JAMES NAUGHTON, RPEQ, CPEng, PhD

My Skills & Experience

Chartered electrical engineer specializing in power systems and renewable energy integration. Experienced in leading teams and managing generator connection applications. Proficient in PSSE, PSCAD, and PowerFactory. Skilled in technical writing, client relations, and presentations to both technical and non-technical audiences. Passionate about professional development and fostering a positive workplace culture.

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CURRENT ROLE

April 2024 - Present

SENIOR POWER SYSTEMS ENGINEER - EPEC GROUP

I have been technical lead on a range of projects. My key roles and responsibilities include:

Managing a team of engineers as technical lead on a range of generator connection and registration applications to network service providers and AEMO.
Being responsible for reporting to clients on progress, answering technical queries, and providing additional context for discussions with network service providers and AEMO.
Assisting the project manager on the oversight of project progress and finances.
Mentoring more junior engineers in the wider team, helping develop their skills and competencies.
Reviewing the work of colleagues for quality assurance purposes.
Assisting in developing company modelling and assessment approach to emerging requirements, such as small signal stability, and system strength impact assessments.

Recently concluded works that I have been technical lead on in include:

Stubbo Solar Farm 1 and Stubbo Solar Farm 2 (combined 400MW connected to Transgrid network) – Registered 2024.
Girgarre Solar Farm (76MW connected to PowerCor network) – Registered 2024

PAST EXPERIENCE

Past Roles

POWER SYSTEMS ENGINEER - EPEC GROUP

April 2023 - March 2024

I worked on a range of projects aiming to connect to the NEM, including solar and battery (grid following and grid forming) as well as hybrid projects ranging in size from tens of Megawatts, to over a Gigawatt.

Conducted a range of technical assessments to support generator applications to network service providers and AEMO.
Involved with all stages of the connection process, from concept design to achieving registration, as well as assistance with commissioning plans on projects up to gigawatt scale.
Utilised power systems modelling software such as PowerFactory, PSSE, and PSCAD.
Authored technical documents and connection packages for submission.

RESEARCH FELLOW - DISTRIBUTED ENERGY MARKETS, THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

September 2021 - March 2023

I am working as a researcher in the University of Melbourne Power Systems Group. My role includes providing technical expertise on high profile projects such as Project EDGE and Power Melbourne, developing bespoke tools, conducting power system modelling and analysis, and conveying results through presentations and technical reports. This work has included:

Development of a bespoke tool to provide techno-economic modelling of dynamic operating envelopes for Project EDGE. This included investigation of the efficacy of dynamic operating envelopes in different networks and DER penetration levels, as well as investigating different options to implement fair dynamic operating envelopes.
Design of a distribution locational marginal pricing methodology for DER marketplace design. Used to inform possible design of a local services market and potential interactions with existing wholesale markets.
Techno-economic modelling of community batteries to provide analysis of the impacts of different operational strategies of community batteries and of the different revenue streams available to a community battery.
Presenting project findings to project stakeholders such as AER and AEMC as well as forums of industry specialists such as the Demonstrations Insights Forum and Market Integration Consultative Forum.

RESEARCHER, UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

September 2017 - September 2021

During my time conducting research for my PhD, I work on a number of projects as well as assisting in the development and delivery of the Power Systems modules to Masters students at the university. My original research has also resulted in a number of publications. This work has included:

A state-of-the-art power systems techno-economic modelling framework for virtual power plants. The development and implementation of this framework is one of the main contributions of my thesis.
Power systems modelling and techno-economic analysis for The Hydrogen Utility™ during the concept phase of Green H2/NH3 Supply Chain Demonstrator
Developing power system modelling tools, tutorials, and workshops for a new University of Melbourne power systems course, as well as conducting demonstrations for students.
Evaluation of student outputs and providing technical guidance to solve problems

GRADUATE ENGINEER, MOTT MACDONALD

September 2015 - June 2017

During my time at Mott MacDonald I worked in a number of teams within the Railways Division including Traction Power, Electrical, and Fire Safety teams.

Conducted electrical load flow and fault analysis utilizing power systems modelling software ETAP for the 33kV network upgrade to power Dubai Metro Route 2020.
Conducted advanced simulations with in-house traction power system modelling software TRAIN.
Provided engineering design and verification services on a range of domestic and international projects to comply with relevant standards, as well as writing technical reports for clients.

Additional to my technical role, I also undertook a number of other responsibilities within the company such as:

Acting as the Railways Division Business Management Systems Representative to ensure divisional compliance.
Working as part of the team to a Europe and North America Regional Dragon’s Den competition within the company.

ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

My Studies

September 2017 - July 2022

POWER SYSTEMS PHD, UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE & UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM

Project involves creating a modelling framework for a stochastic virtual power plant with multiple energy vectors.

The framework utilises optimal power flow and can be used to model the optimal operation of a multi-energy virtual power plant that maximises its revenue whilst providing numerous network services.

Work published during my studies can be found on the Publications Page.

September 2011 - June 2015

MASTER OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON

Completed modules in a wide range of topics including power systems, control, optimisation, electrical materials and power electronics.
Awarded 1st Class with Honours. Received Southampton University Zepler Scholarship for academic excellence.

PROFICIENCIES

I’m always looking for new and useful skills that will help me do better work. Whether I’m working on a new collaboration or doing something on my own, there is always room for improvement and new things to learn. Have a look at my skillset and let me know if you need additional information.