The initiative is empowering the next generation of leaders dedicated to accelerating the global transition to clean energy.
A group of passionate students at UNSW Sydney have established Australia’s first chapter of Student Energy, a global network of 50,000 students across 120 countries.
The complexity of the energy transition demands a diverse range of perspectives and skills. In May 2024, UNSW’s Digital Grid Futures Institute (DGFI) issued a call to arms among its students: help UNSW usher a movement to inspire a generation of leaders to address the growing demand for clean energy expertise. Bringing together students across all disciplines, Student Energy is UNSW’s first interdisciplinary club dedicated to helping students from all faculties understand the energy landscape and how they can contribute.
The Chapter is student run and will officially launch during Term 3 O-Week, with an ambitious recruitment campaign. Members of Parliament were the first to hear of the chapter at the Powered by UNSW showcase in Parliament in August.
“We are excited to see the impact this chapter will have on the UNSW community and beyond,” said Professor Attila Brungs, UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President. “By supporting our incredible and proactive students to become leaders in the energy transition, we are committed to a sustainable future for Australia.”
Led by seven students across Business, Law & Justice, Science and Engineering, the Executive Team is committed to fostering a community of like-minded individuals to clarify the clean energy revolution, ensuring students across all disciplines feel included and can contribute to a sustainable future.
“We are thrilled to bring Student Energy to Australia,” said Angela Le, co-president of the UNSW Student Energy Chapter. “Originally, I didn’t know how energy could fit in my career – we don’t learn about it in our business courses. However, energy is omnipresent in our lives and anyone can play a part.”
Co-president Hamish Teasdale, studying Photovoltaic Engineering and Chemistry said, “After working in industry, I realised there are so many more skills required in the energy transition than just engineering. From economics to law, and everything in between – not many people know how many other disciplines are needed.”
In the coming months, the UNSW Student Energy Chapter will host events and workshops to engage students and raise awareness about energy issues. These initiatives will include panel discussions, guest lectures and networking opportunities. It aims to be the go-to body in Australia that will support professional development, ranging from soft skills and hard skills, to technical knowledge.
About UNSW Student Energy
The chapter’s objectives include:
- Promoting energy literacy: educating students about the complexities of the energy landscape and the importance of renewable energy
- Building community: creating a supportive environment for students to connect, collaborate and share ideas
- Advocating for sustainable policies: engaging with policymakers and industry leaders to promote policies that support a just and equitable energy transition.
The founding team:
- Hamish Teasdale: fifth year, Bachelor of Photovoltaic Engineering (Honours) / Science (Chemistry)
- Angela Le: third year, Bachelor of Commerce (Co-op) (Accounting and Finance)
- Shayan Bidiwale: first year, Bachelor of Laws / Commerce (Finance)
- Kiele Duncan: first year, Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours)
- Ricky Pham: first year, Bachelor of Actuarial Studies / Computer Science
- Jixuan Yu: fourth year, Bachelor of Computer Science / Commerce
- Ken Braganza: first year, Bachelor of Renewable Engineering (Co-op).
You can engage with the Student Energy Team through email, Instagram or LinkedIn.
Pictured above: UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs with Student Energy co-President Angela Le and Medicine student Emily Thomson.
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