Our students

Minoli Amarasinghe
PhD candidate
Supervised by Dr Colin Brown (principal), Prof John Foster and Dr Liam Wagner (associate)
Topic: 'Sustainable energy - energy efficiency and demand side management'

Don Burtt
PhD candidate
Supervised by Dr Paul Dargusch (principal), Prof John Foster and Dr Liam Wagner (associate)

The overall objective is to review carbon pricing and trading legislation and schemes, principally in Australia, to understand the effectiveness and cost efficiency of how these schemes reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to suggest how legislation could be changed to provide a more cost effective outcome.

This is to be achieved by examining previous research, gathering information on relevant legislation (having direct and indirect effects), quantifying the impact these schemes have on emission reductions with the inclusion of a survey to understand sensitivities of pricing to energy usage. The value of having a liquid carbon trading scheme will also be analysed. A model is to be developed capturing the relationship between the pricing (and subsidy) of various schemes and the resultant level of GHG reductions.

The intended outcome is determine the most cost effective means by which Australia can reduces its level of greenhouse gas emissions.

Liam Byrnes
PhD candidate
Supervised by Dr Colin Brown (principal), Prof John Foster and Dr Liam Wagner (associate)

Liam's topic examines the viability of powering regional and remote Australian communities with renewable energy. His research aims to better understand the financial viability of installing renewables as well as the social and environmental consequences. Communities examined are located in regional and remote areas of Queensland and Western Australia with different characteristics and sources of electricity. Non-financial barriers and social/cultural considerations form an integral part of the research and will ultimately help develop more effective deployment strategies and government policy.

Leondard Smith
PhD candidate
Supervised by Dr Colin Brown (principal), Dr Liam Wagner (associate)

Leonard investigates how countries can be better equipped following the discovery of new natural resources and how they can ensure sustainable economic and social outcomes. The thesis will also explore the associated impact of direct foreign investment that results from the growth of sovereign wealth funds and authoritative private equity derived from first mover advantage associated with rapid economic growth in a nation as a result of a resource boom. This project will seek to develop metrics which can inform policy makers by identify structures and institutions which may not fairly manage this new source of wealth.

Lynette Moylyne
PhD candidate
Supervised by Dr John Foster (principal) and Dr Liam Wagner (associate)
Topic: 'Measuring resilience in energy systems'

Resilience is a term used widely and interpreted loosely. This research seeks to find predictors of robust energy systems through analysis of past energy shocks. Using insights from the research, the consequences of a lack of resilience in energy systems will be examined.