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Justine Loe - Communication Lead
September 2025
After six years at Yallourn power station and more than 17 years working in coal-fired generation, Darren Rickard has taken a big step into the future of energy. On 18 August, Darren started as New Energy Mobilisation Lead in EnergyAustralia’s energy projects team, helping prepare our big battery projects for operation.
Darren says he’ll miss being part of Yallourn, a place where he’s been able to make a real difference.
“I’ve been lucky to work across a lot of teams at Yallourn. I started as the Combustion Team Leader and then moved into the job of Maintenance Excellence Lead. What I’ve enjoyed most is building people’s capability – setting up leadership and development programs and seeing people grow. That’s been the most rewarding part.”
Now Darren’s focus has shifted to setting up the processes, policies and people that will underpin our newest assets, starting with the Wooreen Battery Energy Storage System in the Latrobe Valley, Victoria. Supporting our other big battery projects planned for Hallett in South Australia and Mt Piper in New South Wales will come next.
“It’s a big change moving from coal into batteries, but it feels like the right one. Clean energy is where the industry is heading, and I’m excited to be part of that journey. It’s a chance to learn something new and help shape the future.”
Darren admits the transition hasn’t been without nerves. But he also sees his move as proof that Yallourn’s people have the skills and resilience to make the leap.
“Change is always a bit daunting. But if there’s something new that sparks your interest, go and explore it. The opportunities are there and the business will support you.”
He’s also grateful for the way EnergyAustralia has supported Yallourn employees since the announcement of the power station’s closure in 2021.
“We’ve had seven years’ notice of Yallourn’s closure which is pretty amazing, and since then the transition team have really impressed with their open communication, updates and support. Career plans, training, coaching, financial advice and mental health support are just some of the things on offer and this allows for a more tailored plan whatever your journey post Yallourn.”
Darren is showing that it is possible to successfully move from a closing industry into an expanding one. And it is a reminder for others at Yallourn that there’s life, and opportunity, beyond coal
