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Pumped Hydro – what is it, why we need it, and the potential barriers

Overview

The expansion of variable energy generation (i.e. solar and wind) will require large scale storage to balance periods of low energy production. The potential to utilise pumped hydroelectric storage (pumped hydro) to provide the necessary load balancing storage is growing within Australia.

Work at ANU has identified 22,000 potential pumped hydro sites in Australia, and has shown that the pathway to 100% renewable electricity will cost less than a fossil fuel alternative.

While pumped hydro is a proven technology for storing large-scale clean energy (accounting for 96% of the worlds energy storage) there are few examples in Australia. The potential barriers to developing pumped hydro projects in Australia, such as engineering features, identification of potential sites and environmental considerations, will be discussed based on two case studies; the Kidston project in Queensland and the “Battery of the Nation” initiative.

Speakers

Professor Andrew Blakers is Professor of Engineering at the Australian National University. His research interests are in the areas of solar photovoltaic energy and sustainable energy policy. He has extensive experience with basic and applied research, and led the team that developed PERC solar cell technology, which currently has approximately one quarter of the worldwide solar market. He is engaged in detailed analysis of energy systems with high (50-100%) penetration by wind and photovoltaics with support from pumped hydro energy storage.

Nick West is a civil engineer at Entura, working primarily in the fields of hydraulics and hydropower. Nick’s skills range from the technical analysis of the layout of hydropower projects to the preparation of contractual project documents and computational hydraulic modelling. Nick was a key team member of the Kidston Pumped Storage Project Technical Feasibility Study and was involved throughout the development and construction of the Neusberg Hydroelectric Project in South Africa. Nick is currently the project manager of the pumped hydro studies under Hydro Tasmania’s “Battery of the Nation” initiative.

Details

DATE & TIME
Tuesday 20 March 2018

Registration/Networking: 5.30pm
Formal start: 6.00pm

VENUE
PSA House
Level 10, 160 Clarence Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000

CPD
Eligible for 2.0 CPD hours

TICKETS
Register at: https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/portal/event/pumped-hydro-issues
Members & Students free
Non-members $30

PRINTABLE FLYER
We have a printable flyer you can download.

A Week to Go For Urban Runoff Presentation and Places are Filling

There is only a week to go for the Urban Runoff presentation to be held a the Sydney Water offices, Parramatta on 23rd Feb, and places are filling fast.  A few days ago we had over 80 registrations.  Full details are available on our previous post but please remember to pre-register as we need to help with the security arrangements at Sydney Water.

Abstract Extension for Climate Adaptation Conference To Feb 9

CA2018 Logo

Climate Adaptation 2018 is the major Australian forum focused exclusively on climate impacts and adaptation. In 2018, NCCARF are partnering with Engineer’s Australia to incorporate Practical Responses to Climate Change and build a bigger, broader program.

Attendees have the opportunity to make oral presentations and posters, as well as to take part in workshops, exhibits, plenary sessions and panel sessions. The day prior to the conference will be a free workshop for early career professionals registered for the conference.

Abstract submission have been extended and must be submitted by midnight 9th February 2018. You can visit the conference website at www.climateadaptation2018.com.au to submit an abstract or register.

The conference organisers are also looking to feature a selection of videos or animations around climate change and adaptation. Expressions of interest should be sent to [email protected] by 28th February along with:

  • Video title
  • Short description of video (e.g. intended audience, how made etc.)
  • Sector (e.g. government, community, industry etc.)
  • A link to where we can view the video

Standard Rego Closes Tomorrow (30th January) for WSUD and Hydropolis 2018

Conference Welcome Address: The HON Dave KELLY BA MLA, Minister for Water; Fisheries; Forestry; Innovation and ICT; Science will open the conference

Keynote speakers:

  • Mark Fletcher, Global Water Leader, ARUP
  • Kaia Hodge, Manager City Futures, Sydney Water
  • Jim Singleton, Strategic Planning & Environment, City of Wanneroo

Site Tour: As part of the Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD 2018) & Hydropolis 2018 conference there will be a site tour to Watercorp’s Groundwater Replenishment Plant and Rosehill Waters South Guildford on Monday 12 February 2018 in the afternoon. The site tour is included in the cost of a full conference registration

Workshop session: In addition to the site tour on Monday 12 February 2018 there will be a half day workshop session on ARR16 Urban catchments hosted by Innovyze. Register your interest on the WSUD 2018 website.

Conference Dinner and Awards: The Conference Dinner and Awards will take place on Wednesday 14 February 2018 at Crown Towers from 6.30pm. As part of the conference dinner, we will be announcing the Stormwater WA Awards for Excellence and the Engineers Australia Hall of Fame. Tickets can be purchased for the dinner alone if you are not attending the conference.

Registration: Standard registration ends on 30 January – register now! After this date a late registration fee applies. https://wsud2018.org.au/register/

 

LinkedIn Page Launch

The Panel is pleased to announce that we’ve finally launched a linked in page.  You can find us at:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/sydney-water-engineering-panel/

But don’t worry, we’ll still be keeping this website live and updated as well as our announcement mailing list so that you can use the format that you prefer and that works for you to keep up with our activities.

Urban Runoff and Impacts on Waterway Health and Hydrology – The Future for Greater Sydney

The growth predicted in Sydney is reaching unprecedented levels in areas where there has been limited to no development. The Greater Sydney Commission has indicated the need to rethink urban development and a wish to develop a parkland city in the South Creek catchment. The blue-green grid corridor means that as engineers, scientist and practioners we will need to consider the waterway and waterway health up front in any design.

Three presentors will focus on the impact of urban development on waterway health and hyrdrology and how we can improve, protect and maintain good waterway health with great amenity in urban areas that also provide habitat to iconic species and provide environmental value.

Please join us afterwards for ‘After 5 Networking, Nibbles and Drinks’ at the nearby Commercial Hotel to continue networking. For catering purposes please register your attendance separately for the After 5 networking event.

Details

Date: 23rd February
Rego: from 1:30pm
Formal Start: 2pm
Venue: Sydney Water Parramatta
1 Smith Street
Parramatta, NSW 2001

Tickets
EA Members and Students: free
Splash Members: free
IECA members: free
Non-members: $30

Places are limited please pre-register as we cannot guarantee seats on the day without registration.

A PDF flyer is available for download.

Continue Reading…

Abstract Extension for Climate Adaptation 2018

CA2018 Logo

Due to a number of requests we are extending submission for Full Paper abstracts until Monday 19th December! If you would like to be considered for a full-paper but missed yesterday’s deadline, you can still submit your abstract for another week.

Engineer’s Australia plans to publish a set of proceedings for Climate Adaptation 2018. If you wish to have your abstract considered for a full paper abstract, you must submit your abstract by the 19th December. If accepted, you will have until 2 February 2018 to submit your full paper.

If you don’t want to submit a full paper, you will have until 2 February 2018 to submit your abstract to present at the conference.

Abstract submissions at: https://yrd.currinda.com/register/event/1130

Seven Days Until HIWE2017

Due to popular demand – to allow for internal approval times – we have buckled and agreed to extend the deadline for standard registration rates by 72 hours to Thursday 9th of November.  We already have 130 registrants and the remaining places are filling fast.  Register quickly to guarantee your spot and lock in the standard fee.

Our programme at a glance includes highlights such as:

The full programme is available online.

Hydraulic Workshop

The day starts with a Q&A session featuring prominent hydraulic modellers discussing the latest techniques and the future direct of 2D modelling. They will discuss cloud storage, GPU cards, calibration techniques, CFD and much more. Mark Forest>, Practice Leader – Floodplain Management and Surface Water Modelling, HDR Engineering, Reno Nevada, USA, talk on the developments and evolution of HEC-RAS. Hear and question Software developers and vendors on the latest developments and innovations.  So far TUFLOW, DHI, 12d, Innovyze, HEC 2D and Waterride are confirmed to be present.  See the latest on Monte Carlo hydraulic modelling with direct examples of these techniques (including the Brisbane River flood study) in practice from front line engineers.

Standard Registration Extended to the 9th of November

Standard registration has been extended until the 9th but will rise from there – we simply can’t extend at standard any longer and prices will rise.  Register now to lock in the standard rate.

12 Days until HIWE2017 and Workshops

Registrations are filling fast and time is running out for the remaining places at the Hydraulics and Water Engineering Conference 2017 – 13th to 16th November, Dockside, Sydney. Our programme at a glance includes highlights such as:

The full programme is available online.

Hydraulic Workshop
The day starts with a Q&A session featuring prominent hydraulic modellers discuss the latest techniques and the future direct of 2D modelling. They will discuss cloud storage, GPU cards, calibration techniques, CFD and much more. Mark Forest, Practice Leader – Floodplain Management and Surface Water Modelling, HDR Engineering, Reno Nevada, USA, talk on the developments and evolution of HEC-RAS. Hear and question Software developers and vendors on the latest developments and innovations.  So far TUFLOW, DHI, 12d, Innovyze, HEC 2D and Waterride are confirmed to be present.  See the latest on Monte Carlo hydraulic modelling with direct examples of these techniques (including the Brisbane River flood study) in practice from front line engineers.

Registration Fees Will Rise on the 6th of November
Standard registration closes on 6th November and late fees will apply after that time.  Register now to lock in the standard rate.

Hydraulic Modelling Workshop @HIWE2017

With registrations from practitioners, government employees, academics, and students, and an action-packed program, HIWE is turning into a must attend event. See below for our program at a glance:

  • A choice of a Hydraulic modelling workshop with all the latest tips and tricks to put you ahead of the game or a trip to the Water research laboratory to see the physical models – there is something for everyone.
  • Find out the pros and cons of the direct rainfall method. It saves you time but is the answer as good as more traditional methods. This workshop will outline techniques that you will need to demonstrate your direct rainfall model is robust.
  • Over 40 papers on practical applications as well as hydraulic theory
  • The prestigious Henderson Oration to be given by Prof. Ron Cox, UNSW

Hydraulic modelling workshop – Wednesday

A must attend event for any Hydraulic modeller. The day will feature high profile invited speakers on the issues that are topical in Hydraulic modelling. What will you learn:

  • What will we be using in 5 years- new technologies and techniques
  • How to approach the practical problems hydraulic modellers face every day
  • What are the latest advances the software packages are offering
  • What is Monte Carlo and practical advice in the application

Get a copy of the detailed flyer to convince your boss you need to attend!

Program at a glance

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Morning Paper sessions Hydraulic modelling Workshop: Hydraulic modelling: where will we be in 5 yrs Paper sessions
Morning tea
Morning session 2 Paper sessions Hydraulic modelling Workshop:

Practical problems in Hydraulic Modelling

 Paper sessions
Lunch
Afternoon session 1 Paper sessions Direct Rainfall Workshop Hydraulic modelling Workshop: Innovations in 2D modelling Field trip: UNSW Water Research Lab Paper sessions
Afternoon tea
Afternoon session 2 Paper sessions Direct Rainfall Workshop Hydraulic modelling Workshop: Monte Carlo: All your questions answered Field trip: UNSW Water Research Lab Paper sessions
Evening Welcome Drinks Henderson Oration: Ron Cox Conference Dinner
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