Release date: 14/03/23

Six emerging leaders with a passion for renewable energy will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend six months in Paris under a paid internship program sponsored by Neoen and the South Australian Government.

The SA Government and Neoen, a French leader in renewable energy production, are partnering to offer internship opportunities for final year or recently graduated university students, with applications now open.

South Australia has developed a global reputation for leadership in accelerating the transition to renewable energy, but there is still more work to do. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to developing a strong pipeline of skills and experience to help forge our response to the Climate Emergency.

Over the past summer renewable energy accounted for around 81 per cent of South Australia’s electricity demand – a clear sign we’re on course to achieve 100 per cent renewables by 2030. The state government’s Hydrogen Jobs Plan will bolster this reputation as the world looks to South Australia for ways to capture and store renewable energy. The Hydrogen Power Plant in Whyalla will act as a smoothing service for our energy grid, capturing and storing excess energy be fed back into the system when renewables are in short supply. The Hydrogen sector in the Upper Spencer Gulf will provide significant opportunities for employment, innovation and business growth for the region and the state.

On return from Paris, interns will have valuable experience and knowledge they can contribute to South Australia as we work towards our decarbonisation and net zero carbon emissions targets.

The first round of successful interns will commence in Paris in July 2023 with a second round commencing early 2024. Interns will learn from specialists at one of the world’s largest and most successful renewable energy organisations, gaining unrivalled experience working for a global company in a major European city.

Neoen recently celebrated 10 years in Australia and has built a strong relationship with South Australia through the Hornsdale Power Reserve (the ‘Big Battery’), Hornsdale Wind Farm and the Goyder Renewables Zone.

Applications from subject areas including data science, business development, human resource management and procurement are strongly encouraged. To be eligible, applicants must be either in their final year of study, have recently completed their degree or be doing postgraduate studies - and have a passion for renewable energy.

An understanding of French or another European language is an advantage but not essential. The first intake is scheduled for Monday 3 July 2023, with a second intake in early 2024, with all applicants asked to indicate their intake preference. To find out more head to www.energymining.sa.gov.au/workinfrance or email workinfrance@sa.gov.au. Applications close on 31 March 2023.

Quotes

Attributable to Tom Koutsantonis

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for six talented and passionate young South Australians.

We’re obviously keen to see local talent thrive and develop – and especially to encourage young South Australians use their skills and expertise to benefit our state.

This is a unique experience to build world-class expertise in renewable energy technology in one of the world’s great cities – and to bring those skills back to South Australia to help continue our legacy as a world-leader in renewable energy.