Water
IES has been involved in a number of projects associated with water reform in the Australian states of Victoria and Queensland. These projects have involved IES developing simulation and optimisation models to assess the value of various water assets and demonstrate the dynamics of how reformed markets might function.
IES also does work in the emerging water markets and other fields that utilise IES capabilities in utility markets and mathematical programming.
Examples of work undertaken in relation to water optimisation include the development of a valuation model for the Melbourne Bulk Entitlement Management Committee, which focused on assessing the optimal use of the proposed desalinisation plant, water transfers from the Goulburn River irrigation district, pumping from the Yarra River combined with a real options approach to potential new investments such as additional desalination plant capability and/or recycling plant.
In Queensland, IES conducted some work for LinkWater, the operator of the bulk water pipeline infrastructure in South East Queensland, on defining its energy management strategy and also participated in a study for the Queensland Water Commission which looked at the regulatory arrangements for the Queensland water market, in particular, the charging arrangements and price determination for the bulk supply entities and the Queensland Water Grid Manager.