Varman Ramachandran has been appointed as Aurecon’s new country director for Indonesia and client director – Energy, Resources and Manufacturing for Asia. The firm says the appointment comes at a time that the firm is investing into strengthening its business around sustainability, digital transformation and infrastructure in the region.

Based in Jakarta, Indonesia, Varman will focus on growing Aurecon’s business within the country and across Asia. The firm says it is optimistic about the Asia market and is projecting 5.4% growth in 2019.

According to a statement, the Indonesian 2019-2028 Electricity Supply Plan calls for renewables target to be raised from 14.9GW to 16.7GW, with a commitment from the Indonesian government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 29% by 2030 through developing hydropower and other renewables.

As part of his role, Varman will be tasked with exploring ways Aurecon can help Indonesia transition to a more sustainable future. He will also help create strategies for the future of energy, resources and manufacturing in Asia through designing technology and innovative solutions to meet future demands and challenges, the statement notes.

“Varman is a proven leader with more than 20 years of experience in power projects and operational management in a consulting role across Australia and Asia. He successfully secured and oversaw several large power projects in the Asia region. He also has significant experience leading high-performing teams in Indonesia to advise a wide variety of large power consortiums and plant operators. His appointment will ensure we help clients unlock benefits in the energy sector for sustainable development in Asia,” said Stephane Asselin, MD – Asia at Aurecon.

As per the statement, Varman has successfully secured and led several large power projects in Asia including the Pacific Light & Power project in Singapore, and the BacMan Geothermal Rehabilitation project in the Philippines. He is also said to have been consulted on both green and brown field power projects and helped refurbish thermal, combined-cycle power and geo-thermal power plants in Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

“I look forward to supporting Aurecon’s growth opportunities in Asia and working closely with clients to address key challenges in creating smart, digital and sustainable solutions for the future,” added Varman.