ANU students find solutions for agricultural energy costs
When engineering student Luella Phillips began her honours project, she expected a technically challenging experience. What she did not expect was how much the project would expand her understanding of agriculture and the role engineers can play in shaping the sector's future.
Through working with energy company Tesseract ESS and a team of ANU students, Luella explored how renewable energy could be integrated into agricultural operations.
Applying engineering to real industry challenges
Working as part of a team of six students, Luella helped develop a model examining a new ownership model of solar and battery assets on farms. The project used a commercial piggery in Kerang, Victoria, to test both the economic and environmental feasibility.
The project examined the opportunities when solar and battery systems are installed with a third-party financier who covers the infrastructure's installation, operation and maintenance costs. In return, the farm purchases electricity under a long-term agreement, which helps stabilise energy costs and reduces the large upfront investment.
For energy-intensive agricultural businesses, such as piggeries, this approach could make renewable energy far more accessible.
Learning beyond campus
The project required students to balance technical work with real-world project management. Alongside building the model, Luella’s team worked closely with industry partners to understand project requirements, engage stakeholders and document decision-making throughout the process.
The experience strengthened Luella’s technical skills in modelling integrated energy systems while also developing her stakeholder engagement, collaboration and governance skills.
She also had the opportunity to attend a renewable energy conference and connect with professionals working across the sector.
Discovering a new industry
With no background in agriculture, Luella had not previously considered working in the agrifood sector. The project opened her eyes to the complexity of agricultural systems and the important role engineers can play in improving sustainability and energy resilience.
“I definitely would do it again. I didn’t expect it to be as interesting and engaging as it turned out,” Luella said. “It was such a positive experience.”
For Luella, the project demonstrated how engineering skills can address real-world challenges in agriculture, from energy systems to food and environmental security.
The benefit of internships
Industry projects like this allow students to apply their technical knowledge while gaining experience working with real clients and real problems.
For Luella, the experience demonstrated that agriculture offers exciting opportunities for engineers looking to work at the intersection of technology, sustainability and industry.
Explore internship opportunities and take your learning beyond the classroom.
Whether you're interested in technology, sustainability, science, policy, business, innovation, or entrepreneurship, an agrifood internship gives you the opportunity to gain valuable experience, build you network and develop skills that will aid you in your future career.