Rickey Donald

With process engineering as my core expertise, I’m also qualified in mechanical engineering, with postgraduate degrees in computer engineering and information technology. I have nearly 40 years of global experience across industries that all rely on energy — from steelmaking, chemicals, water treatment, and oil and gas to pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, packaging, and high-speed manufacturing. I have also managed manufacturing operations and maintenance, giving me a deep understanding of how facilities run in practice. Based in South East Queensland, my long-standing passion for decarbonisation led me to recently complete a PhD in hydrogen research. By combining engineering expertise with a strong understanding of electricity markets, I develop strategies and projects that help industries use energy more effectively, innovate, and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future.

Explore my site to learn more about my experience and interests, connect with me on social media, or reach out directly.

Some of My Recent Projects

Virtual Power Plant Operation of DERs, Australia, Oct 2024 – July 2025
High Purity Oxygen for Wastewater Treatment, Melbourne, Mar 2023 – Aug 2024
Gibson Island Wastewater Treatment Plant Concept Design, Brisbane, Feb 2024 – May 2024
Renewable Hydrogen Production at WWTP, Goondiwindi, Nov 2022 – Dec 2023
Integration of Hydrogen and Wastewater Treatment, Brisbane, Mar 2020 – Nov 2023
Reconfiguration of Herb Processing Manufacturing, Palmwoods, Apr 2020 – Apr 2021
Wastewater Microplastics, Sunshine Coast, Oct 2021 – Oct 2023
MBBR Media Analysis, Sunshine Coast, Aug 2021 – Aug 2023
Wastewater Effluent Pump Station Concept Design, Sunshine Coast, Mar 2022 – Dec 2022
Wastewater Effluent Screening, Sunshine Coast, Aug 2021 – Dec 2021
Kawana WWTP Upgrade, Kawana, Dec 2014 – Jun 2017
Nambour WWTP Upgrade, Nambour, Dec 2011 – Dec 2014
Coal Seam Gas Amended Water Treatment, Roma, Mar 2011 – Sep 2011
Gas Field Asset Operational Data Integration, Brisbane, Aug 2009 – Nov 2010
Daandine Gas and Water Gathering Systems, Dalby, Dec 2008 – Aug 2009

Tertiary Education

PhD, Queensland University of Technology. Project: Integration of renewable hydrogen production with wastewater treatment.
Diploma Project Management, TAFE
Graduate Certificate Business Management, Mt Eliza Business School
Graduate Diploma of Information Technology, University of Southern Queensland
Master of Engineering Science (Computer Engineering), Queensland University of Technology
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Hons.), Queensland University of Technology

Project Clients

What Drives My Work

Positive Change

Projects attract so much interest because they provide beneficial outcomes. I maintain a strong focus on outcomes and benefits to deliver positive change.

Innovation

With my strong technical background, applying appropriate technology in innovative ways is what really excites me.

Building Client Capabilities

My objective is to not only deliver project outcomes but to also help my clients become self sufficient by setting up systems and sharing knowledge.

Communication

Communication is the heart of successful projects. Whether it’s formal progress written reports, or ad-hoc shop floor discussions, I like to keep my stakeholders up to date.