Home Industry Information Energy & Utilities Electricity Supply Industry - Generation Sector

Print

Electricity Supply Industry - Generation Sector

The Generation sector produces electricity for use in industry, business and private homes and is run by large, state-owned or privatised power stations. Although the demand for electricity is expected to increase over the next five years, public concern about the environment represents a significant challenge for the industry.

Generation plants are rapidly transforming from their traditional structure due to new technologies in renewable energy from wind, solar, hydro and bioenergy.

What does this industry cover?

The main activities of the industry are the operation, maintenance, diagnosis and repair of electricity production plant and equipment. People working in the sector may be involved in operation of the plant from the control room, local operation of plant systems, management and coordination of unit or station operations, mechanical maintenance, electrical maintenance, and installation of new electrical grids.

Amalgamation of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), such as solar photovoltaic, battery storage, and wind generating units, plus microgrids (remote power systems) can assist in the managing of reliable and affordable electricity supply.

Job hunting preparation

The top five technical skills that employers in this industry require are: digital, electrical, instrumentation, health/safety and operational (plant, boilers and turbines)

The top five non-technical skills that employers in this industry require are: problem solving, teamwork, flexibility/adaptability, critical thinking and communication.

To keep abreast of current technologies and trends there is a requirement to upskill on a regular basis in this industry.

Generation plants can be anywhere in Australia so you may find yourself working in a remote location and you will probably be required to work a shift roster. According to current job vacancies a manual licence is required.

Information for further research

Industry information is published by peak level associations, government and major employers. Accessing industry association sites, including member lists, is a good way of building up an understanding of an industry. Visiting employer websites and looking for careers or employment menus helps identify how employers recruit and the skills they are recruiting.