Transitioning Australia’s energy system: Meet Doug Tapper
Doug leads our Energy team in Western Australia (WA) and brings more than two decades of global experience to one of Australia’s most dynamic energy markets. His rare mix of technical depth and real-world delivery experience comes from a background spanning cogeneration, battery storage, and gas generation on major UK and Queensland energy projects. Doug understands what it takes to transition energy systems in practice, not just on paper.
Now based in Perth, he’s focused on building a high-performing, locally based team that can solve WA’s most pressing energy challenges: decarbonisation of heavy industry, grid integration of renewables, and the safe, cost-effective decommissioning of ageing coal assets.
What’s your career journey, and why have you joined AECOM?
I’ve been lucky enough to work on projects across the globe, from the UK to Australia, that have shaped the energy landscape. I’ve worked on high-profile infrastructure and large-scale energy transition projects. My career has been built on learning from real-world challenges, learning from the ground up. The key to success is understanding the real-world implications of energy projects and using that knowledge to drive sustainable change.
I joined AECOM because the WA energy market is so interesting and challenging. I wanted to build something, a local team that could take on these big challenges. AECOM offers the scale, value and ambition to do that.
What is it about the WA energy market that makes you so excited?
WA is at a pivotal moment in its energy transition, and we’re leading the charge. It’s uniquely complex and WA is remote, large-scale and heavily reliant on industry.
With the increasing demand for renewables and storage, the WA energy market is forced to evolve rapidly. It’s an exciting challenge, and we have the expertise to support our clients through this transformation. I’m especially focused on grid integration, storage solutions and helping the state reduce reliance on coal.
This is where AECOM specialises, and we’re not just here to theorise our clients through this, we’re here to deliver the practical solutions.
Looking ahead, what’s next for AECOM in WA? What’s your vision?
I’m growing our local team, so we have boots on the ground and the technical skills to support WA’s long-term energy and infrastructure goals. Our team has already expanded significantly in renewables, grid and battery integration and environmental approvals.
We’ve already supported a range of mining, energy and government clients. We’ve found clients value honest conversations, clear-eyed assessments and practical strategies, not just imagined ones. Our combination of local insight and global experience adds value here.
I’m empowering my team to innovate, work together and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
We’re working to be the consultant of choice for complex, high-impact decarbonisation and energy projects.
What makes AECOM stand out?
Our ability to execute. We can do it all, across the energy lifecycle. From technical advisory roles to infrastructure delivery and asset decarbonisation.
AECOM brings a particular strength in projects that are first-of-a-kind, strategically important or technically challenging.
Whether it’s supporting renewables integration, responsibly phasing out coal, or decarbonising while keeping operations running, we know what works because we’ve done it before. And we’ve got the right team in WA to do it again.
So, how do you keep the balance? What do you like to do outside of work?
I’ve been windsurfing for 30-odd years. It clears the head, sharpens my focus and lets me switch off. The phone can’t ring because it’s not on me.