Joel Harris joined CS Energy earlier this year as part of the Renewables and Firming Operations team.
This team is responsible for the operations and maintenance of our newest assets – the Chinchilla Battery and the Kogan Renewable Hydrogen Demonstration Plant.
Joel is an Electrical Maintainer Operator and has previously working in the gas industry, and has also worked as an electrical substation technician and site supervisor on the construction of high voltage switchyards.
What prompted you to join CS Energy?
I was working in the gas sector based in Chinchilla and was looking for a career change when I saw this position advertised. The new technology and new type of industry piqued my interest and seemed like a good fit with my high voltage and gas experience.
can you describe your typical workday?
The Chinchilla Battery has been operational since July so a lot my work revolves around preventative and corrective maintenance, working with the original equipment manufacturer Tesla as required. I also carry out high voltage switching, and issue permits so that the necessary isolations are in place for work to be safely carried out on the plant.
Over at the hydrogen demonstration plant, construction works are ongoing and commissioning will begin soon. Our team is involved in regular technical discussions as part of operational readiness preparations to ensure the delivered plant meets Australian standards and will work smoothly with CS Energy’s safety systems and procedures.
Image: Joel with Electrical Technical Officer Mel Street at the Chinchilla Battery.
What is the favourite part of your job?
Every day is a new challenge and I’m constantly learning new things. I'm enjoying working in a small but tight-knit team with fantastic management, who all have the goal of a new, efficient and streamlined operation methodology, to produce a safe, high quality work environment.
We were the first in the state to attend accredited hydrogen specific training at the CQ University in Gladstone, so it was really exciting knowing that we are at the forefront of the industry.
What has been a career highlight for you so far?
There have honestly been too many to count, but the commonality between them is working to produce a quality outcome, that ensures my team goes home safe to loved ones every day.
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