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Mia inspires future clean energy leaders

“If you’re excited about renewable energy like I am, I would encourage anyone who is thinking about renewable energy to think about how you can be part of it.”

That was the message Mia Danko presented at the recent Gippsland New Energy Conference (GNEC) following her recent experience of an operating offshore wind farm in Taiwan.
As a recent graduate of electrotechnology and student ambassador of Federation University TAFE, Mia was nominated to join an Australian delegation who toured Ørsted’s operations and maintenance base and port in Taiwan.

The tour gave Mia the chance to experience for herself the scale of the port operations where blades, foundations, nacelles and turbines were being assembled before their installation at sea.

Mia Danko took to the stage at the Traralgon event to share her story, encouraging other young people to explore the possibility of a career in offshore wind.

She said the experience cemented her passion for a career in clean energy, and gave her a true appreciation for the wide range of jobs needed to operate an offshore wind farm.

“We’ve got onshore wind in Australia, but the scale of offshore wind is really what’s incredible – there's so many things that need to come together to make offshore wind happen.”
Mia Danko exploring Ørsted’s offshore wind port in Taichung where turbine foundations, blades and towers are being prepared for loading at the dock before their installation at sea.
Mia Danko exploring Ørsted’s offshore wind port in Taichung where turbine foundations, blades and towers are being prepared for loading at the dock before their installation at sea.
“Being in Taiwan really gave me an appreciation of how many people are involved, and the different types of jobs they have. I’m focused from an electrician point of view, but there’s so many more jobs involved.”

Since returning from Taiwan, Mia has started an apprenticeship that she hopes will eventually lead her into a career in renewable energy.

“I’ve always had an interest in maths, physics and electricity, and after trying a few different fields, I’ve recent honed my focus on becoming an electrician.”

Mia is passionate about supporting more women into trades and wants to make sure women and girls are given opportunity to be part of the transition, so the industry has a diverse workforce.