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!
1. Clean energy scientist or engineer
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 keypieces of the puzzle. In South Australia, the Hornsdale Power Reserve is already demonstrating how batteries can stabilise the grid! Keen to get involved?
2. IoT specialist
Great gadgets: 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.
3. Blockchain energy trader
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 to sell their power, peer-to-peer. Look into blockchain energy trading!
4. Data analyst
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.
5. Cybersecurity expert
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 cyber security expert.
START YOUR CAREER HERE
NET ZERO + ENGINEERING + STUDY
- Bachelor of Engineering (Renewable Energy) (Honours), UTS
- Bachelor of Engineering (Photovoltaics and Solar Energy) (Honours), UNSW Sydney
- Bachelor of Science (Data Science), University of Melbourne
- Bachelor of Computer Science (Cybersecurity), University of Newcastle
NET ZERO + ENGINEERING + JOBS
- Data analyst: $83–$110K
- Electrical engineer: $80K–$120K
- IoT specialist: $66K–$100K
- Cybersecurity analyst: $78K–$120K
* Salaries according to glassdoor.com.au
This article originally appeared in Careers with STEM: Net Zero 2025.
Related Job Kits
- Job Kit: Cyber Security Analyst
- Job Kit: Sustainability Engineer
- Job Kit: Clean Energy Scientist
- Job Kit: Renewable Energy Engineer
- Job Kit: Data Scientist
- Job Kit: Internet of Things Specialist
