A Son Never Forgets

Before moving to Australia in 2014, I spent a decade working in the Middle East, from 2004 to 2014. I held the position of Lead Power Control Room Operator at one of the largest Independent Power and Water Utilities, exclusively serving a massive Petrochemical Complex. It was my domain—a journey that began when the plant was still in its land development stage, essentially starting from scratch.

As the only son with three sisters, life had its challenges, but the bond between a father and son is unique and unwavering. My father has always been my hero, a guiding force in my life, and even now, his memory continues to inspire me.

In 2010, my professional path took an unexpected turn when my father underwent a quadruple heart bypass operation. This life-altering event made me reconsider my career goals and priorities, as I faced the reality of his fragile health.

Though I enjoyed my work in Saudi Arabia, I was confronted with a profound dilemma as my father entered one of the darkest chapters of his life. Despite his recovery after the surgery, complications arose—his kidneys began to fail. For three years, we managed his condition with medications, but eventually, dialysis became inevitable. Faced with this reality, I made the bittersweet decision to leave my career to support him through his twice-weekly dialysis sessions. It was a difficult choice, but one I have never regretted.

In 2013, I got married and made plans to migrate to Australia—a decision that soon revealed unexpected challenges. My then-wife's eagerness to move seemed to overshadow my situation with my father. She showed little understanding of the challenges I faced in caring for him and even suggested placing him in an elderly care facility so that we could leave for Australia as soon as our PR visa was approved.

This moment marked a turning point. I decided to put our migration plans on hold to prioritize my father's care, a choice that was met with resistance from my ex-wife.

One evening, I shared my decision with my father, fully expecting concerns or frustration. To my surprise, he encouraged me to continue with our plans for Australia, convinced that it would open doors to a brighter future. His words moved me deeply: "Just find someone who can help me with my daily needs," he said, before making me promise to be successful.

For my father, success was never an abstract concept—it was rooted in education, his lifelong measure of achievement and progress. Even in his frail state, his belief in the transformative power of learning remained steadfast. His selflessness in prioritizing my future during his own time of need left an indelible mark on my heart.

On April 4, 2014, my father succumbed to his illness. That date is forever etched in my memory—a moment when time seemed to stand still, and I lost not only my father but my confidant and guiding light. On his deathbed, I made countless promises, desperately wishing for him to recover. Among those was a solemn pact to fulfill his long-standing wish: that I complete my master’s degree.

Fast forward to today, as I stand on the verge of completing my MBA, I carry a profound mix of pride and heartache. Fulfilling this long-overdue promise fills me with immense gratitude, but also a bittersweet sadness. Every success I have achieved in Australia serves as a reminder of the struggles I endured and the painful decision to leave my father behind.

His memory remains a cornerstone of my journey—shaping who I am and inspiring me to honour his legacy through education and perseverance. 

Soli Deo Gloria.

Journal No. 10 Mike Cannon-Brookes

Mike Cannon-Brookes, an Australian businessman who is the co-founder and chief executive officer of the software company Atlassian (Wikipedia, 2025 ). He has emerged as a relentless advocate for renewable energy, leveraging his wealth and influence to push Australia toward a sustainable future. Through ventures like Sun Cable and his stake in AGL, Cannon-Brookes exemplifies how power, wielded responsibly, can drive meaningful change. 

 

Business Venture 

His private investment firm Grok Ventures secured control of the Sun Cable solar project – one of the world’s biggest solar infrastructure projects – and plans to export its clean energy from Australia to Singapore via an undersea cable. “Australia should be a complete renewable energy superpower” – Mike Cannon-Brookes (Extavour, 2024 ). 

Currently, Mike Cannon-Brookes have a 11.7% stake with AGL, the country’s biggest polluter and he is wielding his power to push the company to rapidly cut its emissions and transition to renewables; including a campaign in 2022 for earlier closure dates of AGL’s two remaining coal-fired power stations by 2035 (Extavour, 2024 ). 

 

Last month, February 2025, the software company, Atlassian, sealed a deal to become the title partner and technology partner of UK-based Williams Racing, to make its first appearance at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne (Adhikari, 2025). 

While his involvement in F1 racing, notoriously having large carbon footprint, Mike Cannon-Brookes said that F1 already hitting significant progress towards net-zero by 2030 (Adhikari, 2025). 

 

In August 2024, Mike Cannon-Brookes Sun Cable won the Australian Governments approval to build the first phase of the 30 billion undersea cable that will deliver solar-generated electricity from Darwin to Singapore. Sun Cable is building the 4,300-kilometre Australia-Asia Power Link that aims to deliver more than 20 gigawatts of electricity by 2030 from a solar farm in northern Australia to customers in Darwin and Singapore (Rosendar, 2024). 

In December 2019, Mike Cannon-Brookes says that his 20-billion plan to power Singapore with Australian solar power was likely to be completely feasible and very profitable. The Sun Cable project proposes to build a mammoth solar project in central Australia combined with battery storage, that are connected to Singapore via an undersea cable. A 10-gigawatt solar and about 150 times the size of Hornsdale Battery (Hornsdale is 150 MW Battery) (Parkinson, 2019). 

 

In November 2020, more than 100 leading Australian businessmen, including Mike Cannon-Brookes issued a joint endorsement of climate change legislation proposed by independent MP Zali Steggall, saying it was a critical Australia seized the opportunity to act on climate change and commit to a zero-carbon target. The bill would commit Australia to stronger emissions reduction targets and would legislate a target of zero net emissions by 2025 (Mazengarb, Renew Economy , 2020). 

 

In a podcast interview with Giles Parkinson and David Leitch back in November 2021, Mike Cannon-Brookes talks about how slow the transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy, he is quite frustrated with how the Australian Federal government is not committed to achieve at least to cut the 80% dependent on fossil fuel and only 20% renewable were achieved over the last 2 decades (Cannon-Brookes, 2021). 

 

 

In another podcast interview with Giles Parkinson and David Leitch back on February 24, 2022, Mike Cannon-Brooke talks about explains why buying AGL will be the fastest, cheapest, smartest, and safest way to transition from coal to renewables. In that interview, Mike Cannon-Brooke explained further his plans to close AGL’s Coal power plant to transition to renewable energy, with Grid stability in mind and consumers savings on their electricity bills (Cannon-Brooke, Energy Insiders Podcast: Mike Cannon-Brookes and closing coal, 2022). Further to this interview, Mike Cannon-Brooke reiterates that the transition to renewables have liabilities, either borne by the current shareholders or it’s borne by the government. 

 

In a keynote speech at the launch of Careers for Net-Zero last October 2023, Mike Cannon-Brooke talks about Australia’s next big employer, climate jobs. The green economy is Australia’s golden ticket, but the biggest risk is not having enough people in the right places to execute this (Vorrath, 2023 ). 

In November 2023, Mike Cannon-Brooke reiterated his plea for AGL to speed up its transition from coal to green energy. He reiterated that AGL should set ambitious targets. Mike Cannon-Brookes tried to force the hand of AGL but failed to take control. He managed to still have 11.7% stake but does not control the board (Cannon-Brooke, “A stand still:” Cannon-Brookes calls on AGL to move a lot faster to green energy, 2023). However, Mike Cannon-Brookes setback does not totally in futile as AGL’s proposed demerger plan, which would have split the company into two entities – one focused on coal and the other on renewables – was a key moment. This campaign successfully led to the withdrawal of the demerger proposal and a shake-up in AGL’s leadership, including the resignation of its CEO and board chair (Mazengarb, AGL dumps demerger plan, announces management and board clean out, 2022). 

In an article by Paul Sakkal dated March 12, 2024, Labor Party moves to remove big-money donations in the biggest shake-up to Australian election rules. Under the proposed changes, individuals such as Clive Palmer and Mike Cannon-Brookes will have their influence on politics dramatically curtailed, as individuals, company, or third-party group would be banned from giving huge sums to parties (Sakkal, 2024 ). This may impact the green advocacy of Mike Cannon-Brookes. 

In an article by Nick Toscano last March 2025 for the Sydney Morning Herald, a major renewable energy investor is planning to build some of the world’s most powerful batteries in Australia after developing a breakthrough technology and can deliver electricity twice as long as today’s largest grid-scale battery systems. Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, a global investor in energy-transition assets and backer of tech mogul Mike Cannon-Brookes’ 35 billion Sun Mega-projects in the Northern Territory, has been working with Chinese battery giant CATL on pioneering a grid-scale battery with eight hours of storage capacity (Toscano, 2025 ). 

With Mike Cannon-Brookes’ advocacy of transitioning to green energy, I believe AGL’s energy share price over the last five years has experienced significant fluctuations, reflecting challenges and transitions in the energy sector. The company faced declining prices due to market pressures and its reliance on coal-fired power generation.

Conclusion 

Mike Cannon-Brookes exemplifies how power, when wielded responsibly, can drive meaningful change. Through his investments and advocacy, he has shown a relentless commitment to accelerating the transition to renewable energy and addressing climate challenges. By leveraging his influence as a businessman, investor, and thought leader, he continues to challenge outdated norms, push for innovations, and inspire others to envision a more sustainable future. His actions reflect the profound potential of using power not just for personal gain but as a force for the greater good, leaving a lasting impact on both industry and society. 

However, this is only the beginning. The path ahead is challenging, as the closure of AGL’s coal power plants remains uncertain, and the transition to fully renewable energy is still in its early stages. Moreover, his efforts to expand influence within AGL have encountered significant hurdles, complicating the push for a faster transition.

On a personal note, Cannon-Brookes could be seen as Australia’s version of Elon Musk, though with a sharper focus on renewables and climate advocacy.

 

 

References

 

Adhikari, S. (2025, March 12 ). doi:https://www.theage.com.au/business/companies/how-atlassian-billionaire-mike-cannon-brookes-plans-to-shake-up-the-f1-world-20250311-p5lio7.html

Cannon-Brooke, M. (2022, February 24). Energy Insiders Podcast: Mike Cannon-Brookes and closing coal. (G. P. Leitch, Interviewer) RenewEconomy. doi:https://reneweconomy.com.au/mike-cannon-brookes-and-closing-coal/

Cannon-Brooke, M. (2023, November 21 ). “A stand still:” Cannon-Brookes calls on AGL to move a lot faster to green energy. (G. Parkinson, Interviewer) Renew Economy . doi:https://reneweconomy.com.au/cannon-brookes-calls-on-australias-biggest-coal-polluter-to-move-a-lot-faster/

Cannon-Brookes, M. (2021, November 5). Energy Insiders Transcript: Mike Cannon-Brookes on the green energy future. (D. L. Parkinson, Interviewer) RenewEconomy.com.au. doi:https://reneweconomy.com.au/energy-insiders-transcript-mike-cannon-brookes-on-the-green-energy-future/

Extavour, M. (2024 , November 16). TIME Magazine . doi:https://time.com/collection/time100-climate/6333143/michael-cannon-brookes/

Mazengarb, M. (2020, November 7). Renew Economy . doi:https://reneweconomy.com.au/mike-cannon-brookes-investors-issue-call-for-climate-change-bill-38982/

Mazengarb, M. (2022, May 30). Renew Economy. doi:https://reneweconomy.com.au/agl-dumps-demerger-plan-announces-management-and-board-clean-out/

Parkinson, M. M. (2019, December 10). Renew Economy. doi:https://reneweconomy.com.au/some-crazy-folks-behind-mike-cannon-brookes-20b-sun-cable-project-22944/

Rosendar, Y. (2024, August 22 ). forbes.com.au. doi:https://www.forbes.com.au/news/innovation/mike-cannon-brookes-30-billion-solar-project-wins-approval/

Sakkal, P. (2024 , March 12 ). The Sydney Morning Herald . doi:https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/big-money-to-be-taken-out-of-politics-in-radical-electoral-overhaul-20240308-p5faxq.html

Toscano, N. (2025 , March 6). The Syndey Morning Herald . doi:https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/giant-batteries-are-coming-to-australia-bringing-24-7-renewables-a-step-closer-20250305-p5lh4e.html

Vorrath, S. (2023 , October 26). Renew Economy . doi:https://reneweconomy.com.au/climate-jobs-australias-next-big-employer-says-cannon-brookes-in-push-for-green-workforce/

Wikipedia. (2025 , March 12). doi:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Cannon-Brookes

 

 

 

 

Journal No. 8 – The Future of Work

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Power Generation 

Western Australia’s main electricity network, the Southwest Interconnected System (SWIS), serves the state’s population (Infrastructure Australia , 2020). What makes this grid truly unique is that it is both geographically and electrically isolated, with no connection to other transmission lines (Infrastructure Australia , 2020). This isolation presents challenges in managing supply and demand, particularly as the grid shifts toward renewable energy sources. 

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) managed the electricity of Western Australia  (AEMO, 2024) , working in collaboration with WA’s largest electricity generator and retailer, Synergy (Synergy, 2025). 

With the growing integration of renewables – solar, wind, and battery storage – into the SWIS, electricity generation has become increasingly complex and dynamic to control. Solar and Wind power are intermittent due to their dependence on weather conditions[1]. This unpredictability requires real-time, up-to-date control of electricity generation to minimize supply fluctuations and ensure grid stability. 

The SWIS grid frequency is crucial and must be maintained at 50 Hz. A frequency drop indicates an imbalance where demand exceeds supply. While an increase in frequency means supply surpasses demand (Grid Beyond , 2024 ). Keeping the grid stable becomes harder with the unpredictable nature of renewable energy sources, which can throw the system off balance and lead to load shedding or even widespread outages (AEMO, 2022; Energy Facts Australia, 2018).

To address these challenges, AEMO deployed the Wholesale Electricity Market Dispatch Engine (WEMDE), an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system designed to manage the real-time dispatch of energy in Western Australia (AEMO, 2025). WEMDE processes data from market participants, such as generation providers, demand forecasts, and system constraints. Using this information, it calculates energy dispatch in compliance with market rules and sends instructions to generators in real time. It continuously monitors and adjusts grid conditions to maintain balance and reliability (AEMO, 2025).  This includes integrating renewables and adapting to weather patterns and forecasts. Yet, this technological leap also reshapes the future of work in power generation. While WEMDE aims to automate control, its reliance on human oversight hints that operator roles aren’t vanishing – they’re evolving, demanding new skills to partner with, not just monitor AI. 

While WEMDE is an impressive technological advancement, it is not without flaws. Its algorithms[2]sometimes struggle to predict sudden weather changes, such as cloudy days or windless conditions, which can significantly impact solar and wind power generation. As a result, power output can drop causing frequency dips. Although the grid is designed with spinning reserves[3], manual intervention is still often required. Based on my 25 years of experience as a Power Plant Operator managing traditional power plants, such interventions are often essential. 

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) offer a partial solution by releasing stored energy during solar or wind shortfalls (SynergyRED, 2025). However, these batteries must be fully charged and ready to discharge when needed – otherwise, they are ineffective. It’s worth noting that BESS currently contributes only 3% to 5% of the SWIS supply (AEMO, 2025). Expanding BESS capacity is essential for mitigating renewable energy shortfalls. 

Despite advancements in AI and storage technology, human intervention remains critical. As a power plant professional, we are on the front line, ensuring the grid remains stable and operational, avoiding blackouts and load shedding. While weather forecasting and AI tools like WEMDE have improved, they still lack the precision and adaptability needed to replace human expertise (NOAA Scijinks , 2025). Relying solely on AI to manage power generation remains a risky proposition. 

In conclusion, AI is becoming an integral part of the power generation industry, but significant work and research are needed before it can be fully trusted to manage electricity grids. While WEMDE improve efficiency, they cannot yet fully replace human judgement- especially in emergency situations. 

Personally, I am not concerned about AI taking over my role – what worries me more is that our profession as Power control room operators is fading. Few apprentices are entering this field, and with the median age of operators now at 49 years old (Jobs and Skills Australia , 2022), this demographic trend is alarming. Power generation is a vital skill for the future, whether we transition to complete renewables or maintain a hybrid system with gas generation. Ensuring a robust pipeline of skilled operators is as critical as the technology itself for securing a reliable energy future. The future of work in power generation depends on adapting to AI while ensuring human expertise remains central to a reliable electricity supply. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

AEMO. (2024). AEMO about us . doi:https://aemo.com.au/about/who-we-are

AEMO. (2025). AEMO Data Dashboard. doi:https://www.aemo.com.au/energy-systems/electricity/wholesale-electricity-market-wem/data-wem/data-dashboard

AEMO. (2025). AEMO WEMDE . doi:https://aemo.com.au/initiatives/major-programs/past-major-programs/wem-reform-program/implementation/wemde?form=MG0AV3

AEMO. (December, 2022). AEMO Load Shedding Fact Sheet. AEMO. doi:https://aemo.com.au/-/media/files/learn/fact-sheets/load-shedding-fact-sheet.pdf?la=en

Energy Facts Australia . (2018). Energy Facts Australia . (T. C. Council, Producer) doi:https://www.energyfactsaustralia.org.au/explainers/blackouts-explained/

Grid Beyond . (2024 , August ). Grid Beyond . doi:https://gridbeyond.com/frequencyexplained/#:~:text=If%20demand%20exceeds%20supply%2C%20generators,stability%20of%20the%20power%20grid.

Infrastructure Australia . (2020, February 16). Infrastructure Australia . doi:https://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/map/south-west-interconnected-system-transformation

Jobs and Skills Australia . (2022). Jobs and Skills Australia . doi:https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/data/occupation-and-industry-profiles/occupations/399213-power-generation-plant-operators?form=MG0AV3

NOAA Scijinks . (2025, February 20). (J. Stoller-Conrad, Editor, & J. Stoller-Conrad, Producer) doi:https://scijinks.gov/forecast-reliability/

Synergy. (2025). Synergy. doi:https://www.synergy.net.au/About-us/Who-we-are

SynergyRED. (2025). SynergyRED. doi:https://www.synergy.net.au/Our-energy/SynergyRED/Large-Scale-Battery-Energy-Storage-Systems

 

 

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[1] Solar panels generate electricity only during the day and fluctuates depending on cloud conditions. Wind turbines require sufficient wind speeds. 

[2] An Algorithm is a set of instructions designed to solve a problem.

 

[3] Spinning reserve are back up power from traditional power plants that can quickly release power inputs in case of solar energy dips. 

Journal No.6 – Corporate Social Responsibility, Environmental, Social, Governance and Greenwashing.

The Coca-Cola Company 

Coca-Cola, one of the world’s largest beverage companies, has long marketed itself as an environmentally responsible corporation. The company consistently champions sustainability initiatives, such as reducing plastic waste, conserving water, and cutting down carbon emissions (The Coca-Cola Company, 2025). However, critics argue that many of these claim’s amount to greenwashing – Coca-Cola has been criticized for creating an illusion of environmental responsibility while continuing harmful practices. In 2022, Coca-Cola was responsible for 7.32% of the plastic waste collected globally (The Coca-Cola Company, 2025). 

 

One of the biggest examples of Coca-Cola’s greenwashing is its approach to plastic waste. The company has pledged to make 100% of its packaging recyclable by 2025 and to use 50% recycled material in plastic bottles by 2030 (The Coca-Cola Company, 2025). Though these commitments may seem impressive, they don’t tackle the root of the problem: Coca-Cola churns out over 100 billion plastic bottles each year, with a substantial amount ending up in landfills, oceans, and ecosystems. Coca-Cola was found to be the biggest plastic polluter in the world from 2018-2022 (Down to Earth, 2022). 

Coca-Cola’s emphasis on recycling shifts the responsibility onto consumers rather than reducing plastic production at its source. Rather than effectively reducing plastic use by eliminating single-use packaging and adopting reuse and refill systems, they focus excessively on recycling, an insufficient solution given the vast amounts of plastic these companies introduce into the market annually (Down to Earth, 2022). 

Coca-Cola shifted its packaging from glass bottles to plastic since 1978 and was driven due to several economic, logistical, and consumer-related factors but bottom line, it is re-sealable, lightweight, and recyclable (The Coca-Cola Company, 2024). While plastic bottles provided economic benefits to Coca-Cola, they created a major environmental crisis. Unlike glass, which is infinitely recyclable without losing quality, plastic degrades with each recycling cycle and contributes to pollution, particularly in Great Pacific Garbage Patch (National Geographic Society, 2025). 

To genuinely cut down its environmental impact, Coca-Cola needs to do more than just make surface-level sustainability claims. They should consider reintroducing reusable glass packaging or investing in biodegradable options instead of primarily relying on plastic recycling. As a major player in plastic waste production, Coca-Cola has both moral and corporate obligation to address and enhance sustainability within its supply chain. 

While the use of plastic bottles is cost-efficient for Coca-Cola, the continuous reliance on these bottles significantly contributes to plastic pollution. Although Coca-Cola may argue that the responsibility for proper disposal lies with consumers, the company must acknowledge its role in perpetuating plastic waste for economic and profit-driven reasons.[1]

 

 

 

References

 

Down to Earth. (2022, November ). Talking trash: COP27 major sponsor Coca-Cola top plastic polluter for 5 years straight, shows report. (D. t. Earth, Ed.) Down to Earth. doi:https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A726694379/ITOF?u=murdoch&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=70ccacc0

National Geographic Society. (2025). Nationral Geographic. (E. E. Jeannie Evers, Editor, N. G. Society, Producer, & National Geographic Society) doi:https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/great-pacific-garbage-patch/

The Coca-Cola Company. (2024). Coca-Cola. doi:https://www.coca-cola.com/ie/en/media-center/contour-bottle-history#:~:text=1978%20%E2%80%93%20Recyclable%20bottles,%2Dsealable%2C%20lightweight%20and%20recyclable.

The Coca-Cola Company. (2025). doi:https://www.coca-colacompany.com/sustainability

 

 

 

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[1] ChatGPT used for better English Structure 

Journal No.5 – Value Creation and Capture

The Ocean Cleanup 

The Ocean Cleanup is a not-for-profit environmental engineering group based in The Netherlands that develops and deploys technology to extract plastic pollution from the oceans and rivers before it can go to the ocean. The Ocean Cleanup was founded in 2013 by Dutch inventor Boyan Slat, pioneered innovative technologies designed to extract plastic waste from both the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) and major river systems. (The Ocean Cleanup, 2013) (Geographic, 2018)

The organization’s primary value lies in its ability to remove plastic from oceans and rivers. By deploying large-scale cleanup system in the GPGP and the interceptor technology in polluted rivers, it actively contributes to reducing marine plastic pollution, protecting marine ecosystems, and improving biodiversity. (Cleanup, 2013)

While The Ocean Cleanup is driven by an environmental mission, it also operates within the frameworks of value creation and value capture, concepts essential for its sustainability and impact. This supports with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Goal 14: Life Below Water. (Nations, 2015)

The Ocean Cleanup creates value through Technological innovation, developing passive ocean cleanup systems and autonomous interceptor river barriers. These scalable solutions address plastic pollution on a global level, allowing for more efficient and long-term waste removal. (Cleanup, 2013)

Beyond its direct cleanup efforts, The Ocean Cleanup also plays a key role in raising public awareness. Through media campaigns, educational initiatives, and collaborations, with governments and corporations, the organisation spreads knowledge about the dangers of plastic pollution. These partnerships not only help develop its operation but also impact waste management policies, encouraging more sustainable practices worldwide. 

The Ocean Cleanup funds its operations through a variety of creative channels. 

One of the main sources of funding for The Ocean Cleanup comes from corporate sponsorships, where companies support the cleanup efforts in exchange for enhancing their corporate social responsibility (CSR). This partnership allows businesses to demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability while helping to address a critical global issue. 

In 2020, the organisation also launched a unique initiative: sunglasses made from plastic retrieved from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. (Cleanup, The Ocean Cleanup , 2020) 

The sales of these sunglasses directly fund further cleanup projects turning ocean waste into a valuable product. 

In addition to these initiatives, donations and crowdfunding are vital in maintaining the financial stability of The Ocean Cleanup, enabling the organisation to expand its operations and impact. Furthermore, The Ocean Cleanup gathers and analyse extensive data on plastic pollution, which could be leveraged to fund environmental research and shape future policies on waste management. This data provides valuable insights that not only support the organisation’s mission but also contribute to broader global efforts to combat plastic pollution. This wealth of information has the potential to shape the future of global plastic waste management. 

Its primary goal is environmental impact rather than profit. However, securing consistent funding through corporate partnerships, product sales, and donations ensures that its cleanup technologies can be continuously developed and deployed. By reinvesting captured value into expanding operations and improving technologies, The Ocean Cleanup creates a sustainable cycle – where the more plastic it collects, the more resources it attracts. 

The Ocean Cleanup demonstrates how an organisation can generate significant environmental and social value while maintaining financial sustainability. Its combination of cutting-edge technology, corporate collaboration, and innovative revenue streams makes it a leader in the fight against plastic pollution. Maintaining this balance will be essential to achieving its long-term mission of cleaning the world’s oceans. 

References

Cleanup, T. O. (2013). The Interceptor . Retrieved from https://theoceancleanup.com/media-gallery/interceptors-in-operation/

Geographic, N. (2018, March ). National Geographic . Retrieved from https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/great-pacific-garbage-patch/

Nations, U. (2015). Retrieved from un.org : https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/goal-14-life-below-water/

The Ocean Cleanup. (2013). Retrieved from theoceancleanup.com: https://theoceancleanup.com/about/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAqrG9BhAVEiwAaPu5zhcgqe4lQE6ouCAau-6YBsY_IfkGqRqVc837c5ZCb2imMPLdPVawDhoCALQQAvD_BwE

Journal No. 4- Power in Action

Oscar Schindler          

A German Nazi Party member, and a businessman. His story was immortalized by a film by Steven Spielberg, Schindler’s List, portrayed by my favourite actor, Liam Neeson. (wikipedia, n.d.)

Figure 1 – Oscar Schindler (Real) 

His story immortalized the use of power during World War II, as he used his power and position in helping Jews and saving lives. Rather than following his comrades in spreading atrocities, Schindler chose a different path.  

Schindler used his influence and connections to save over 1300 jews from the Holocaust. This action, to me, is the true definition of power and conviction, as he chose to use his influence to protect rather than manipulate. (Oscar Schindler , 2010)

Early in the war, Schindler’s agenda was to profit from employing cheap labour from Jewish POW in his enamelware factory in Poland. With his charm and connections to Nazi officials, he gained favour and built a very lucrative business. But the war took a toll on Schindler’s humanity, eventually helping Jewish from slavery and death. 

Schindler manipulated his relationships with Nazi Officers to shield his Jewish workers. He bribed officials and overstated the importance of his Jewish workers to his enamelware factory to the war effort. It was a strategic effort from Schindler to shield his Jewish workers. An extraordinary show of power through persuasion and moral courage. 

Figure 2 – Liam Neeson as Oscar Schindler in Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List (1993) 

As the war neared its end, Schindler took an increased risk by creating a list of essential Jewish workers he needed for his new factory in Brünnlitz, preventing them from execution. (Spielberg, 1993)

Schindler was a businessman, first and foremost, but he chose to follow his morales and defy cruelty. His disposition to risk everything of his own clearly demonstrated that true power lies in the ability to stand up to injustice.[1]

By the end of the war, Schindler had lost his lucrative business and privileged status, but gained something far more valuable: the enduring gratitude of those he saved and a legacy of humanity in the face of unspeakable cruelty. 

 By the end of the war, Schindler lost his money, business, and his benefited status. But he gained far greater: the gratitude of the lives he saved and a legacy of humanity in the face of unimaginable cruelty.

Ultimately, Oscar Schindler’s story stands as convincing testament that real power isn’t measured by authority or control but by the capacity to effect meaningful change. His courageous, selfless action shows us that when power is wielded for the benefit of others, it can serve as a beacon of hope even in the most harrowing circumstance. 

 

 

References

 

Oscar Schindler (2010). [Motion Picture]. Australia : THE HISTORY CHANNEL broadcaster. doi:https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/EDUTV.33443

Spielberg, S. (Producer), Zaillian, T. K. (Writer), & Spielberg, S. (Director). (1993). Schindler's List [Motion Picture]. United States : Universal Pictures . doi:https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108052/?ref_=tt_mv_close

wikipedia. (n.d.). wikipedia . Retrieved from wikipedia : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oskar_Schindler

 

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[1] Used ChatGPT for better English structure. 

Journal No.3 – Four dimensions of Power

Tesla vs Edison 

 

Figure 1 – Nikola Tesla, the man behind Alternating Current (AC) (Dattopadhye, 2023)

 

Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison played a major role in shaping the electricity we use today. Both were pioneers in electrical engineering but their rivalry over Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) became one of the most significant technological battles in history.[i]

This conflict, known as the War of Currents, determined the future of power distribution. 

Edison was a strong advocate of DC power, which flows in a single direction and was the foundation of early electrical grids.[ii] DC was reliable for short distances and could efficiently power small electrical networks. However, it had a major limitation; it couldn’t be easily converted to different voltages, making long-distance transmission inefficient. Because of this, DC power stations had to be placed every few miles, making it expensive and impractical for large-scale systems. (Cole & Chandler, 2019)gr

Tesla, on the other hand, introduced AC power, which periodically reverses direction and allows voltage to be increased or decreased using a transformer. This made AC far more efficient for long-distance transmission and allowed electricity to be sent across entire cities and regions with minimal energy loss. (NIDEC Motor Corporation , 2024)

Tesla’s vision of a nationwide electrical grid eventually became a reality. Tesla initially worked under Edison but left after a financial dispute. He later partnered with George Westinghouse, who recognize AC’s potential. Together, they developed AC generators and transformers, making electricity more practical and cost-effective for widespread use. (D'Alto, 2002)

Edison fought hard to discredit Tesla’s AC System. He launched a smear campaign to convince the public that AC was dangerous, even electrocuting animals in public demonstrations to instil fear. He was also involved in the creation of the electric chair, hoping to associate AC with deadly consequences. Despite these efforts, Tesla and Westinghouse proved AC’s superiority. (Cole & Chandler, 2019)

Tesla and Westinghouse won the contract to power the 1893 Chicago World Fair, a huge milestone for AC technology. Then, in 1895, they built the first major hydroelectric power plant at Niagara Falls, successfully providing electricity to Buffalo, New York. This event marked the ultimate victory of AC over DC. (Richard F.Mould, 2017)

Tesla’s AC System became the foundation of modern electricity distribution, powering homes, industries, and cities worldwide. While AC won the war of the currents, DC still has its uses today, especially in batteries, electronics, and renewable energy system. 

Tesla’s achievements represent the power of knowledge and innovation. While Edison focused on protecting his business interests, Tesla relied on scientific advancements to push technology forward. Tesla didn’t just challenge the existing system; he completely transformed how electricity is generated and distributed. At the end of the day, their rivalry wasn’t just about personal conflict, it shaped the modern world. It also proved that true progress comes from knowledge and vision, not just money or business strategies. 

 

 

References

 

Cole, B. M., & Chandler, D. (2019). A Model of Competitive Impression Management: Edison versus Westinghouse in the War of the Currents. (JSTOR, Ed.) Administrative science quarterly, 64(4), 1020-1063.

D'Alto, N. (2002, February ). Edison, Tesla, and the battle of the currents: should electricity be AC or DC? (Odyssey, Ed.) 11(2), 20. doi:https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&u=murdoch&id=GALE%7CA83241721&v=2.1&it=r&aty=shibboleth

Dattopadhye, S. (2023). Samirsinh Dattopadhye Official Blog. Retrieved from sadguruaniruddhabapu.com: https://sadguruaniruddhabapu.com/post/wireless-electricity-part-1

NIDEC Motor Corporation . (2024). Retrieved from nidec.com : https://acim.nidec.com/en/drives/control-techniques/News-And-Media/Blog/Drive-Basics/Articles/2016/07/27/A-Brief-History-Of-AC-DC-Electricity

Richard F.Mould, M. P. (2017). Nikola Tesla (1856–1943). Scientist & inventor. Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology, 67(3), 223. doi:10.5603/NJO.2017.0036

 

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[i] AC is Alternating Current while DC is Direct Current 

 

[ii] Electrical Grid is the electricity network that delivers electricity from producers to consumers.

Journal No.2 - Sustainability

Journal No.2 – Sustainability 

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)  

To mitigate the global calls for the reduction of CO2 emissions gives rise to renewable energy sources. This gives rise to the use of Battery as a one of the solutions to minimise, albeit eliminate CO2 emissions. 

But the question is, does battery energy solution sustainable? 

 

Figure 1 – Synergy’s Kwinana Big Battery Energy Storage System

The phase closure of coal power plant has significantly brought about the influx of renewable energy to be developed for net-zero emission, thus bringing battery energy storage into the fold. 

Currently, Kwinana Battery Energy Storage 1 and 2 are underway and truly helps to the stability of electricity supply to homeowners of Western Australia; for a specific given time, at least 4-6 hours of the day, and needs to be recharge again for peak hours use. (Synergy, KBESS1, 2022) (Synergy, KBESS2, 2024)

Battery Energy Storage system life cycle is around 10 to 15 years and dependent on how it is being utilised. One single cycle per day describes the repeated discharging and recharging process. Cycle life is a measure of how many cycles a battery can deliver over its useful life. (Chapter II-2-B - Batteries in PV Systems, 2018)

The Collie Battery Energy Storage is currently under construction and expected for operational use sometime November 2025, and shall deliver about 64% of energy to WA homeowner. (Synergy, CBESS, 2024)

Both Kwinana Battery Energy Storage Solution 1 / 2 and Collie Battery Energy Storage Solution costs at least around $ 2.8 Billion AUD. 

Currently, there are no immediate plan or strategies on how to properly dispose of spent Big Battery. 

Lithium-ion batteries are classed as dangerous goods and are toxic if incorrectly disposed of. (Commission, 2023) Improper disposal of Lithium-ion batteries in household waste or recycling bins poses risks to people, property, and the environment, including fire hazards during waste procession. Mitigating these risks requires adequate disposal and recycling options, supported by viable facilities, sufficient infrastructure, and access to insurance to handle the growing volume of batteries. (Commission, 2023)

The lack of standardization at the pack and cell level, along with the complexity of storing, transporting, and handling of end-of-life (EoL) batteries, increases costs and reduces recycling incentives. (Thompson, 2020)

Battery Energy Storage Solution is a great innovation to mitigate CO2 emission and towards a net-zero CO2 but aside from developing these Technology, a proper waste disposal and eco-friendly end-of-life disposal are needed to have a more sustainable system. Without proper disposal, one would think that if battery is a sustainable development we need moving forward. Or should we look into Nuclear Energy? 

References

Chapter II-2-B - Batteries in PV Systems. (2018). In D. Spiers, & S. A. Kalogirou (Ed.), McEvoy's Handbook of Photovoltaics (Third Edition) (pp. 798-843). Academic Press. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-809921-6.00021-5

Commission, A. C. (2023). Lithium-ion batteries and consumer product safety. Lithium-ion batteries and consumer product safety, 2.

Synergy. (2022). KBESS1. Retrieved from KBESS1: https://www.synergy.net.au/Our-energy/SynergyRED/Large-Scale-Battery-Energy-Storage-Systems/Kwinana-Battery-Energy-Storage-System-1

Synergy. (2024). CBESS. doi:https://www.synergy.net.au/Our-energy/SynergyRED/Large-Scale-Battery-Energy-Storage-Systems/Collie-Battery-Energy-Storage-System

Synergy. (2024). KBESS2. Retrieved from KBESS2: https://www.synergy.net.au/Our-energy/SynergyRED/Large-Scale-Battery-Energy-Storage-Systems/Kwinana-Battery-Energy-Storage-System-2

Thompson, D. L. (2020, October 20). The importance of design in lithium ion battery recycling - a critical review. Green Chemistry : An International Journal and Green Chemistry Resource, 22. doi:https://doi.org/10.1039/D0GC02745F