Manjula is an experienced Power System engineer with over 17 years in the energy industry, specialising in power system modelling, analysis and grid planning studies. His core technical expertise includes generator connection studies, negotiation of Generator Performance Standards (GPS), inverter-based load connections, system strength planning, wide area power system performance assessments, and power system operational studies.
His professional journey spans across national and international organisations including key technical roles held at Powerlink Queensland and Aurecon. Manjula has led a team of power system experts, driving solutions to enhance power system performance. His contributions extend to the development of wide area EMT models, coordinated inverter-based plant tuning to enhance system strength, optimising system strength constraints including designing the associated special protection schemes, and planning for system-level testing.
Manjula has successfully led the power system performance studies for many large-scale solar farms, wind farms, pump hydro and battery energy storage systems of grid-following and grid-forming type connecting to Queensland’s transmission network. More recently, his project portfolio has expanded to include generator connections in Victoria and South Australia.
Before embarking on his industry career in Australia, Manjula earned his PhD in Power Systems Control and Protection from Queensland University of Technology. He has contributed to various publications and represented the CIGRE Australian C4 panel and various working groups focusing on system strength and connection of large industrial loads.