Bryan Leyland
Topic - 2008: Alternative Energy
I am an Electrical and Mechanical Engineer with wide experience in power generation, power systems and transmission and a recognized expert on all aspects of the design, construction and operation of small hydro schemes with wide experience on large schemes. I have reported on generation, transmission and distribution systems in New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, PNG, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Zambia and Iran.
I am a frequent commentator and well known public speaker on electricity de-regulation and electricity markets who believes that many electricity market models are fundamentally flawed. I have written papers on markets and recent market failures that have been widely debated in New Zealand and overseas. I have a good understanding of nuclear power generation. I also lecture on "climate change" and why I believe that "The science is NOT settled".
I have acted as an expert witness on litigation associated with hydropower schemes, power systems, cogeneration plants and transmission lines.
Experience
Five years training with the Auckland Electric Power Board in NZ followed by nine years overseas experience as Resident Electrical Engineer on diesel, steam, gas turbine and hydro power projects in Mauritius, Cyprus, West Africa and Malaysia.
Returned to New Zealand in 1969 and since then I have been involved with the investigation, design, construction and economic evaluation of power transmission and distribution systems, hydroelectric schemes, thermal power stations and industrial power systems in New Zealand and overseas.
Employed by the Asian Development Bank as a staff consultant for the appraisal of projects in the Philippines, Thailand, Western Samoa and Bangladesh.
Designed or refurbished many small hydro schemes in New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific. Several of these schemes were awarded prizes as "Outstanding Engineering Projects".
Advised insurers on the catastrophic failure of the 180 MW turbine at Dartmouth power station in Victoria (Australia) and a 1600 kW Pelton turbine in Western Samoa.
Reviewed power generation in Fiji for the Asian Development Bank in 1997 and I was a member of a team working for the Asian Development Bank in Bhutan. Bhutan has the potential to export more than 10,000MW of hydropower to India. The team proposed a new and innovative structure for the electricity industry that separates the export business from the distribution business and facilitates the entry of IPP's.
Member of a "Panel of Experts" engaged to investigate and solve serious surges in the tailrace tunnels of a 1000 MW underground power station in Iran.
Part owner, designer and operator of a 1000 kW small hydro scheme.
Written more than 75 papers on power systems, hydropower development, rural electrification, co-generation, power system protection, and the safety of large dams. Invited speaker and session chairman at many international conferences.