With nearly 20 years in the Queensland energy sector, CS Energy’s Head of Renewable and Firming Operations, Michael Johnstone, is more excited than ever about the future.
Michael is tasked with bringing CS Energy’s new assets online as part of the company’s strategy to build a more diverse portfolio to support Queensland’s clean energy future.
“Fundamentally, my job is to ensure that on project completion we can trade and operate the new assets safely, that customer needs are met and that we deliver a commercial return for the business,” Michael said.
“My role is at the forefront of how CS Energy is supporting the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan. How well we do this now will have a lasting impact on the business well into the future.”
Michael has led teams at power stations, and at the corporate level, in engineering, asset management and major projects. He says he is excited by the opportunity to help drive the energy transformation and sees CS Energy as ideally positioned to take a leading role in Queensland.
“CS Energy’s Callide and Kogan Creek power stations will play an important role in the future as clean energy hubs.
“These power stations are located in strong parts of the network and have strategic advantages such as highly skilled workers, grid connection, water allocations, available land and established community relationships.
“The Kogan Creek Clean Energy Hub is our first, and most advanced energy hub, and features battery and green hydrogen projects now under construction.”
As CS Energy starts to incorporate these new energy sources in its portfolio, Michael said he was most excited about the development opportunities they will provide employees.
“Our employees have highly transferable technical and operational skills, combined with a strong safety mindset.
“We have formed strategic partnerships with industry experts such as Tesla, IHI and Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise to help us bring these projects to fruition.
“By partnering with experts in their fields, we are using our funding to the best and highest advantage, while also enabling our people to gain skills and benefits that would otherwise not be available.”
