2025 Agenda

• Evaluating machine type, sizing, and operational factors to select the most suitable synchronous condenser for long-term reliability
• Developing predictive maintenance strategies to extend component lifespan and minimise failures in critical rotating machinery
• Implementing remote online monitoring to track key parameters, detect faults early, and reduce operational risks

Hydrogen generator purging is a critical operation that demands precision, consistency, and strict adherence to safety protocols. Traditional manual purging methods pose significant challenges, including increased risk of human error, reliance on experienced personnel, and inefficiencies in time and resource utilization—particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂) consumption.

This presentation explores the implementation of a Remote Operator Initiated - Purge (ROI-P) system as a solution to these challenges. By automating the purge process, operators can achieve a standardized, repeatable procedure that enhances operational safety, reduces purge duration, and optimizes CO₂ usage. The system also mitigates risks associated with workforce limitations and extended maintenance intervals.

Key discussion points include:

• Definition and operational principles of Remote Operator-Initiated Purge systems
• Prerequisites and considerations for system implementation
• Critical parameters and instrumentation required for purge monitoring
• CO₂ supply and vaporization challenges
• Comparative analysis of purge system configurations
• Integration of ambient vaporizers for improved thermal efficiency

This presentation aims to provide a practical framework for utilities and plant operators seeking to modernize their hydrogen generator purge processes through automation and remote operation.

• Evaluating superconductor cables and stand-alone systems to enhance efficiency and minimise operational risks
• Integrating battery storage and small-scale hydro to improve energy reliability and alleviate grid congestion
• Streamlining operations with virtual transmission and decentralised energy solutions to optimise power flow and reduce downtime

• The Incident That Grounded Heathrow
• Preventing the Next Failure – Why Maintenance Matters
• What Can We Learn? Best Practices for Asset Managers

• Assessing the condition, and risks, of aging equipment to ensure informed repair or replace decisions
• Balancing costs, reliability, and sustainability in end-of-life maintenance to optimise value without compromising operational integrity
• Implementing strategic refurbishment and upgrades to extend the assets life while aligning with modern requirements

• Using standardised PD measurement techniques to assess insulation health, ensure compliance, and mitigate operational risks
• Employing online and offline PD testing methods to identify high-risk areas, extend asset lifespan, and prevent catastrophic failures
• Aligning PD testing practices with Australian industry regulations to enhance safety and reliability in HV networks

• Implementing advanced PD sensors and automated algorithms to enhance real-time monitoring accuracy and fault detection
• Leveraging AI-driven diagnostics and predictive analytics to detect early signs of insulation degradation and prevent unexpected failures
• Optimising PD monitoring systems in HV cables, GIS, and switchgear to improve reliability and streamline maintenance strategies

• Mentoring engineers to build confidence, overcome unconscious bias, and foster professional growth
• Supporting mental health and self-concept development to prevent burnout and retain emerging talent
• Encouraging open dialogue in the workplace to create a more supportive industry

• How routine inspections and maintenance have changed with technology advances
• Exploring the asset management lifecycle, and how to confront ageing infrastructure and repair/replacement consideration
• Using resilience modelling and analysis, and how best to harness the data
• Employing resilience enhancement and optimisation to safeguard your assets 

Roundtables are informal 30 mins discussions, each facilitated by a leader who will introduce the topic before inviting the delegates to join the conversation. Delegates can attend three sessions of their choice from the following: 

15:35    Discussion 1

16:05    Discussion 2

16:35    Discussion 3

✨ Bollywood Nights ✨

Step into a night of vibrant colours, lively rhythms, and Bollywood glamour!

The 23^rd annual Machines & HV Assets 2025 dinner is your chance to network, unwind, and celebrate with industry peers in a festive setting. Enjoy delicious cuisine, great company, and an unforgettable evening—all included in your delegate pass.

Soak up the atmosphere, make new connections, and let the energy of Bollywood light up your evening in Melbourne!

Start your day with a thought-provoking discussion over breakfast, exploring cross-sector solutions to key energy challenges. This exclusive event, part of Australian Energy Week, offers you a chance to gain insights from industry leaders and connect with like-minded professionals.

• How can the energy sector collaborate with heavy industry, transport, and utilities to create integrated decarbonisation strategies? 

• What innovative financing mechanisms or partnerships can drive cross-sector investments in clean energy infrastructure? 

• How do we manage the competing timelines for decarbonisation across sectors with different regulatory environments and technological readiness? 

• What is the role of digitalisation and data sharing in enabling cross-sector energy efficiency and emissions reduction efforts? 

• Analysing intermittent high-criticality equipment to improve backup plant reliability and reduce operational risks
• Conducting detailed equipment criticality analysis to prioritise maintenance needs and optimise resource allocation
• Predicting failures and developing targeted maintenance task lists to improve efficiency and minimise downtime

• Integrating IoT for real-time predictive maintenance to enhance asset longevity and reduce unexpected failures
• Using AI-driven analytics to improve asset reliability, detect faults early, and minimise unplanned downtime
• Optimising predictive testing methods by combining traditional and modern techniques to improve operational efficiency

• Addressing inaccuracies in as-built drawings with advanced surveying techniques, digital twins, and historical data validation
• Managing underground and hidden assets through enhanced detection methods, risk assessment, and integration with modern HV designs
• Mitigating risks from adjacent infrastructure by coordinating design and construction efforts to minimise disruption, ensure compliance, and maintain operational safety

• Evaluating cable health through advanced condition assessment techniques
• Leveraging condition-based risk modelling and data analytics to estimate the remaining service life of HV cables
• Modelling proactive maintenance frameworks that balance risk, cost, and operational efficiency

• Overcoming the challenges of maritime electrification by addressing recharging limitations and regeneration constraints unique to vessels
• Developing and deploying hybrid power and propulsion systems to significantly reduce emissions, enhance efficiency, and improve operational reliability
• Leveraging industry-academic collaboration to drive engineering innovation, accelerate decarbonisation, and set new standards for the maritime sector

• Visualising real-time data, to predict failures, and streamline maintenance decisions
• Leveraging data frameworks and predictive analytics to reduce inefficiencies and, enhance risk assessments
• Enabling technical teams to harness digital modelling, automate workflows, and make informed, data-driven decisions

• Integrating digital twins, AI, and IoT to enhance decision-making, optimise asset performance, and improve predictive maintenance
• Analysing real-world successes and failures to identify best practices, avoid costly missteps, and accelerate adoption of digital solutions
• Bridging the gap in automation and real-time monitoring to create a more resilient and data-driven asset management approach

• Prolonging period between outages
• Extending the lifetime and efficiency of aging assets
• Safety standards for hazardous areas

• Identifying common wear points to extend asset lifespan and prevent unexpected outages
• Implementing predictive maintenance techniques to detect failures early and reduce downtime
• Enhancing diagnostics, monitoring systems, and staff training to improve maintenance efficiency and equipment performance

• Improving asset reliability by transitioning to condition-based maintenance (CBM), and monitoring them in real-time for signs of wear or failure
• Using CBM to help avoid unnecessary time-based maintenance activities, reduce unnecessary plant outages, labour, and material costs and prevent over-maintenance
• Continuously monitoring critical parameters (e.g., partial discharge, temperature, insulating oil quality, vibration) to help detect early signs of degradation (due to the failures or early ageing) enabling timely interventions to extend the life of transformers and improve long-term performance and reliability

• What design and operational strategies are improving safety in HV assets and electrical systems
• What recurring safety failures or near-misses highlight critical gaps in engineering practices
• How effective are current training programs and protocols in preventing electrical hazards
• What emerging risks should electrical engineers and frontline workers anticipate in the evolving energy landscape