The 2017 National Electric Energy Conference (EECON) is taking place in Melbourne from 22 – 23 November is set to provide delegates with informative, challenging, and poignant discussion.
EECON 2017 will bring leading industry influencers to Melbourne to discuss, collaborate, and innovate towards a brighter future – don’t miss out on this tremendous opportunity to discover and debate the future energy blueprint of tomorrow.
In addition to continued professional development, this conference will provide an outstanding opportunity to network with others in the electric power industry. There will also be a number of exhibitors, providing information and advice on engineering products and services related to the industry.
Several speakers sat down to answer a few questions in the Speaker Spotlight Series.
We sat down with Rob Zagarella ahead of his presentation at EECON. Learn about how Rob and his company, NNNCo, are paving the way for innovation in the energy industry.
What is your area of focus?
I started the National Narrowband Network Co (NNNCo) to support the rapid and collaborative growth of Internet of Things (IoT) in Australia. A big area of focus for us is transforming electric power grids to smart grids through shared open networks.
What are you speaking about at EECON?
I’m excited to share the progress and findings we’ve made in delivering a load control IoT solution for Ergon energy in Queensland. The efficacy and cost efficiency of the in-field trial shows that we’ve got a robust and scalable solution.
Where do you see the industry in 2025?
Large-scale IoT roll-outs for utilities with millions of securely connected endpoints, and multiple applications from load control to distribution automation, street lighting and smart metering.
How have you embraced the changing industry?
IoT supports utilities to better leverage existing investments in infrastructure and operations. We’re not just embracing that change, we’re leading it.
We also sat down with Kristen Howard from AECOM. Kristen will be speaking on the technical challenges experienced within civil and structural disciplines when supporting electrical design and installation.
What is your current role?
My role is to bring together civil and structural disciplines to support the design and operations of electrical installations – from traditional substations to renewables infrastructure.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
I see the industry moving towards self-sustainability (i.e. renewables) whilst becoming more cognizant of whole of life costs. This requires us to be more innovative now in how we approach projects and a have willingness to explore new technologies.
How have you embraced the changing industry?
I saw it as an opportunity to broaden my horizons – to apply my traditional civil engineering background to a new field. It has also given me an appreciation and breadth of knowledge of the industry.
Why did you become an engineer?
Challenges abound which force me to think outside the box, particularly with constrained brownfield sites. I have yet to come across a project where I can apply a straightforward civil/structural design.
To find out more visit eecon.com.au