During my summer break in 2024/2025, I had the opportunity to undertake an internship at Zenith Energy. While I initially thought I would spend most of my time observing, from the very start I was given real responsibilities and the chance to work on actual projects. This motivated me to quickly adapt, learn, and contribute meaningfully to the team while meeting project deadlines and improving my time management skills.
Early on, I faced several challenges, including understanding the company’s projects, familiarising myself with specialist software such as AutoCAD (for technical drawings and schematics), ETAP, and DigSILENT PowerFactory, and applying power systems concepts I had only encountered in theory. Thanks to the guidance of my knowledgeable and patient mentors, access to detailed project plans, and the resources available, I adapted quickly and became more confident in delivering results.
One of the highlights was visiting the Kathleen Valley site. The experience confirmed how much I enjoy being on site, actively involved in projects, and engaging in hands-on work. Having worked on both design-phase and operational-phase activities, I discovered that my career interests align strongly with field-based roles where I can combine technical knowledge with practical application.
Beyond the technical learning, I truly valued Zenith’s collaborative and welcoming culture. I always felt supported by the engineering teams, who were open and willing to share knowledge. I also noticed opportunities to strengthen integration between teams working on different stages of projects, as there were moments of disconnection in collaboration. Improving cross-team alignment could further enhance project outcomes.
Overall, my internship at Zenith Energy was extremely valuable. It allowed me to bridge the gap between theory and practice, build industry-relevant technical skills, and gain clarity on my career direction. I am grateful for the mentoring, support, and opportunities I received, which have helped me grow both professionally and personally.
Michael Buzzard is the Executive of IPP Growth at Zenith Energy, spearheading the company’s expansion in the independent power producer sector. With over 25 years’ experience in business development and commercial management, Michael specialises in sustainable energy solutions and strategic partnerships that foster growth and innovation.
Mark Sputore is an experienced in-house legal professional with 20 years of industry expertise. Since joining Zenith Energy in 2023 as General Counsel & Company Secretary, he has been responsible for overseeing legal, governance, and regulatory matters, ensuring compliance and strategic risk management. His extensive experience in corporate law and energy sector regulations supports Zenith Energy’s commitment to operational excellence and sustainable growth.
Abby Kenward is a Human Resources Executive with the ability to optimise businesses by effectively resourcing, managing, developing and deploying people. Over twelve years’ experience in implementing and managing HR & IR business functions, including; Resourcing, Remuneration and Benefits, Learning and Development, Performance Management, Employee Relations and Strategic Planning. This experience has been gained across a range of industries; consulting, oil and gas, engineering, construction and non for profits.
Dominic has 25 years international commercial experience with the past 15 years in senior executive energy sector business development and leadership roles. He has shaped strategy, business direction and led market development in renewables and microgrids across the public and private sector. Dominic has led a range of professional clean energy and microgrid projects as consultant and project director with energy utilities, remote communities, mining operations, commercial and industrial property developers. Dominic was responsible for the founding and building one of the longest standing successful private clean energy businesses in Australia. He was also the Project Director for the creation of a new statutory electricity corporation for the WA government with 800,000 customers
Tim joined Zenith Energy as Executive Manager Corporate Development in April 2021. He leads the Corporate Development Team, focusing on originating and executing the acquisition of new distributed energy solutions for Zenith. An experienced commercial and finance executive, Tim has held a number of finance and corporate development roles with South32 and BHP. Prior to his current role with Zenith, he was the Head of Treasury and Corporate Finance for South32. He has a Bachelor degree in Commerce and Law and a Master of Applied Finance.
Elvin has over 25 years experience in the energy industry including as an upstream oil & gas industry executive across the LNG value chain for fixed and floating small to mid-scale Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects in USA, Canada, China, Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia & Papua New Guinea. Elvin is experienced in establishing new domestic virtual pipeline natural gas markets and expanding existing market offerings for the LNG fuels and power sector including initiating, evaluating and delivering sanctioned business cases to realize target ROI. Elvin has previously held executive management roles for an ASX top 50 energy operator delivering a baseload LNG project in Papua New Guinea, and for specialist SME consulting companies in the Australasian region supporting both onshore and offshore Exploration & Production activities.
Simon Jelly is a Specialist Electrical technician who has +20 years’ experience in the remote power industry. He is highly skilled in Gas, Diesel, and Hybrid renewable power stations, having designed, commissioned, and constructed numerous power stations throughout WA and the NT Mining Industries. Simon has strong leadership skills having grown a successful design and construction team at Zenith over 10 years. Simon has been responsible for designing, engineering and the construction of new projects, managing all technical aspects of the business including, operational efficiency initiatives, the tender process, as well as R&D.
Russell has over 38 years’ experience in safety management roles across the mining, energy, power and drilling industries. Most recently, he was the Contract HSE/HR Manager overseeing Drillwest and Acqua Drill Resources through his own company RP Hazard, Risk and Training Solutions. Previously he held roles with BHP Billiton, Wesfarmers Energy (Kleenheat Gas), Western Power and Boart Longyear. Russell’s expertise includes risk identification and management, development and implementation of Management Systems to Australian Standards and ensuring a compliance focus with safety in design.
Graham is an electrical technician and experienced manager having worked in the IPP industry with Doug for many years, he has over 30 years’ experience in designing, constructing, and operating, remote area’s power stations and renewable energy systems. He is responsible for, managing all engineering, project construction, and operational/maintenance aspects of the business, including the company HSEQ and Human resources teams.
Hamish has extensive experience in the downstream oil industry gained primarily in building markets in numerous sectors across Asia, Europe and the US. Hamish was most recently the Chief Executive Officer of a private commercial services company, which he sold into a major public services conglomerate in the second half of 2015. Previously he was the Chief Executive Officer of a privately held oil distribution company, which holds exclusive distribution rights to a major international brand and has performed roles as Segment Director and Marketing Director for one of the world’s largest oil companies.
Doug is a 35-year veteran of the power generation industry. He has designed and built more than 60 remote power stations across Australasia, initially through his own company, StateWest Power and later through Zenith Pacific, which he co-founded in 2006. StateWest was subsequently acquired by Wesfarmers Energy. Doug is recognised in the industry for his innovative thinking, both in finding effective solutions to difficult power generation problems and for creating the now widely-recognised Build – Own – Operate (BOO) approach to the establishment of remote area power plants.