Get to know the Renewables and Firming Operations team

With work continuing on the Chinchilla Battery and Kogan Renewable Hydrogen Demonstration Plant, it’s time to get to know the team who will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of our newest assets.

Leading the team is Operations Superintendent – Renewables and Firming, Michael Louis, who said the team – consisting of both new and existing CS Energy employees – is well equipped to help set our first renewable assets up for success.

“The Renewables and Firming Operations team brings a wide range of industry experience including in oil and gas, process plants, high voltage distribution and transmission, and power generation,” said Michael.

“This experience is pivotal for us to successfully run our new assets and we’re fortunate to have this come from a mix of new starters and existing CS Energy employees.

“Jeff Watts, who was previously Electrical Outage Specialist at Callide, has moved down to Chinchilla for the new role, and Arryn Bills has also joined us where he was previously Mechanical Trade Maintainer at Kogan Creek.

“We’re looking forward to what’s ahead and don’t take lightly our responsibility in ensuring the safe operation and maintenance of the Chinchilla Battery and the Kogan Renewable Hydrogen Demonstration Plant when they’re up and running.

  

Pictured left to right: Michael Louis, Jeff Watts, Mel Street, Arryn Bills, Chris Dorsett, and Joel Harris.

Meet the team

Michael Louis – Operations Superintendent - Renewables and Firming

Michael leads the multidisciplinary team that will run CS Energy's Chinchilla Battery and the Kogan Hydrogen Demonstration Plant. Michael started as an apprentice at Callide Power Station in 2007, and was working as an Asset Electrical Specialist focusing on the readiness of our new assets prior to taking on his current role.

Jeff Watts – Electrical Maintainer Operator

Jeff is an Electrical Maintainer Operator for the Chinchilla Battery. The Battery is currently in the commissioning phase, and his role involves supporting and preparing for handover. After handover, the operations and maintenance team will be responsible for the safe operation of the Battery and the Hydrogen Demonstration Plant when it's ready. Jeff was previously contracting with the maintenance team at Callide Power Station, where he worked on different overhauls and maintenance. He has also worked at other plants in Queensland.

Mel Street – Electrical Technical Officer

Mel is the Electrical Technical Officer, which involves supporting the team in a technical capacity and contributing to maintenance and operations areas including any issues that arise. Mel has worked in energy for most of her career at multiple sites right across Australia, including electrical management in hydro. 

Arryn Bills – Mechanical Maintainer Operator

Arryn is the Mechanical Maintainer Operator. He is currently working on the Hydrogen Demonstration Plant maintenance strategies alongside Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Arryn joins the team from Kogan Creek Power Station, where he was a Mechanical Trade Maintainer.

Chris Dorsett – Electrical Maintainer Operator

Chris is an Electrical Maintainer Operator for the Chinchilla Battery and Kogan Renewable Hydrogen Demonstration Plant, where he will be involved in operating and maintaining both sites to provide optimal availability and production in a safe manner. Prior to joining the team, Chris worked in high voltage instrumentation and electrical roles in gas and hydro.

Joel Harris – Electrical Maintainer Operator

Joel is an Electrical Maintainer Operator. He was previously working in the oil industry, and has also worked at a number of poles and wires companies as an electrical substation technician and site supervisor on the construction of high voltage switchyards.