina’s research centers on advancing switched power electronic converters, the backbone of efficient energy conversion. Mirzaeva’s mission is to enhance this process and lead us toward eco-friendly energy solutions: To focus on developing technologies that conserve energy, harness replenishable resources, and reduce emissions.
Switched power electronic converters are vital to modern industries, optimizing energy conversion efficiency. Mirzaeva’s expertise lies in crafting control systems that leverage fractions of milliseconds to achieve peak converter performance. Her research lays the groundwork for cleaner, more efficient energy sources, displacing outdated, environmentally harmful technologies.
Mirzaeva’s work resonates within industries such as mining, power, and transport manufacturing and aligns her research with technology end-users’ needs. Her collaboration with RestTech, supported by ACARP, not only improved electric safety in underground mining but also advanced research in matrix converters, model predictive control, and optimal switching design.
Mirzaeva’s vision also extends to the skies. Her partnership with More Electric Aircraft, Rolls-Royce@NTU Corporate Laboratory, and the Aerospace Technology Institute is poised to revolutionize global air travel. Supported by the Australian Department of Industry, Innovation, and Science, her team aims to reduce flight times, potentially realizing direct flights from Sydney to London within a few years.
Taking her expertise to the seas, Galina has joined forces with local companies to develop an Australian-made integrated hybrid electric system, democratizing access to this technology.
Galina’s impact isn’t limited to industries; it touches the lives of everyday Australians. She has played a crucial role in the proliferation of rooftop solar installations and inverters, making solar energy more affordable and accessible to millions of households.
As a trailblazer in sustainable energy solutions, A/Prof. Galina Mirzaeva embodies innovation, collaboration, and environmental stewardship. Her relentless pursuit of cleaner and more efficient technologies leaves an indelible mark on our planet, empowering future generations in the quest for a greener, brighter future.
