About Us

Our story

Power Plant Chemical Engineering Pty Ltd was created in October 2021 by Director & Principal Chemical Engineer, Mark Wyburn, to provide chemical engineering services specifically for the power industry.  There are low numbers of chemical engineers employed directly by power generators, and very few professionally qualified independent consultants with the industry experience required.

Mark started in electricity generation in 1987 as a graduate chemical engineer with the Electricity Commission of NSW (ECNSW), working in numerous positions at several sites, and finally with Origin Energy’s Asset Management & Development Group as a Senior Chemical Engineer in 2021.

Mark is well known and respected among his national and international peers,  and with vendors supplying services to the power generation industry.

On-the job experience and qualifications all count when you are looking for power plant chemical engineering support

  • Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical), University of Newcastle, 1987.
  • Graduate Certificate in Risk Management, Swinburne University of Technology, 2012.
  • Registered Professional Engineer Queensland (RPEQ), 2014.
  • Member – Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), Chartered Engineer (CEng) – Engineering Council UK, 2014.
  • Member & Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) – Engineers Australia, 2019.
  • WHS General Construction Induction – “White Card”.
  • EPRI Technology Transfer Award for Best Practices in Cycle Chemistry Management, 2012.
  • Confederation of British Industry Scholarship working for NEI Thompson Kennicott in Wolverhampton and on-site at Hartlepool Power Station, UK.
  • Design experience in Sydney & UK, with on-site operational and engineering experience at Bayswater, Eraring and Darling Downs Power Stations.
  • 40 years work experience in positions including : – senior chemical engineer across the Origin Energy fleet, Eraring Power Station chemical team leader for nine years, acting asset manager, chemical specialist, construction group engineer, project engineer, turbine engineer, outage manager, water treatment plant engineer, & as a trainee metallurgist.
  • Presentations at numerous technical conferences on power plant cycle chemistry and water treatment, including national and international events.
  • Three technical papers published in PowerPlant Chemistry and PPChem international journals.

Testimonials

“…your excellent leadership & mentoring skills set the standard for the performance of the staff under your control.  The culture you fostered within the team was conducive to bringing out the best in people & producing results, all within a friendly & relaxed work environment.” 
Former team member.

“It was an absolute pleasure to learn from and work with and for a leader who daily demonstrated not just technical excellence and conscientiousness but also empathy and compassion.”
Former team member.

“I tell most people you were the best boss I ever had & probably will ever have.”
Former team member.

“….It is the mentoring & guidance that you have provided over my career that means the most…..and the impact that great mentoring can have on someone to not just be a better engineer but to be a better person.”
Former team member.

“These reports are excellent. Your commentary around results for each parameter and their effect on the system as a whole provides much more value than a spreadsheet full of data. Most of all it gives us confidence that the cycle chemistry is being effectively managed.”
Boiler certifier.

 

“I do believe the chemical team under your leadership was the foremost asset team at….  The standards you set & achieved from industry best practice has provided boiler/turbine reliability & life extension. Your drive to get to the root cause of issues is admired.”
Former work colleague & engineer.

“Guys, a word of thanks for all the effort and preparation that went in to getting this successful and important outcome. You both presented a first class case which clearly shows we are on top of our game.  I know just how much effort you both put in on this, your professionalism and hard work is greatly appreciated.”

Former supervisor & engineering manager (upon receiving approval for extended boiler inspection intervals from the certifier).

“I have had many supervisors over my working life & Mark would be a stand-out. He has led with his head but also, most importantly, with his heart.  I always knew he would be there to support me and all his staff.”
Former team member.

“Appreciate all the mentoring, your work ethic, dedication & the respect you’ve earned is something to aspire to.”
Former work colleague & engineer.

“Your dedication, commitment, & innovation have been a standout.”
Former work colleague & operator.