Media releases

Federation University Australia is strengthening its capability to support the renewable energy industry in Gippsland with the expansion of its Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Training Centre (APRETC) to Eastern Victoria.

It comes as energy experts converge on the region this week for the Gippsland New Energy Conference in Traralgon to explore the latest innovations in renewable industries.

APRETC will become a central hub for the delivery of renewable energy training and research in Gippsland, with a more than $2.6 million investment from industry partners Corio Generation, OSMI Australia, Iberdrola Renewables Australia and Origin x RES.

This will fund 300 scholarships over the next 10 years, worth $1.6 million, for students studying in the areas of Engineering, Business, Information Technology, Data Science, and Environmental Science, beginning from 2025.

It will also support renewable energy research and repurposing spaces at Federation’s Gippsland campus in Churchill, where energy partners, researchers, students and the community can collaborate.

Federation will also recruit a Gippsland-based Associate Professor of Renewable Energy to help deliver a dedicated renewable energy program in Gippsland.

APRETC was first established at Federation’s Mt Helen Campus in Ballarat in 2021 in collaboration with industry and government and supports the wind energy sector with specialised training. APRETC is certified by the Global Wind Organisation and is the first facility in Australia to provide specialist training from a 20-metre-high replica wind tower. In Gippsland, APRETC will provide training, education and research to support renewable technologies including hydrogen, geothermal, wind, and solar, along with the transmission, storage and social licence for renewable projects.

The Centre’s expansion will build on a long history of energy generation in the Latrobe Valley and harness Federation University’s rich knowledge and research spanning hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, microgrids, battery manufacturing, and AI-advanced manufacturing.

Quotes attributable to Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley

“As a regional university embedded in the Gippsland community for more than 50 years, Federation has a key role to play in Gippsland’s transition to renewable energy generation and delivery, in educating the clean energy workers of the future and in supporting the net zero targets for both the state and nation.”

“Expanding the Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Training Centre in partnership with industry builds on the exciting work the University is already undertaking to make Gippsland the focal point for renewable energy training and research in the region.”

Quotes attributable to Corio Generation Head of Australia, Penny Pickett

“Our Great Eastern Offshore Wind project will need a highly skilled and specialised workforce so Corio Generation are thrilled to contribute and support the launch of the APRETC in Gippsland.”

“An important component of our work in the coming years will be working in collaboration with industry and our education partners, such as Federation University, to upskill the existing workforce and encourage Gippsland-based students to consider a career in offshore wind.”

“APRETC will be at the centre of attracting and developing talent for the offshore wind industry so it’s encouraging to see this learning and training facility here in Gippsland. Great Eastern Offshore Wind will be operational for 30+ years so there are great opportunities for those considering a career in renewable energy.”

Quotes attributable to Iberdrola Australia Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Ross Rolfe AO

“Iberdrola Australia invests in the communities and regions hosting our renewable energy assets. Following recent awarding of a 3GW offshore wind feasibility licence for our Aurora Green development, we’re delighted to be strengthening and deepening our Gippsland relationships. 

“This contribution to APRETC Gippsland reflects our commitment in jobs creation and skills and training support in regional Australia. Federation University has the highest national outcomes for ‘first in family’ university students and I celebrate this opportunity for Iberdrola Australia to support APRETC Gippsland.

“We are committed to increasing training opportunities for students and workers of all ages and contributing to A Brighter Future for all.”

Quotes attributable to Origin x RES Navigator North Project Director Annette Deveson

“The Origin x RES joint venture is delighted to be supporting the establishment of a local campus of Federation University’s successful Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Training Centre (APRETC).”

“A skilled, locally based work force will help underpin the success of Gippsland’s offshore wind sector.  Having APRETC located in the heart of Gippsland will help locals secure meaningful employment in our sector and avoid costly and inconvenient travel to training providers located outside the region.”

Quotes attributable to OSMI Australia Executive Director Operations and Compliance Elizabeth Radcliffe

“Delburn Wind Farm are delighted to be partnering with Federation University’s APRETC and providing scholarships that will develop and skill-up Gippsland’s new energy workforce.”