When people think about jobs in renewable energy, they usually imagine tradies installing panels or engineers designing turbines. But there’s a growing tech workforce in western Victoria that most people don’t know about.

I spent a few days around Hamilton and Ararat talking to people working in the renewable energy sector. What I found was a surprising demand for tech skills in some unexpected places.

The Landscape

Western Victoria has become one of Australia’s most significant renewable energy zones. Wind farms dot the landscape from Ararat to Portland. Solar installations are expanding. Battery storage facilities are being built.

These aren’t just construction projects. Once operational, they require sophisticated technology to manage, monitor, and optimise.

The Tech Roles

SCADA and Control Systems

Every major renewable installation has SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems that monitor and control operations. Technicians and engineers who understand these systems are in demand.

“We’re monitoring thousands of data points across the wind farm in real-time,” explained one control room operator near Hamilton. “It’s basically IT infrastructure in a field.”

These aren’t entry-level roles—they require specific training—but they’re available in regional areas rather than just capital cities.

Data Analytics

Renewable energy generates enormous amounts of data. Turbine performance, weather patterns, grid demand, maintenance records—all this data needs analysis to optimise operations.

One company I visited employs data analysts in their Hamilton office who work on performance optimisation. “We’re predicting maintenance needs, identifying underperforming turbines, and forecasting output,” one analyst told me.

These roles can often be done remotely, meaning you could work for a renewable energy company while living anywhere in the region.

Remote Monitoring and IoT

Modern renewable installations are covered in sensors. Managing these IoT networks requires IT skills—networking, cybersecurity, database management.

A facility manager near Ararat described his team: “We’ve got people who came from traditional IT backgrounds. The systems aren’t that different from managing any large network, just with wind turbines attached.”

Grid Integration Software

As more renewables connect to the grid, sophisticated software manages the interaction. This includes forecasting systems, battery management, and demand response platforms.

Several companies developing this software have offices or remote workers in regional Victoria.

Maintenance Technology

Even the maintenance side is becoming tech-heavy. Drones for turbine inspection, predictive maintenance software, digital twin systems—maintaining renewable infrastructure increasingly requires technical skills beyond traditional trades.

Companies Hiring

Several companies are building regional workforces:

Energy operators like AGL, Origin, and Acciona have staff at their regional facilities.

Specialist service companies maintain equipment and often base teams regionally.

Technology vendors who supply monitoring and analytics software employ local support staff.

Grid companies like AusNet and Powercor have roles related to renewable integration.

Job listings appear on Seek, LinkedIn, and company websites. Searching “renewable energy” with regional Victoria locations will surface opportunities.

Skills in Demand

Based on conversations with hiring managers, these skills translate well into renewable energy tech roles:

• Industrial control systems experience
• Data analytics (Python, SQL, visualisation tools)
• Network administration and cybersecurity
• Electrical engineering with control systems knowledge
• Experience with monitoring and SCADA platforms

Many companies will train the right person. Demonstrating technical aptitude and willingness to learn can be more important than specific renewable energy experience.

The Opportunity

Here’s what excites me about this sector for regional Victoria:

These are genuine career jobs, not fly-in-fly-out arrangements. Companies want people who live locally because facilities need ongoing support.

The work is technical and well-paid. Salaries are competitive with metropolitan equivalents.

The industry is growing. Australia’s renewable energy transition will continue for decades, meaning job security.

You’re contributing to something meaningful. Climate change is the challenge of our generation. Working in renewables means your work matters.

Getting Started

If you’re interested in renewable energy tech careers:

1. Research companies operating in your area. Identify who owns the wind farms and solar installations near you.

2. Explore training options. TAFE courses in renewable energy and electrical trades are available. Regional Development Victoria can point you to workforce development programs, and some universities offer relevant postgraduate programs.

3. Build relevant skills. Data analytics, industrial automation, and IT skills all transfer.

4. Network. Connect with people already in the industry. LinkedIn is useful. Local business groups sometimes feature renewable energy speakers.

5. Consider contract work. During construction phases, many contractors need temporary workers. This can be a pathway to permanent roles.

The renewable energy transition is happening, and it’s creating opportunities in places like Hamilton, Ararat, and Horsham. If you’re looking for meaningful tech work in regional Victoria, this sector deserves attention.