Harry has spent his civil and geotechnical engineering career designing and constructing containment facilities in a range of industries. He has recently converged his career skills in civil and geotechnical engineering with his passion for the environment, progressing MSc in renewable energy and energy transition, focusing on the energy transition, in particular the role that storage (i.e., pumped hydro) plays in that transition and our Net-Zero future.

What motivates your career?

I am very passionate about the environment, sustainability, and making the world a better place. My first environmental engineering lecture at university taught us about engineering for future generations. We can encourage this by adopting a Future Ready mindset by thinking about what the future and final use will be for our designs and facilities when taking on projects. I am driven and motivated to apply my experience to environment protection and infrastructure projects. Some of this work is the rehabilitation and repurposing of mine assets for a use such as renewable energy generation and storage. Having worked in several industries around the world, it is clear to see there are opportunities to develop infrastructure for a better use. 

What are you hoping to change in your industry?

I am working on our projects to create the best outcomes for our clients and society. One portion that I am focusing on is the development of infrastructure for storage. This could include involvement in the construction of new energy storage facilities or looking to repurpose existing large scale assets for use in the generation and/or storage of renewable energy. In my experience working in the mining and geo-environmental industry, large scale brownfield sites such as mine pits, tailings storage facilities, stockpiles, and closed landfills are examples of locations identified as having beneficial development potential.

Many examples exist in Australia that demonstrates the potential for repurposing brownfields into renewable energy generation and storage which are the flagship Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro project in Queensland, the Collie battery in Western Australia, and the Hazelwood battery in Victoria. As the industry moves towards meeting 2030 Net Zero commitments, I believe that we have a significant opportunity to continue driving change in this area. I really value being part of a business that is committed to using our technical expertise to help our clients achieve their clean energy goals and promote environmental sustainability.

How would this impact people or society?

Repurposing existing brownfield sites such as mine pits, overburden dumps, or closed / unused industrial land zones for beneficial uses is a key part of the circular economy which limits impacts to our diminishing resources while helping society and the climate. Many brownfield sites can sit dormant (particularly mine assets) during all phases of project lifecycle including operations, care and maintenance, and closure. This current practice poses an opportunity for using or re-purposing it for a beneficial use. Strategic partnerships with third parties can be made to facilitate this, between those that know how such opportunities can be realised and those that have the assets. This approach is particularly significant in the context of the climate trend, as it enables us to reduce carbon emissions and move towards our common goal of Net Zero. It also draws upon the use of natural capital including storage from mine pits, use of mine water for the generation of energy or hydrogen, or use of open spaces for solar or wind schemes. This approach also encompasses our focus on technology, as we leverage innovative solutions to transform existing landscapes for a better use.

What are some barriers to this change?

Some of the more significant barriers we face include site specific conditions, such as pit geology, asset access, or remote location, which can limit the scale for renewable energy generation. Additionally, policy and regulation can be a significant hurdle, as some land uses may be precluded from conversion. Finally, capital expenditure constraints can be a restricting factor for the intent to develop the asset further.

To overcome these barriers, we use a collaborative and adaptive approach, working closely with our clients to develop tailored solutions that align with their corporate objectives. We leverage our expertise in environmental engineering, mining, renewable energy, and commitment to technology research, to identify and evaluate alternative uses for mine assets and to navigate complex regulatory and policy frameworks.

Contact Harry Jupp to join the energy transition Changemakers.