DoctorHamish Avery

Engineering the Transition to Resilient Energy Systems

My work focuses on transforming research into practical outcomes that deliver measurable benefits for communities, infrastructure systems, industry, and the environment. Throughout my career I have worked at the intersection of engineering, innovation, commercialisation, and public good, helping bridge the gap between new knowledge and real-world implementation. 

As Director of the Electric Power Engineering Centre (EPECentre) at the University of Canterbury, I lead initiatives that support New Zealand's transition towards resilient, low-carbon energy systems. My work spans electricity, transport, infrastructure, industry, regulation, and community resilience, recognising that successful energy transitions require the integration of technology, people, markets, and policy. 

 

Translating Research into Practice

A central theme of my career has been translational engineering: taking concepts developed through research and converting them into technologies, tools, infrastructure, organisations, and decision-making frameworks that create practical value.

Over more than two decades I have worked across academia, industry, government, and the private sector, helping move innovations from the laboratory into operational environments. Much of this work has occurred under commercial confidence, industry partnerships, or government programmes where outcomes are visible through long-term improvements in capability, resilience, and decision-making rather than through public publication. 

My contribution is often not defined by a single technology or project, but by enabling organisations and communities to make better long-term decisions about complex infrastructure and energy systems.

 

Building Capability for New Zealand

The energy transition presents technical, economic, and social challenges that cut across traditional disciplinary boundaries.

My work has focused on helping New Zealand build capability in:

• Energy systems planning
• Grid integration of renewable energy
• Critical infrastructure resilience
• Distributed energy resources
• Transport electrification
• Climate adaptation and resilience
• Energy security
• Future energy infrastructure
• Industry collaboration and innovation
• Research translation and commercialisation

These activities support national conversations about how electricity, transport, industry, and communities can adapt to changing environmental, technological, and economic conditions. 

 

Creating Impact Through Partnerships

Many of the most significant outcomes from my work have been achieved through partnerships rather than individual projects.

I have worked extensively with:

• Industry partners
• Infrastructure owners
• Government agencies
• Research institutions
• Community organisations
• International collaborators

These partnerships bring together diverse expertise to address complex challenges that cannot be solved by any single organisation alone.

A significant portion of this work occurs behind the scenes, supporting strategic planning, technology deployment, programme design, infrastructure investment, and innovation pathways whose value is realised over many years.

  From Seismic Resilience to Energy Resilience

Prior to my current role, I spent nearly two decades commercialising technology developed through doctoral research, including the development of the low-cost CUSP strong-motion accelerograph system and the co-founding of Canterbury Seismic Instruments (CSI). This work helped improve the accessibility of seismic monitoring technology and strengthened New Zealand's capability in infrastructure resilience and hazard monitoring. 

Today, that same focus on resilience informs my work in energy systems, where the challenge is to ensure that future infrastructure remains secure, adaptable, reliable, and capable of supporting communities through periods of significant change. 

  Thought Leadership and Public Engagement

An important part of my role is helping translate complex technical issues into meaningful conversations for decision-makers, communities, and the public.

I am frequently invited to participate in industry, community, and private sector expert groups and think tanks around:

• Energy transition
• Renewable energy
• Infrastructure resilience
• Transport electrification
• Future energy systems
• Innovation and commercialisation
• Energy policy and regulation

In 2026, EPECentre's work was featured by Radio New Zealand's Our Changing World, highlighting New Zealand's participation in the Horizon Europe SOLAR-MOVE programme and research exploring the role of solar-assisted electric vehicles within future energy and transport systems. 

 

Impact at a Glance

• Director, Electric Power Engineering Centre (EPECentre) 
• More than two decades translating research into practical outcomes across industry and academia
• Co-founder of Canterbury Seismic Instruments and developer of the CUSP accelerograph platform 
• Leader of interdisciplinary programmes supporting New Zealand's energy transition 
• Contributor to national and international energy, resilience, and infrastructure initiatives 
• Experienced in connecting research, industry, government, and communities to deliver long-term impact 
• Advocate for practical, resilient, and equitable energy systems that improve outcomes for people and the planet