EECON 2025: What Students Learned, Loved, and Lived at Australia’s Premier Energy Engineering Conference
- Cameron McMurtrie
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
From 10–12 November 2025, a cohort of API’s Power UP Scholars and university students stepped into the fast-evolving world of Australia’s energy sector at EESA’s annual EECON Conference.
Over three days, students were immersed in conversations shaping the future of energy; from grid modernisation and renewable integration to engineering innovation, policy, and the workforce that will power Australia through the transition.
For many, this was their first professional conference, and it delivered far more than they expected.
Diving into Australia’s Energy Future
The conference keynote sessions opened with big questions:
How do we build a decarbonised grid? What skills will the next generation of engineers need? How fast can we realistically transition?
Students heard directly from industry leaders, engineers, and innovators who are steering the transition in real time. Topics that resonated strongly included:
Deep dives into future grid stability and the engineering required to manage increasing renewable penetration
Practical case studies on batteries, microgrids, and HV infrastructure
Workforce insights on the growing need for power engineers, data specialists, and system planners
Honest discussions about the challenges, from constraints to climate impacts to workforce shortages
For students, these weren’t abstract concepts, they were windows into the jobs they could step into in just a few years.
Hands-On Learning and Real-World Insight
Across technical streams and breakout sessions, students were able to tailor their experience to their interests.
Some gravitated toward transmission and distribution engineering, while others found themselves engaged in sessions about automation, cybersecurity, and digital innovation.
The value was clear: everything discussed was directly connected to what students are studying now, but through the lens of real projects, real constraints, and real impact.
One student summed it up perfectly:
“I finally understood how the concepts from my power system classes fit into the actual industry. It felt like everything clicked.”
Meeting the Engineers Behind the Transition
One of the highlights for students was the chance to meet and talk with professionals from across the sector: engineers, graduates, executives, consultants, and network representatives.
Between sessions, at networking events, and during exhibition breaks, students:
Asked questions about career pathways
Explored graduate programs and vacation opportunities
Learned what skills employers are looking for
Heard candid stories about what it’s really like working in the field
Built connections with peers from other universities
For many, these conversations were just as valuable as the formal sessions.
Student Spotlights and Representation
Throughout the conference, students shared their own perspectives; from technical interests to why they chose power engineering. Attending as an API Power UP Scholar also gave them visibility with organizations looking for fresh talent.
They weren’t just observers; they were recognised as the next generation of engineers who will contribute to solving Australia’s biggest energy challenges.
Why EECON Matters for Students
By the end of the three days, students walked away with:
A deeper understanding of the energy transition
Clarity on potential career directions
New professional connections
Increased confidence in speaking with industry
Inspiration, motivation, and a renewed sense of purpose
Most importantly, they left feeling excited, not overwhelmed, by the scale and urgency of the work ahead.
Looking Ahead
EECON 2025 was more than a conference; it was an introduction to the community. Students saw firsthand that the energy sector isn’t just looking for talent; it’s eager to support, mentor, and empower the next generation.
As Australia continues to transform its energy systems, these students will be central to driving that change.
We can’t wait to see where their journeys lead, and we’re already looking forward to seeing even more students at EECON 2026.
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