Alexander Makarowsky’s key equation for the future

Alexander Makarowsky has a calculating ambition to address the challenges of sustainable energy, using mathematics to change our world. Already equipped with a Bachelor of Telecommunication Engineering from the University of Adelaide, he is halfway into his Master of Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing at Oxford University. Here he has already developed new methods of calculating safe demand thresholds for different sectors in Australia’s National Electricity Market. These calculations manage frequency control issues, particularly renewable energy supplies such as grid-scale batteries. For everyone to have seamless access to their lights, hot water, air-conditioners, washing machines and Netflix simultaneously - creating and solving these mathematical equations are an invaluable key to a sustainable future.

Prior to becoming a 2019 Commonwealth Bank John Monash Scholar and travelling to England, Alexander worked as an analyst and software engineer at AEMO (Australian Energy Market Operator). It was here that he developed a strong understanding of how new and sustainable technologies were crucial to mobilising low inertia power systems to improve energy distribution and resources across Australia. Here Alexander also realised his desire to catapult sustainable energy technologies across Australia and extend it to our neighbours in the Pacific to ensure an equitable and progressive future for all. It is an incredible undertaking, made possible by the fact that Alexander has a genius for exploring solutions and perturbation methods for differential equations. It is also made possible through the support of the Commonwealth Bank.

As longstanding partner of the General Sir John Monash Foundation, the Commonwealth Bank has afforded Alex the opportunity to follow his ambitions in developing strategies for sustainable energy through the gift of scholarship. But this challenge of developing sustainable energy practices is not one that solely rests on Alexander’s shoulders. The Commonwealth Bank are also active in their commitment towards a low-carbon economy. Their digitally published Environmental and Social Framework states their commitment to the Paris Agreement, supporting the responsible global transition to net zero emissions by 2050. This Framework also articulates the expectations of their business partners in achieving these targets. Together, Alex and the Commonwealth Bank are showing Australia that positive environmental change is a viable prospect.  

The AEMO notes that our ageing coal-fired power stations are nearing the end of their technical and economic life. As new generation technology rapidly advances in the energy space, it is easy to see how Australia may fall behind the rest of the world if we do not keep pace. As Alexander completes his Masters, he is simultaneously planning a return to Australia that will see him apply his learnings across the energy industry, and support a brighter future for our environmental security.