As Australia starts to loosen its historic grip on fossil fuels, there’s a growing trend in sparkies moving to greener pastures in the form of renewable energy projects.
Largely due to strong performances from our solar and wind farms, renewable energy accounted for nearly 40% of Australia’s total electricity supply at the end of 2023, meaning we are on track to generate 50% of our electricity from renewable sources by this year.
Electricians already play a key role in the transition to renewable energy by installing, connecting and maintaining the newest energy systems. But what if you want to dive deeper? Here’s a look at some of the green-thumbed sparkies leading the charge.
Rise with the sun
Solar power wasn’t the first renewable energy solution (that honour goes to hydro) but it’s arguably the one that caught the imagination of the general public like no other. Since the early ’90s, an estimated 3.9 million solar PV systems have been installed across Australia.
Starling Energy Group provides integrated energy asset management services that help households, businesses and energy utilities transition to cleaner, greener, renewable energy. Roy Darch is Head of Operations at Starling Energy Group and the Plico Energy Project, and a customer of Gemcell’s Myelec Electrical Wholesalers. He’s based in Perth, where his team operates the largest privately owned Virtual Power Plant (VPP) in WA.
“A typical day for me starts with a dive into the data on each of our operations disciplines,” says Roy. “This includes checking our installation rate, service enquiries, quality inspections and commercial projects. The final check-in is with our internal electrical service team to ensure they have everything they need for the day.
“Outside of day-to-day operations, I split my time working on Plico’s expansion strategy and processes.”
Roy’s been an electrician for 20 years and has always had an interest in new technologies. He’s worked with start-ups across the US, Israel and Australia — of which Plico was one.
“The best part of my role is getting exposure to all aspects of the business from marketing and sales through to operations, quality control and technology.
“Every day throws a different challenge. It’s amazing to be at the forefront of VPPs and challenging the way we all use energy.”
Roy’s advice for someone looking to get into the renewables space? “Get to know the standards and stay up to date with changes. Join industry associations like the Smart Energy Council (SEC) and network with others in the industry.
“The renewable energy space is moving so fast and is changing at an extraordinary pace.”
Working in hydro – come hell or high water!
Hydro Tasmania is Australia’s leading clean energy business and largest generator of renewable energy.
Since the first hydropower station was built more than a century ago, Hydro Tasmania now has 54 major dams and 30 power stations operating in Tasmania, and two hybrid energy systems on King Island and Flinders Island in the Bass Strait.
Justin Vandervelde is Head of Major Works at Hydro Tasmania.
“In a nutshell, we generate and sell hydroelectric power into the grid,” he says.
“Hydropower and Tasmania go back a long way. We have high mountains, high rainfall and numerous rivers that flow downstream, making it the perfect location for a hydropower business.”
In an average year, Hydro Tasmania produces about 9000GWh of clean electricity — enough to power about 900,000 Australian homes and small businesses.
And like the solar industry and battery storage, the hydropower industry is looking at ways to maintain a steady power supply when the environmental conditions aren’t optimal.
“Hydro relies on water flowing downstream, and that is very weather-reliant,” says Justin.
“It takes incredible coordination to manage our systems in response to extremes such as drought, flood and lightning strikes.”
A proposed pumped hydro project at Lake Cethana will have 750MW of capacity, with up to 20 hours storage.
“As the market continues to transition away from coal, Hydro Tasmania is looking at pumped hydro so we can use excess power from solar and wind to pump water back uphill, and generate electricity whenever there’s a need,” says Justin.
“Although this is in the proposal phase, the potential for pumped hydro here in Tasmania is among the best in Australia.”
The good news is that opportunities for electricians are multi-fold in hydro, with every station requiring a range of primary and secondary electrical roles, from managing generators, transformers, circuit breakers and battery systems to ongoing maintenance of systems and components.
“Hydro Tasmania runs an apprenticeship program, and there are pathways into operational roles in site management,” says Justin.
“It’s a fantastic place to experience working with big renewable assets — there are so many different opportunities.”
Gone with the wind
Australia’s geographical features, such as the eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range, make it well-suited for wind energy development. Wind power accounts for about 35% of Australia’s renewable energy supply, and has been growing by an average of 13% per year since 2015.
Squadron Energy, a 100% Australian-owned renewable energy company, has a dozen wind farm projects across NSW, Vic and Qld. Kacee Milnes is Squadron’s Operations Manager at Crudine Ridge Wind Farm, 45km south of Mudgee, NSW.
Kacee completed her electrical apprenticeship in the mines at Broken Hill. She moved into renewables when Silverton Wind Farm was built in 2018 and started as an electrical technician. From there, she moved into a lead technician and electrical supervisor role, and then into site service and operations management roles.
“I think I have the best office in the world,” says Kacee. “I know I’m slightly biased but the views at Crudine Ridge Wind Farm are incredible, and I have had the pleasure of working with so many great people.”
Although there’s no such thing as a typical day in wind, Kaycee says that most days start the same way — with a pre-start meeting.
“We consider tasks to be completed and what can be completed safely that day whilst taking into consideration environmental factors such as wind speed and weather conditions. The scope is ever-changing, but I have a real passion for operations and maintenance and the transition from projects to operations, so I welcome the opportunity to take learnings with me into the next challenge.”
What’s re-new in 2025?
These new projects are getting set to supply clean, affordable power to the electricity market.
The Federal Government approved Australia’s largest ever renewable energy project in August 2024. A gigantic solar power project out back of Tennant Creek in the NT, the farm is expected to generate enough energy to power three million homes.
With 162 turbines, this Queensland wind farm 200km west of the Gold Coast is the largest in the southern hemisphere. The first turbines were connected to the grid in October 2024, and the farm is projected to reach full capacity by October 2025.
The SA government has committed more than half a billion dollars to build a hydrogen power plant and storage facility near Whyalla. The plant will provide grid stability for homes and businesses around the state and should be completed in early 2026.
