Media releases

Federation University’s work to help develop Victoria’s renewable energy sector has been bolstered by new investment from two energy companies.

Federation TAFE will receive $200,000 in funding from Global Power Generation and $300,000 from ACCIONA to help establish the Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Tech-Transition Centre (APRETCentre).

The centre, to be located at the University’s Mt Helen Campus, will help to meet the renewable energy sector’s workforce needs through specialised vocational training and other collaborative opportunities. Construction is set to take place in 2021.

Federation TAFE is a leader in Victoria for globally recognised training to support the development of skilled Wind Turbine Technicians.

Global Power Generation (GPG) is a world-wide renewable energy company, developing power assets and providing engineering, operation and maintenance services for power infrastructure.

ACCIONA is a global group that develops and manages sustainable infrastructure solutions, particularly in renewable energy projects.

The recent investment follows a 2019 contribution by Tilt Renewables of $100,000 towards the APRETCentre.  The company was recently honoured in the 2020 Clean Energy Council Awards with a Community Engagement Award.

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

“Federation University has an ambitious but realistic agenda to become the leading training and innovation partner for the renewable energy sector in Victoria.”

“We are delighted to have received the support from GPG and ACCIONA, which builds on the support from other industry partners to help us realise our vision of establishing the Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Tech-Transition Centre.”

Quotes attributable to Projects Director GPGA, David Santo Tomas Menocal

“GPG is proud to be associated with the vision of establishing the APRETCentre for Australia and we value our partnership with Federation University for training and the creation of renewable energy sector jobs for Victoria.”

“This is not a short-term proposition but rather a long-term partnership as GPG Australia will remain in Victoria for a long time.”

Quotes attributable to ACCIONA Australia Managing Director for Energy, Brett Wickham

“ACCIONA is committed to the professional success and the development of our employees, continuously investing in the advancement of our professional talent.”

“Initiatives like this provide us with an opportunity to support the next generation of talent and opens the door for others to join us and be part of this fantastic industry”.