HOW TO GO ZERO
What is Net Zero, we hear you ask? It’s tackling climate change, from every angle
To limit global warming, we need Net Zero: a balance between lowering greenhouse gas emissions and taking greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere. Australia has set an ambitious goal to achieve Net Zero by 2050. Plus, the government is striving for 82% renewable energy in our power grid by 2030. That means
there are plenty of jobs in Net Zero, with more to come! In 2020, less than 1% of the total Australian workforce was working in Net Zero. By 2060, 3 to 4% of Australians will be working in this area, with related job growth in every single state and territory*. Below are some fields that will flourish! – Jasmine Fellows
Renewable energy
Achieving Net Zero LivingengineeringEnvironmentalsustainablymore
Engineer the revolution
You’re curious and creative. You care about our planet. You want a high-paying job, a fulfilling career and to work with great people. You’re exactly who we’re looking for at UNSW.
Australian industry is crying out for 60,000 more engineers. As our world races to cut carbon emissions, Net Zero engineering is at the heart of solving the biggest challenge of our time. For example, at UNSW Engineering we’re working with industry on world-leading solar cell technology, clean fuels, smart energy storage, green transport, innovative carbon capture and more.
Decarbonisaton – reducing or eliminating carbon dioxide emissions – is a collaborative challenge. There are so many inventions and innovations in the pipeline: we need people like you to make them happen.
Be part of the solution
At UNSW, we nurture and embrace new ideas and fresh minds. If you like solving problems and making things, engineering could be your superpower. It’s not just about maths and machines – it’s about making life better for everyone.
We offer an integrated solution – so whether you’re learning about solar power and renewable energy, critical mineral extraction or green building design, we provide you with the tools you need to make an impact.
I studied engineering because I liked solving problems. The skills you’ll learn are hugely transferable, the projects you’ll tackle will be impactful, and the people you’ll work with will be motivated and ambitious.
When you come onto our campus – when you see our student projects, and go into our classes – you feel this energy, there’s a kind of vibrancy.
Check out UNSW’s
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Renewable Energy
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Geoenergy & Geostorage
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Environmental Engineering
And many many more...
engineering is at the heart of solving the biggest challenge of our time”
So if you want a great career, and you want to make a difference, think about pursuingBecauseengineering. the world doesn’t just need change, it needs changemakers. And that could be you.
Professor Julien Epps Dean of Engineering, UNSW
PLUG INTO THE JOBS OF THE FUTURE
As we forge towards Net Zero, our electricity networks will be transformed into smart grids. So what are they?
Australia’s electricity grids supply power to millions of homes and hundreds of thousands of businesses. Net Zero is calling for upgrades to smart grids, advanced electricity networks that mix tech and communication to make sure power is where we need it, when we need it. Here are five jobs that will be part of the smart grid action!
Better batteries
Storage tech, particularly batteries, is crucial for smart grids. They store power when plenty is being made, keeping it stashed for later. Lithium-ion and solid-state batteries are key pieces of the puzzle. In South Australia, the Hornsdale Power Reserve is already demonstrating how batteries can stabilise the grid! Keen to get involved? Become a clean energy scientist or engineer.
Great gadgets
Jasmine Fellows
Have you heard of the Internet of Things or IoT? It’s connecting a whole range of sensors and devices that talk to each other. For the grid, that means real-time monitoring and automation to get power where it’s needed. If you love gadgets, consider becoming an IoT specialist.
Trading in energy
Blockchain can securely record transactions, perfect for people who are trading energy. Australian company Powerledger created the first renewable energy blockchain trading platform. It lets households and businesses with solar panels or other renewables sell their power, peer-to-peer. Look into blockchain energy trading!
Smarter data
Smart meters (aka advanced metering infrastructure, or AMI) can be used to collect data and improve how energy is managed and shared. For example, AMI can identify outages and redirect power where it’s needed. Plus, the info can be used to create models that incentivise off-peak energy usage. Interested? Become a data analyst.
Safe and sound
As our energy grids get smarter and more interconnected, they’re more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Security measures like encryption, secure access and anomaly detection will be key. It’s the perfect time to become a cybersecurity expert.
Power the future
Be part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
Dr Kosala Gunawardane
Associate Professor in Renewable Energy Engineering
After getting a taste of different engineering specialities, Kosala found her passion: power electronics. It’s a field with a focus on managing electrical power efficiently. Right now, her team is working on innovative research in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.
“Power electronics makes a huge contribution in the transition to renewables,” she says. “The transition is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This generation can have a huge impact on society.”
Last year, Kosala was acting course director of UTS’s Renewable Energy Engineering, a new degree program developed in response to industry demand.
As part of their degree, students work to complete at least three months of on-the-job internships with UTS industry partners. Kosala says this experience is invaluable when it comes to real-world decision-making around the transition to Net Zero.
“As we transition the AC power grid to DC and renewable energy, there are so many things to build and develop and contribute,” she says. – Cristy Burne
UTS Engineering and IT graduates are next-generation leaders with innovation and entrepreneurship skills in new and emerging fields. Learn specialist knowledge and gain hands-on industry experience in cutting-edge facilities.
Bachelor of Engineering (Electronics and Telecommunication), University of Moratuwa
Senior lecturer, Auckland University of Technology
PhD in power electronics, University of Waikato
Director, Centre for Future Power and Energy Systems, Auckland University of Technology
Deputy program leader,
Offshore Renewable Energy Systems, Blue Economy CRC
Associate Professor Renewable Energy Engineering, UTS
Spark up your future as a green electrician
Looking for a career that’s hands-on, future-focused, and can take you to awesome places? Read on!
Amazing technological advances usually come with a costly impact on the environment – and with innovations happening all around us, it’s important to create consciously. As a green electrician, you’ll play a crucial role in developing a sustainable future for our world, and beyond!
With a career as a green electrician, you’ll learn how to design, install and maintain sustainable systems that reduce carbon emissions and cut waste. That includes working with solar panels, wind turbines and battery storage, as well as lighting, heating and air-con systems to make them more energy-efficient. Green electricians also conduct energy audits, help electrify buildings and industry, and use sustainable materials to keep their work environmentally friendly.
From Antarctica to outer space
working on floating solar farms in the Maldives, and inside Iceland’s volcano-powered geothermal plants!
At Australia’s Antarctic research stations, green electricians spend up to a year maintaining wind turbines, solar arrays and off-grid battery systems –essential for surviving polar winters without relying on diesel.
NASA electricians are creating prototype renewable energy systems for bases on the Moon and Mars, building solar microgrids in the desert and powering off-world base simulations!
You’ll also find green electricians
If you’re into problem-solving, sustainable tech and a job that makes a difference, a career as a green electrician could spark your future. So start with VET, level up your skills and get excited for a career saving the planet!
– Saskia Horgan-Catchpole
START YOUR CAREER HERE
NET ZERO + GREEN ENERGY + STUDY
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician, TAFE WA
Diploma of Electrical Engineering, TAFE SA
Wind Energy Conversion Systems short course, TAFE NSW
Solar Grid + Battery Storage certification course, NECA
NET ZERO + GREEN ENERGY + JOBS
Solar panel installer/ technician
$80K–$120K
Energy efficiency technician
$70K–$90K
Electric vehicle charging station technician
$60K–$120K
Wind turbine technician
$75K–$125K
Sustainable systems designer
$90K–$120K
Salaries according to glassdoor.com.au, seek.com and jora.com.au
Power engineer
From banking to power grids: Cassandra ellis’ Electrifying STEM Journey
After spending three years in banking customer service, Cassandra’s circuits aligned after getting a job with SA Power Networks.
She’s now the recipient of The Australian Power Institute’s (API) Power UP Scholarship, which has provided her with a range of opportunities, including placing her at ElectraNet for vacation work and supporting her undergraduate degree in electrical and electronic engineering.
Cass even got to be part of API’s two-week summer school, with their POWERful Women Leadership Program!
“It was a chance to connect with other industry professionals from across the power sector and country,” she says. “Events like these are not only great for learning technical skills, but being able to learn the personal skills to further your personal development.”
Cass applied for summer school because she believes, “the bit missing at uni is seeing the practical application of what you’re learning.” – Samantha Wheeler
Net Zero myths, busted!
Myth: Net Zero = zero emissions
Truth: Net Zero doesn’t mean eliminating all carbon emissions. It’s about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while also removing carbon from the atmosphere. You could be part of the challenge of developing new ways to lock away carbon.
3 1 2 3
Ellis Low Voltage UndergraduatePlanningEngineer
Net Zero is often misunderstood, but getting it right is important for healing our planet
Myth: Net Zero is ‘greenwashing’
Truth: A handful of companies have misused ‘Net Zero’ without backing up their words with meaningful action (aka greenwashing), but genuine Net Zero strategies are possible! Getting there requires clear targets, transparency and measurable progress. Interested? Consider green careers in policy, law or government.
Myth: It’s too late to make a difference
Truth: Climate change is already having serious consequences – in Australia, it’s increasing extreme fire weather and making our oceans more acidic. But taking action now can still heal our planet. Engineers will be part of the solution, with renewable energy technologies being a key contribution. Everything we can do to reduce emissions matters! – Jasmine Fellows
Cassandra
Contact centre agent, SA Power Networks
Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Honours), Flinders University
BankSA, customer service specialist
Undergraduate engineer, ElectraNet
Low voltage planning undergraduate engineer, SA Power Networks
Vocational student engineer, SA
Get a head start here
watch
2040 (Prime Video)
Inspired by envisioning a better world for his daughter, award-winning Aussie doco maker Damon Gameau imagines the world by 2040, if we embraced all the best solutions available to us now. Prepare to be inspired!
The Grid: Powering the Future (ABC Catalyst)
Meet Australians leading the biggest changes to the electricity grid, all thanks to new renewable energy technologies.
Electives checklist
Study these at school: ✔ Computer studies ✔ Engineering ✔ Maths ✔ Physics
follow
@cleanenergycouncil
Find your future employer! This industry association is made up of more than 1000 member companies in the clean energy sector.
@reneweconomynews
Stay in the know with independent energy and climate change news.
@theclimatecouncil Independent, people-powered climate science.
The Careers for Net Zero Podcast
This awesome podcast highlights careers that will help Australia reach Net Zero. Hear about jobs like blade technician, project manager, insulation installer, engineer and more.
Doha Goreishi, alternative energy engineer
After a brief stint studying software engineering, Doha switched to chemical engineering and hasn’t looked back. Her journey took another significant turn when she joined the Sunswift project, a student-led initiative at UNSW aimed at developing sustainable automotive technology. Find out more: bit.ly/DohaG
Senuka Kariyawasam, renewable energy engineer student
Senuka’s first step towards a climate-friendly career was enrolling in a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at UTS, majoring in renewable energy engineering. So far, his favourite assignment has been a group work project: “I had to form a group with four other classmates to design and present a sustainable way to provide electricity to a remote community in northern Queensland,” he says. Learn more: bit.ly/SenukaK