Programme 2018: Downstream Technology Conference

7.30am

Registration and coffee

8:30am

Welcome back from the Chair

Eric Pellicer - Network Transformation Manager, Powerco

8.35am

Our uncertain energy future – changing the face of downstream

The energy sector is currently experiencing widespread disruption, with the introduction of new technologies with an, as yet, unknown impact on the industry. Jamie Silk investigates the future applications of technology into the downstream space with its impact on assets, dynamic networks and new consumer opportunities. 

• Introducing the future technology mix: what technologies will gain traction, with a focus on ESS, IIoT and consumer IoT 
• Delving into the interconnectivity of technology and the potential risks with cybersecurity, resilience and inter-operability 
• Understanding the implications to the consumer interface – how can we derive value from new technology?  

Jamie Silk - Specialist Advisor, Advisian

9.05am

Joined up thinking - solar, batteries, collaboration, spot pricing and customer behaviour

A distributed energy resources trial between Wellington Electricity, Contact Energy and Wellington City Council relies heavily on collaboration.  There are very interesting lessons around the smart management of these resources for network management and grid effects, while optimising customer electricity usage, as well as an important customer and community resilience angle.  The value proposition becomes even more interesting when you overlay connecting these resources to other markets (wholesale electricity and reserves).

Ray Hardy – Network Manager, Wellington Electricity
Todd Spencer – Commercial Manager, Contact Energy

9.35am

Utilising the opportunity of IIoT in the energy sector

The Industrial Internet of Things, or IIoT has the potential to revolutionise the way we manage and develop the electricity network, if applied correctly. Dr Thahirah Jalal delves into the applications of IIoT into the provision of electricity and the imperative to collaborate to maximise this opportunity. 

• Understanding how IIoT can make the Network smarter 
• Gaining greater transparency throughout the Network through IIoT 
• The next level of IIoT – how collaboration can lead the path toward smart cities 

Dr Thahirah Jalal  – Asset Intelligence Manager, Unison Networks

10.40am

Digital transformation in the industrial world and the benefits of data science and cloud based platforms

With recent case studies and experience that include strengthening the electrical grid for half a billion people in India, Steven will present on developing end-to-end software and cloud solutions to help digitisation efforts. This includes the activation of product, service and solution roadmaps, and designing new customer experiences and business models.

Steven Martin - Vice President & Chief Digital Officer, GE Power

11.20am

The Digital Energy Hub

Significant opportunities exist for New Zealand businesses over the next two years due to disruption in the energy and adjacent sectors from five digital technologies - artificial intelligence, big data, blockchain, cloud analytics and the Internet of Things.  The Digital Energy Hub supports businesses to explore and execute these opportunities, developing products and services with global potential that use these digital technologies.

James Muir – Business Innovation Advisor - Energy & Environment, Callaghan Innovation

11.40am

Panel – The energy technology innovation journey

Innovation is occurring at a more rapid rate in the NZ energy sector. But, innovators in the sector must go through a unique journey as they develop and launch new products. Our panel will discuss their recent experience in developing and delivering innovative energy technology solutions in New Zealand.  

Jason Baker – Co-founder, Ampli
Stu Innes – Director, emhTrade

Facilitator – Brett Holland – Head of Acceleration, Creative HQ

12.10pm

Safeguarding innovation

Cybersecurity and its importance for IIoT technologies

Mirel Sehic - Digital Operations, ICT and Cyber Security Leader- Asia Pacific, Honeywell

Lunch break

1.20pm

From the Data Futures Partnership: Developing a data model to maximise opportunity

The term ‘big data’ has become a part of our vocabulary, but the applications for data in the energy sector have yet to be fully utilised. The volume of big data can be overwhelming without a model, as not all data can and should be used to gain insights. The work being doing within the Data Futures Partnership helps kiwi companies embrace the data future and make sense of the digital era. 

Dame Diane Robertson – Chair, Data Futures Partnership

2.00pm

Exploring the benefits of grid level storage

The 250 kW battery storage trial at Tuakau substation being run by Genesis Energy and Counties Power is interesting from a range of perspectives including co-ordination of operation, delivery of savings to customers and sector collaboration.  The trial explores the benefits for the different stakeholders including peak management, arbitrage of price differentials, optimising generation and power quality.

Shaun Goldsbury - Wholesale Manager, Genesis Energy
Geoff Douch -  GM Asset Management, Counties Power

2.35pm

Working together to protect our critical infrastructure: cyber-security and the National Grid

As cyber-threats become more sophisticated every day, how can the energy industry best protect its critical systems? One thing has become clear in recent years: we’re stronger together.  This presentation will explore how Transpower is working with other organisations to develop joint standards, incident management frameworks and innovative partnerships to build a cross-industry response to cyber-threats. We can’t do this on our own – what role do you play in helping protect New Zealand’s critical infrastructure?

Cobus Nel – General Manager IST, Transpower
Richard Tims - Group Manager Cyber Security and Privacy, Vector
Peter Booth - ‎ICT Risk and Security Manager, Contact Energy

Afternoon break & refreshments

Downstream Technology Conference only delegates join all delegates in the Main Plenary room for the last two sessions.

3.40pm

Keynote address:  CEO Insight – Energy Sector 2030 

The sector needs to acknowledge the huge potential value of our world-class system.   To benefit from both an industry and customer perspective it needs to start thinking more about what needs to change or where we need to be in order to maximise the opportunities.  What will a ‘utility’ look like in 2030, and beyond that, what does the energy ‘system’ look like.  If we take a view of what an ‘optimal’ sector looks like in 2030, what needs to change or happen over the next 12 years to get us there? 

Fraser Whineray – Chief Executive, Mercury
Rob Jamieson - Chief Executive, Orion

4.25pm

Panel:  The future of the energy sector: Innovation, information and industry insight

For our final session, we bring together the leaders from the Strategic Summit, the Technology Conference, the Customer Conference and the Network Manager's Forum to debate the key areas for progress across the energy sector and discuss predictions for the future of the industry. 

• Unlocking the digital transformation of the industry – the strategies for success and advancement
• The future energy mix – where should you be directing your investment to make the most of current energy trends
• Investigating the most pressing challenges within the sector – turning challenge into opportunity

Eric Pellicer – Network Transformation Manager, Powerco
John Perez  – Group Manager Customer Omni-Channel and UX, Genesis
Toby Stevenson - Director, Sapere Research Group
Erik Westergaard  - Senior Consultant, Advisian 

Facilitator: John Hancock - Director, Signature Consulting

5.00pm

Closing remarks from the Chair and end of conference.