Introduction

Paul Nicholson is one of our leading experts in power and renewable energy solutions, specialising in projects ranging from 20kVA to 1250kVA for smaller site constructions to large-scale infrastructure and remote operations such as solar and wind farm developments. Paul brings over two decades experience developing power and renewables solutions, combined with deep technical expertise, to help customers transition toward sustainable and economical power systems across Australia.

Career Journey

Paul began his career, and building his knowledge and expertise in power systems, as an electrician over 20 years ago. He moved to Aggreko for 10 years, where he honed his technical and operational understanding of large-scale power generation. And then almost 10 years ago he joined our team as a Business Development Manager before moving into the operations team, where his skills for technical problem-solving and renewable energy innovation were exactly what our customers were looking for. 

Over the past decade, Paul has been instrumental in growing our renewable energy capability, mentoring team members across Australia and expanding the technical power range. He has played a key role in the Nailing Our Products pillar of Geared For the Future; which aims to increase our range of solar, hybrid, low-emission and battery powered fleet. With many plant and equipment items now converting to electric power, Paul excels at being able to power an increasing range of client machinery using our power plants, with the largest so far being the massive client cranes that build multi story buildings. 

Areas of Expertise

• Hybrid and renewable power generation systems up to 1250kVA
• Battery storage and microgrid applications for Tier 1 clients
• Diesel and CO₂ emissions reduction optimisation through solar and hybrid design
• Power planning and compliance for major construction and event projects
• Customer education and technical mentoring across branches nationwide

Customer Impact

Paul’s technical problem-solving and innovation have helped many customers put in place a dependable power source, and reduce emissions, noise and costs.

A standout project saw him design a hybrid solar and battery setup for a remote telco tower that dramatically reduced regular diesel truck refuelling trips, improved power supply and efficiency and delivered a low environmental impact result. Paul says, “Our customer was frustrated by the difficult and frequent trips for the fuel truck. We knew the hybrid set up would alleviate that and add other benefits.” 

In another project in New Zealand, Paul advised a solar farm construction client on cycle-charging using a “golden row” commissioning setup, which was an innovative solution designed by Paul and his team. Use of the first constructed row of solar panels to provide power for the rest of the project provided a total diesel reduction of 92%. His solutions combine technical knowledge with practical design, advanced technology and customisations for the project and site.

The Peron Behind the Pro

Paul values the company culture which feels like a family. “Everyone’s approachable, from the yard to the CEO,” he says. “You always feel valued and supported.” He enjoys mentoring others, helping them build technical confidence in renewable power, and in a field that is progressing quickly he stays ahead of emerging technologies with continual product research and testing. “I love the company value, ‘Taking Hire Higher,’” Paul says.

Outside of work, Paul lives on a small acreage property and relishes the country life with some camping and fishing. His family is surrounded by chickens and horses. Not surprising given that Paul was a top 20 competitor at the team penning Australian Championships. Think Yellowstone with the goal being to separate 3 marked cows from 10 and guide them to an enclosure, on horseback.    

“You’ve got one mouth and two ears, so listen twice as much as you talk. That’s how you understand what customers really need and deliver the right solution."