The Power UP Summit is an annual online event hosted by the Australian Power Institute to showcase the experiences of students who have recently completed a vacation placement within the power sector. By sharing these experiences and their new industry knowledge, we can bring together the learnings for professional and personal development in students working towards a career in power.
This year, the online series took place from 1-3 October as speakers across various stages of their power sector career showcased a wide variety of perspectives on their experiences in their career so far.
Watch the recording now or take a closer look at the full transcript and Speaker slide decks below.
Day 1 Recap
Speaker 1: James (Jim) Riley, Electrician and Electrical Engineering student
Topic: Going from Trade to Engineering and Tools to Textbooks
Jim shared his unique journey from leaving high school early to becoming an API scholarship recipient. His path began as an electrician, where hands-on trade experience gave him insights into the technical aspects of the power industry. He spoke passionately about how his trade experience informed his decision to pursue further education in engineering, crediting the API with helping him make connections through the Power UP Program. Jim is now on track to complete an internship with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), a significant milestone in his evolving career.
Speaker 2: Goncalo Serradas Duarte, Intern Engineer - System Planning at API Member AEMO
Topic: My Final Year Experience on ‘Performance and Impact of PV Inverter Control in Low Voltage Distribution Networks’
Goncalo followed with an impressive presentation about his final-year thesis, which focused on the performance of PV inverters in low-voltage distribution networks. His research tackled real-world challenges, such as overvoltage caused by high solar power generation during the day. Goncalo highlighted potential solutions, including the use of battery storage systems and inverter control technologies to improve energy management.
Day 2 Recap
Keynote Speaker: Peter Langdon, Head of Asset Planning and Performance at Endeavour Energy and API Board Chair
Topic: Failure as a blessing in disguise
Peter shared his experience of navigating through a significant challenge in the electricity industry. Peter’s talk revolved around a $1 billion shortfall in Endeavor Energy’s regulatory submission in 2017–2018, a failure that initially left him questioning his future. However, this experience became a pivotal learning opportunity, leading to significant changes in the way his team approached regulatory processes.
Peter’s story is a testament to the power of learning from setbacks, adapting to industry needs, and embracing customer engagement in shaping a sustainable energy future.
Speaker 2: Palistha (Luvha) Shrestha, Engineering Intern at API Member Horizon Power
Topic: Lemons to Lemonade: Overcoming challenges when working in remote areas
Luvha, a final-year electrical engineering student from the University of Western Australia, shared insightful experiences from their internship with Horizon Power, particularly while working on a standalone power systems project in a remote town. Luvha's story highlighted the technical challenges encountered in commissioning a generator controller and their strategies for overcoming them.
Day 3 Recap
Speaker 1: Lucy Webster, Student Engineer at API Member Energy Queensland
Topic: Queensland's Energy Storage Journey: Through the eyes of an intern.
Lucy discussed Queensland’s ambitious goal of achieving 80% renewable energy by 2035, supported by investments in battery systems. These batteries are crucial in addressing the intermittency of solar and wind power by storing excess energy for later use. Energy Queensland’s plans include over 50 battery systems designed to store 800 megawatt-hours of energy, supporting grid stability and renewable energy integration. Lucy’s presentation highlighted her involvement in Queensland’s renewable energy transition, specifically focusing on the integration of battery energy storage systems (BESS).
Speaker 2: Ashutosh (Ash) Kumar, Graduate Engineer at API Member Ausgrid
Topic: My journey to being a power graduate
Ash shared his personal journey toward becoming a power graduate. He highlighted the steps he took throughout university, including his internship and current role. Ash emphasised that, like many students, he was initially uncertain about his career path in the power sector. However, receiving the API bursary was a pivotal moment for him, as it helped him connect with the industry and shaped his perspective on the power sector's broader responsibilities. He concluded with advice to interns and new graduates about seizing opportunities, asking questions, and pushing beyond their comfort zones.
For more information and to stay up to date with industry events and opportunities, sign up to the Power UP Program at api.edu.au/power-up-program
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