“Making Sense of the Weather Is an Underrated Skill”

New Zealand-born Simon Fullick knows a thing or two about weather. As a Senior Backend Developer in Flower’s trading team, he implements energy trading models that, among other things, uses weather forecasting to predict changes to the energy system.

“Essentially, I am implementing trading models that can figure out what time energy assets, like battery energy storage systems or EV chargers, need to draw power, and what time they should put out power. These decisions are heavily influenced by weather patterns that affect renewable energy sources and energy consumption. I make sure these decisions are carried out most optimally,” he says.

“Forecasting is a central tool for the energy system”

During his studies and professional life, Simon has developed skills that are becoming increasingly important in today’s energy system as the share of renewable energy sources continues to grow.

“Having a background in climate modeling is extra valuable when you work with complex weather-dependent power systems, to understand the mechanisms behind them. The energy system of tomorrow will rely more heavily on renewable energy, and the industry will need people who can understand and predict weather changes that for example impact solar and wind production or determine how to optimize battery storage,” he says.

The ultimate climate change wake-up call

Simon’s background has also given him an understanding of how the world’s climate has evolved over the years and how interconnected all parts of the climate ecosystem truly are. This has further inspired him to fight climate change.

“Knowing these things has been like the ultimate wake-up call for me. Beyond what I could hear from the news about climate change, I could now see firsthand how all parts of the system; ocean, land, ice and atmosphere are all interconnected. I’m grateful to contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of the world’s most greenhouse gas producing sector, the energy sector, in a concrete, not feel-good-greenwashing type of way,” he says.

Working with “the rocket scientists of the energy sector”

Being a part of Flower’s trading team, Simon now collaborates with the minds working to enable the renewable revolution – a close-knit group with diverse and often unique backgrounds.

“If you enjoy diving deep into problem-solving, like I do, working here is like being a kid in a candy store. Some of my colleagues have incredibly strong and fascinating technological expertise, it’s like working with actual rocket scientists! I feel privileged to tackle these challenging problems head on together, especially knowing that we’re doing it with the goal of creating a better world.”