Name
Dr Chandana Samarasinghe
Job title
Senior Engineering Manager, Grid and SCADA, APAC
Organisation
GE Vernova
Speaker biography
Dr. Chandana Samarasinghe is an accomplished expert in power system engineering, currently serving as the Senior Engineering Manager, Grid & SCADA, APAC at GE Vernova Onshore Wind. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Samarasinghe has made significant contributions to the field, particularly in the integration of wind energy and addressing energy security challenges.
During his tenure as a Principal Engineer at the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), he played a pivotal role in developing the National Transmission Network Development Plans and managing strategies for high penetration wind energy. As the Head of Grid at Risen Energy Australia, he oversaw the integration of Solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects into the National Electricity Market (NEM). While working for Power Systems Consultants (PSC), Dr. Samarasinghe collaborated with major Transmission Network Service Providers (TNSPs), Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSPs), and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to deliver a range of conventional energy, renewable energy, and network projects.
His expertise encompasses system stability, reactive power control, and comprehensive wind integration studies, establishing him as a leading authority in grid connection and SCADA systems.
During his tenure as a Principal Engineer at the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), he played a pivotal role in developing the National Transmission Network Development Plans and managing strategies for high penetration wind energy. As the Head of Grid at Risen Energy Australia, he oversaw the integration of Solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects into the National Electricity Market (NEM). While working for Power Systems Consultants (PSC), Dr. Samarasinghe collaborated with major Transmission Network Service Providers (TNSPs), Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSPs), and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to deliver a range of conventional energy, renewable energy, and network projects.
His expertise encompasses system stability, reactive power control, and comprehensive wind integration studies, establishing him as a leading authority in grid connection and SCADA systems.
Speaking At
Presentation title
Smart Transmission Corridors: Designing Australia’s Next-Generation Backbone for High-Wind Renewable Energy Zones
Presentation summary
Australia’s world-class wind resources — from South-West NSW to North Queensland and Tasmania — are often located far from the load centres of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. As a result, the rapid growth of renewable energy is increasingly constrained by the availability, strength, and flexibility of long transmission corridors. Traditional transmission-upgrade timelines (7–12 years) are no longer compatible with the pace of wind-farm development. This paper introduces the concept of Smart Transmission Corridors, a planning and operational framework that integrates three enabling technologies: Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) Power-Flow Control Devices (PFCDs) Modular High-Voltage Direct-Current Links (modular HVDC) These technologies enable real-time capacity expansion, congestion relief, and improved system strength without requiring immediate large-scale transmission builds. Modelling across three representative Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) shows that smart-corridor deployment can increase hosting capacity by 20–35%, reduce wind curtailment by 25–40%, and materially enhance grid reliability. The paper concludes with a regulatory roadmap for integrating smart-corridor tools into Australian market and planning processes.
