Dr. Ross Gawler on Energy Modelling and the Global Energy Transition

In an era of rapid energy transition, businesses face increasingly complex decisions about renewable energy integration, storage solutions, and decarbonization. As they navigate these challenges, many are turning to PLEXOS® for the detailed modeling and forecasting capabilities it offers. 

Dr. Ross Gawler, a Senior Research Consultant at Monash University, has worked on some of the most pressing energy projects across the globe. From optimizing renewable energy investments in Namibia to assessing renewable energy integration in Jordan, Dr. Gawler’s use of PLEXOS provides valuable lessons for any organization looking to future-proof their energy systems. Wherever you sit in the energy ecosystem, this post offers actionable insights into how PLEXOS can help you overcome key challenges in this energy transition.

A career in energy-system innovation

Dr. Gawler has spent over 50 years in the electricity industry. Prior to his professional career in 1978, he earned his PhD in electrical power systems and worked across various roles, from engineering manager to market consultant. He has led consulting projects, mentored PhD students, and helped utilities worldwide make informed investment decisions.

“I’ve been working in this sector since the 1970s, and while I may not live to see the full transition to net-zero, it’s rewarding to be part of the journey,” Dr. Gawler says. "My father lived to 100, so if I make it to 2050, I’ll be exceedingly delighted."

His personal investment in the energy sector mirrors his deep commitment to the future of energy, making his insights all the more relevant to today’s energy challenges.

Two decades of modelling with PLEXOS

Dr. Gawler’s work with PLEXOS began in 2001, when Dr. Glenn Drayton first introduced the platform. Working as a director and partner at McLennan Magasanik Associates, Dr. Gawler supported his team’s use of PLEXOS for price forecasting in Australia’s National Energy Market. However, it wasn’t until 2015, when he joined Monash University, that Dr. Gawler became a hands-on user of the platform.

Since then, PLEXOS has been instrumental in helping Dr. Gawler solve complex problems in energy investment and decarbonization. “The detailed capabilities of PLEXOS make it invaluable for navigating the transition to net-zero carbon emissions,” he explains. “It’s not just about electricity anymore - PLEXOS now links electricity, gas, hydrogen, and even electric transportation systems.” 

Read more about the early days of PLEXOS here.

Applying energy modelling in Namibia and Jordan

Dr. Gawler’s work with PLEXOS spans several countries and diverse energy systems. Two of the most notable projects involved Namibia and Jordan, where Dr. Gawler used PLEXOS to optimize investments in renewable energy and storage solutions.

In Namibia, PLEXOS helped assess the country’s energy generation portfolio with the expansion of battery storage, while in Jordan, Dr. Gawler modeled the integration of solar and wind resources with gas fired generation. In both cases, PLEXOS allowed Dr. Gawler and his team to simulate future scenarios, ensuring that investment decisions were both economic and environmentally sustainable.

Collaboration between researchers and modelling experts

Throughout his work, Dr. Gawler has encouraged and supported Energy Exemplar’s team to push the boundaries of what PLEXOS can achieve. “The user support team has been crucial, particularly when applying PLEXOS to large-scale, complex problems,” Dr. Gawler notes. “And when we’ve hit a real roadblock, Dr. Glenn Drayton has personally stepped in to help resolve the issue.”

Dr. Gawler’s close working relationship with Dr. Drayton is a testament to the culture of innovation and collaboration at Energy Exemplar. “It’s been a pleasure working with Glenn and the team over the years,” he says. “Their dedication to helping clients is one of the reasons PLEXOS remains a leader in energy modeling.”

What effective energy modelling requires

Looking ahead, Dr. Gawler is excited about the future of energy modeling. As electricity systems become more complex, with new technologies and interconnected grids, the role of PLEXOS will only grow. “I’ve had the privilege of contributing to the transformation of the energy sector, and tools like PLEXOS are critical to this process,” he reflects.

For anyone considering using PLEXOS, Dr. Gawler offers some advice: “Make sure you have the right team in place. PLEXOS is incredibly powerful, but you need skilled people who understand both the software and the energy sector to get the most out of it.” 

As Energy Exemplar celebrates 25 years, Dr. Gawler’s journey with PLEXOS is a proud example of how long-term innovation and dedication can drive the future of the global energy industry.