Mission: Decarbonise the Grid – Inspiring the Next Generation of Energy Heroes

As part of National Science Week 2025, the Australian Power Institute (API) hosted an interactive online event, Mission: Decarbonise the Grid, bringing high school students together with real-world “Grid Heroes” – young engineers working at the forefront of Australia’s clean energy transition. 

The event gave students a crash course on how the electricity grid works, the challenges of integrating renewable energy, and the many career pathways in the power sector. Participants met two inspiring speakers: 

• Nikita Rambhatla – Network Planning Engineer at Endeavour Energy 

• Jude Varghese – Graduate Engineer at SA Power Networks 

Both shared their personal journeys into the industry, practical examples of their work, and why decarbonising the grid matters for our future. 

From Airports to Solar Challenges 

Nikita spoke about major projects she’s involved in – from planning electricity for the new Western Sydney Airport to long-term “next generation” forecasting to prepare for more rooftop solar, electric vehicles, and batteries. She explained that this proactive planning is critical to keeping the grid reliable while enabling renewable energy growth. 

“The main thing is just knowing that what I do impacts customers – and seeing my work come to life. Whether it’s a new airport or replacing equipment in a neighbourhood, it’s rewarding to know I’ve helped keep the lights on.” – Nikita Rambhatla 

Nikita Rambhatla

 Balancing Reliability, Cost, and Sustainability 

Jude shared how his role covers everything from asset management strategy to hands-on operational work, including identifying network risks before they cause outages. In South Australia, where rooftop solar is widespread, he’s helping develop better models to predict and manage the impacts of renewables on the low-voltage network. 

“It’s not just about building more solar or batteries – it’s about making the most of what we already have. Managing costs, ensuring safety, and keeping the lights on is all part of decarbonising the grid.” – Jude Varghese 

Jude Varghese

An Engaging Mission 

Alongside these presentations, students took part in live polls, a “Grid Quiz” with a $100 prize, and had the chance to ask the speakers questions. The session reinforced that careers in the electricity sector aren’t limited to electrical engineering – opportunities span finance, data science, project management, and more. 

The key takeaway? Australia’s clean energy transition needs a diverse workforce with the skills and passion to innovate, solve problems, and deliver a sustainable energy future.