Mr Simon gamble

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2010 Fulbright Tasmania Scholar

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“Hydro Tasmania has developed a remote island power system in Bass Strait, Australia, that achieves a high level of renewable energy penetration through the integration of wind and solar generation with new and innovative storage and enabling technologies. With support from the Federal Government Renewable Energy Demonstration Program we are aiming to further enhance this system and to create a truly world leading renewable energy power system.”

Simon Gamble, the Manager of Technology and Commercialisation, Hydro Tasmania, is one of two winners of a Fulbright Tasmania Scholarship in 2010. This scholarship is sponsored by the Tasmanian government and the University of Tasmania and is awarded to an applicant to undertake research in the United States on a topic or issue of importance to the state.

Through his Fulbright, Simon will spend four months with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) researching the application of renewable energy technology in modern power systems. He will use the information gained to support the development of a renewable energy power system and research facility for the Bass Strait Islands. His Fulbright will also create relationships to assist building the University of Tasmania Center for Renewable Energy and Power Systems (CREPS).

“In recent years Hydro Tasmania has undertaken several renewable energy developments on King Island with the aim to reduce dependence on diesel, reduce cost and greenhouse gas emissions and to demonstrate the potential for renewable energy power systems,” Simon said.

“Our ongoing development of the power system is focused on continuing to reduce or replace the use of diesel fuel whilst maintain power quality and system security.”

Simon’s role within the business includes design of the development strategy for the Bass Strait Islands. He says that engaging more widely with technical experts in the field abroad, and gaining external input will enhance the current strategy and design elements.

“The objective of this program is to seek out world renowned scholars and practitioners in the application of renewable energy technologies in modern power systems.”

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy is a global leader in this field. NREL has both field and laboratory research facilities where Simon can participate in focused renewable energy research.

Simon has a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and a Masters of Engineering Science from the University of Adelaide. He also has a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Tasmania. Simon sits on the advisory board for UTAS CREPS and the Clean Energy Council Emerging Technology Directorate.

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