OblinEngine is currently at TRL 5, supported by completed shallow and deep-shaft testing of the hydraulic uplift subsystem. The next stage is an integrated Australian demonstrator requiring specialist engineering, construction, instrumentation and independent technical assessment.
The TRL 6 program is being structured around a small core leadership team supported by specialist contractors and an independent technical assessor.
Australian Biowaste Energy Pty Ltd (ABE) is the technology owner and proposed project delivery entity. ABE owns the Coleambally demonstration site in New South Wales.
The delivery model is intended to retain continuity from the original invention and physical testing while bringing qualified external capability into each specialist work package.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Brannan is the inventor of OblinEngine, protected by granted UK Green Patent GB2601502B. The patent was assigned to Australian Biowaste Energy Pty Ltd effective 6 October 2026, with the ownership transfer lodged with the UK Intellectual Property Office on 7 October 2026.
He has led the technology from concept development through prototype construction, shallow hydraulic testing and deep-shaft testing, providing direct continuity into the proposed integrated demonstrator.
His project responsibilities include technology direction, project strategy, procurement coordination, intellectual-property oversight, specialist engagement and overall integration of the TRL 6 program.
Chief Information Officer
Steve has an MBA and experience across business transformation, utilities, renewable energy, logistics, retail and information-technology delivery.
His background includes telemetry and information systems relevant to instrumented infrastructure, data acquisition, monitoring and operational reporting.
Chief Operating Officer, Non-Executive
Kevin brings experience across strategic partnerships, logistics, EPC delivery, oil and gas, renewable energy, mining and construction.
His experience is relevant to supplier coordination, major infrastructure delivery and practical execution of the proposed demonstrator.
Non-Executive Technology Contributor
Craig has experience across electronics, software, electronic data processing and project management.
His background supports instrumentation, controls, technology integration and practical project-delivery requirements.
The TRL 6 delivery team is being developed around actual project work packages, current supplier engagement and defined technical requirements rather than assumed future capability.
A current specialist quotation has been obtained from Strathmerton Drilling Pty Ltd for construction of the proposed 175 metre demonstrator bore and casing system.
The quoted work includes reaming, casing, onsite and workshop preparation, grouting, centralisers, stainless steel bottom cap, freight and estimated crane hire.
This provides current supplier-backed evidence for one of the principal construction work packages required for the proposed TRL 6 demonstrator. The current demonstrator design envisages an approximately 174 m sealed test shaft, while the specialist quotation covers a nominal 175 m construction scope.
Following a technical meeting on 14 October 2026, Bureau Veritas provided confidentiality documentation and its NI 525 technology qualification methodology. Bureau Veritas has subsequently confirmed in writing its intention to prepare an assessment proposal following technical review. Preliminary pricing guidance has been provided, but scope, price and appointment remain subject to agreement.
The proposed independent scope includes assessment of the test methodology, instrumentation, calibration, repeatability, complete electrical charging-to-generation energy boundary, pressure-retention losses and measured round-trip efficiency. It would also examine whether the resulting evidence supports progression from TRL 5 to TRL 6.
Specialist equipment requirements are being defined for compressed-air delivery, hydraulic recovery, turbine-generator integration, electrical systems, instrumentation and controls.
Supplier quotations and technical reviews inform the final scope, equipment selection and project budget. Final supply contracts remain subject to funding and procurement.
Mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and commissioning responsibilities are being structured as defined specialist work packages for the integrated demonstrator.
The objective is to establish clear technical ownership of each major subsystem before construction and final commissioning.
Specialist drilling, casing, grouting and installation capability for the representative-depth demonstrator infrastructure.
Detailed engineering of the pressure systems, uplift shaft, pipework, hydraulic circuit and complete operating envelope.
Compressor sizing, electrical demand, air delivery, pressure control and deep-injection integration.
Selection and integration of hydroelectric equipment matched to the demonstrator's validated hydraulic head, flow and operating range.
Electrical integration, energy metering, sensors, Modbus-compatible data acquisition, controls and permanent test-data logging.
Integrated system commissioning, operating procedures, fault testing and controlled execution of the performance-test program.
Independent assessment is intended to form part of the project design, rather than being added only after testing is complete.
The selected independent organisation would be asked to review the measurement boundary, instrumentation, calibration requirements, test methodology and repeatability criteria before final performance testing.
Following the test program, the assessor would review the measured results and determine whether the evidence supports progression from the current TRL 5 position to TRL 6.
OblinEngine will not present an organisation as a confirmed project participant unless an appropriate quotation, engagement, commitment or other documented basis exists.
This allows the project team to progressively build credible delivery capacity while keeping final appointments subject to funding, detailed engineering, procurement and availability.
The objective is not to create a large permanent organisation before the demonstrator. It is to assemble the right specialist capability for each defined TRL 6 work package.
The project is progressively converting each required specialist capability into an evidenced and deliverable work package.