Dr Wattala Fernando
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Biography
Dr. Wattala Rohan Fernando holds the position of Lecturer in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the School of Science and Engineering (SSEN), and he is also a lecturer at The Centre for Energy, Petroleum, and Mineral Law and Policy (CEPMLP), where he teaches energy-related modules associated with SSEN.
After completing his studies at Northumbria University Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK, in 2011, Fernando gained significant experience through roles with Ericson, Vodafone, and Huawei, contributing to various projects, including the London Olympic Project. In 2015, he completed his MSc in Energy, Water, and Environmental Management at Abertay University Dundee, UK. The practical experience acquired at Ericson, Vodafone, and Huawei proved invaluable, particularly in power and energy engineering, facilitating his MSc studies. In 2020, he successfully earned his PhD in energy engineering from Edinburgh Napier University. Concurrently, during his PhD, Fernando completed six European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) PhD courses at Aalborg University in Aalborg, Denmark.
Before joining the University of Dundee in January 2023, Fernando held positions as a research officer at Hydrogen Accelerator, St Andrews University, a research and teaching assistant at Edinburgh Napier University, and a visiting lecturer at the University of Applied Management Studies, Mannheim, Germany, and German Business School, the University of Tunis, for an MBA in Energy Management. With more than 12 years of experience, he actively participated in national and international industry projects in electronics, telecommunications, and power engineering before transitioning to academia.
Research
Wattala Fernando's doctoral thesis, titled "A Feasibility Study of Development and Implementation of Smart Energy System for 100% Renewable Energy and Transport Solutions in Sri Lanka," underlines his dedication to the field of renewable energy development, energy modelling, and planning. His current research activities extend to utilizing this expertise to guide postgraduate students in modelling diverse energy systems across various countries. Fernando has established noteworthy affiliations with esteemed institutions such as Aalborg University, St Andrews University, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and Climate Compatible Growth.
Fortunate to secure a place in the Joint Summer School program on "Modelling Tools for Sustainable Development in Energy Demand Assessment and Scenarios: MAED and EBS Tools," jointly hosted by the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Trieste Italy, Fernando continues to broaden his knowledge base.
Possessing extensive research and industrial experience, Fernando actively designs and implements renewable energy projects, collaborating with both public and private sectors. His contributions have significantly contributed to Scotland's and various countries' Net Zero targets. Notably, he has played a pivotal role in transport and industry decarbonization projects in Scotland, presenting innovative ideas backed by technical calculations for the preparation of feasibility reports and presentations approved by the government.
Fernando's research expertise encompasses a wide range of areas, including:
- Global, island, national, and international energy planning.
- Smart cities, smart buildings, waste-to-energy projects, renewable energy technologies, integration of renewable energy technologies (RET)
- Smart energy systems, electric vehicles, biofuels, bioenergy, hydrogen (H2) technology, and biomass generation using anaerobic digestion (AD) systems.
- Emerging technologies such as 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
An active member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and the Energy Institute, Fernando is currently in the process of preparing his application for Chartered Engineer membership with the Institute of Engineering and Technology.
Teaching
Fernando is actively engaged in teaching within both Mechanical & Industrial Engineering and Renewable & Sustainability undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Currently, he supervises Honours year Mechanical with Renewable Engineering students and MSc Renewable and Sustainability students on projects aligned with his ongoing research interests.
His teaching responsibilities include:
- ME21001 Software Applications for Mechanical Engineering Design
- EG22009 Electronics and Instrumentation- Module Leader
- ME31004 Engineering Design 1
- RE42002 Wind and Marine Energy
- RE51002 Renewable Energy Systems, Applications, and Developments- Module Leader
- RE52003 Renewable Resource Modelling and Assessment- Module Leader
Within the school, Fernando serves as the Go Abroad Coordinator, IMechE lead for the local Tayside network, actively participates in student recruitment, and holds the role of Student Advisor.