Student ambassadors from Engineers Australia have been given a tour of some of the world’s largest batteries as part of their introduction to the renewables sector.
The students from universities across Melbourne visited SEC’s Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub, located in Plumpton to see the project’s 444 battery units and massive 335-tonne transformers up close.
SEC is a renewable energy company that focuses on investing in renewable energy and storage projects.
The units students were shown form a 600-megawatt battery energy storage system aiming to enhance Victoria’s electricity network by storing excess rooftop solar energy releasing it during times of high demand.
The Hub, planned to go online later this year, will have the capacity to power around 200,000 homes during peak times.
SEC’s Chief Executive Officer, Chris Miller said SEC is focused on creating exciting opportunities for students to experience renewable energy up close and learn about the vibrant career paths this sector has to offer.
“Through visits like this, the SEC can give students a greater understanding of the wide variety of roles required in the growing renewables sector and inspire them to make a real impact on Victoria’s renewable energy transition,” Mr Miller said.
In November 2024, year 10 students from Melton Specialist School also toured the Hub to learn about career opportunities in the sector.
University of Melbourne engineering student Selini Samaranayake said since a lot of young students, particularly female, are not exposed to experiences like this when they start out, the experience opened doors and opportunities.
“The visit was eye-opening and helped me to decide that energy is the way to go.”
Since construction began in late 2023, more than 1,106 people have worked across all aspects of the project, including 71 apprentices, trainees and cadets.
