Peter O’Kelly is the founder and CEO of Costec Systems. He is an expert in simulation and control systems for thermal power plants and the author of the book “Computer Simulation of Thermal Plant Operations”. Costec Systems is focused on its proprietary advanced control systems technology, including a process-specific model-based predictive controller (MPC).

Previously, Peter was associated with CICS Automation Pty Ltd, focusing on commercializing the UNAC advanced control system for applications in the mining and metals extraction industries.

He began his career as a professional engineer in Australia at the Electricity Commission of NSW. He spent eight years with Kraftwerk Union (KWU, now Siemens PG) in Germany, working on the design and commissioning of control and automation systems for large PWR nuclear power reactors and operator training.

Subsequently, he was retained by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for three years to advise the Brazilian nuclear authority Nuclebras on matters relating to the Angra 2 nuclear power plant project.

In late 1982, he returned to Australia and founded Costec Pty Ltd, a developer and manufacturer of training simulators for coal- and gas-fired power plants. Costec later merged into Techcomm Ltd in 1993, where he served as a Director and Head of the Power and Simulation Division.

Peter is an MSc, PhD, in Electrical Engineering by the University of NSW, Sydney, Australia