Generate bright opportunity
The electricity, gas, water and waste services industry (including renewable energy) generated and supported an estimated 14,200 jobs in 2022-23.
As a global leader in the transition towards clean energy, South Australia generates almost 70% of its electricity from renewable sources and is working towards 100% net renewable energy by 2027. The state has a mix of renewable energy resources that includes wind power, solar, ocean energy and geothermal and incorporates small and large-scale battery storage.
This means demand for skilled people across the renewable energy and hydrogen sectors is high and expanding in South Australia.
Could the renewable energy and hydrogen sectors provide you with a fulfilling career pathway?
Occupations needed now in Renewable Energy and Hydrogen
The landscape
Snapshot of rapidly developing sectors
The carbon neutral energy sector employs those working on significant projects such as the world’s first big battery (the Hornsdale Power Reserve), the largest per capita roll-out of home battery systems, 22 wind farms, four utility scale solar farms and an emerging hydrogen sector.
The Hydrogen Jobs Plan will see the construction of a world-leading hydrogen power station, electrolyser and storage facility within the Whyalla City Council by the end of 2025. The Plan will deliver significant benefits for South Australia, including new jobs for South Australians, enhanced grid security and helping to unlock a pipeline of renewable energy developments and associated manufacturing opportunities
Empowering our renewable energy industry
South Australia is a global leader in the transition towards clean energy.
In just 16 years, South Australia’s electricity mix has shot up from less than 1% renewable energy to over 70% percent renewables.
We’re home to:
- the world's first big battery (the Hornsdale Power Reserve)
- the largest per capita roll-out of home battery systems
- 22 wind farms
- 3 utility-scale solar farms, and
- an emerging hydrogen sector
South Australia’s green industries are also increasing recycling and reprocessing infrastructure as a priority.
We’re expanding our capacity to sort, process and remanufacture:
- glass
- plastic
- tyres
- paper, and
- cardboard
Our future looks brilliant
There’s around $20 billion being invested in South Australia into:
- 25 solar farms
- 12 wind farms
- 7 hybrid projects (combining wind and solar), and
- 10 battery storage projects
The Hydrogen Jobs Plan will see the construction of a world-leading hydrogen power station, electrolyser and storage facility within the Whyalla City Council by the end of 2025.
The Plan will deliver significant benefits for South Australia such as:
- New jobs for those living here
- Enhanced grid security and
Help unlocking a pipeline of renewable energy developments and associated manufacturing opportunities.
Moving ahead
Rail electrification projects such as the Gawler Rail line provide clean and green high-performance trains to improve traveller experiences, reliability and safety.
Construction has also commenced on South Australia's first border-to-border network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to enable easy driving and charging of EVs to benefit our environment.
Jordan's story
Being a mature-aged apprentice Jordan had been dabbling in the electrical industry for a while. Recognising the massive growth in the solar energy space he decided to take on additional vocational training to grow his career in an industry that he is passionate about.
"I've always enjoyed working with my hands but without formal education, there is a ceiling on what you can do and I wanted to move that ceiling higher and I wanted more for myself."
