Invited Talk by YES Energy
Introduction to Energy Demand Forecasting

The IEEE AUT Student Branch hosted a successful event titled “Introduction to Energy Demand Forecasting”, in collaboration with YES Energy, on 10/04/25. The event brought together students, academics, and industry professionals to explore the critical topic of energy demand forecasting in the context of New Zealand’s evolving energy sector.

The session was led by experts from YES Energy, who provided a comprehensive overview of energy demand forecasting  a vital tool used to ensure the stability and efficiency of the electricity grid.

Key topics covered included:

• Energy demand patterns in New Zealand – how regional and national trends are influenced by weather, population, and technology shifts.
• Variables affecting demand forecasting, including temperature, economic activity, time of day, and societal behavior.
• Use of graphs and real-world data to demonstrate historical and predicted energy demand curves across NZ.

The lecture highlighted the integration of Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) techniques in demand forecasting. These models help improve the accuracy and adaptability of predictions by analyzing large, complex datasets.

The event featured an engaging Q&A session, where students asked insightful questions related to:

• The role of forecasting in achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2030.
• How EV adoption and EV charging patterns influence energy demand and grid stability.
• The relationship between demand forecasting and frequency control in the NZ grid.
• Career pathways into energy forecasting and the growing demand for data scientists and energy engineers in the sector.

Career Guidance and Student Takeaways:

YES Energy shared advice on how students can enter the field through:

• Internships and graduate roles in energy consulting and analytics.
• Learning tools like Python, MATLAB, and data visualization platforms.

The event concluded with a discussion on the future of energy forecasting, especially in the context of decarbonisation.

The evening wrapped up with informal networking over free pizza, allowing students to connect with speakers and peers interested in energy systems, forecasting, and sustainability.

This event successfully introduced students to a crucial area of the power and energy sector, blending technical knowledge with real-world applications and career inspiration. We look forward to hosting more such sessions to support the professional growth of engineering students and foster stronger industry-academic connections.

Invited Talk by Lightforce Solar
Making Solar Happen: From Theory to Practice

The IEEE Student Branch at AUT organized an insightful seminar, Making Solar Happen: From Theory to Practice, featuring industry experts from Lightforce Solar. This event provided students with a practical understanding of solar energy implementation, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications.

The session covered key topics such as solar panel installation, energy optimization, and advancements in photovoltaic technology. Lightforce Solar representatives shared their industry experiences, discussed career opportunities in the solar sector, and highlighted challenges in transitioning to renewable energy solutions.

Attendees engaged in interactive discussions, gaining valuable insights into the future of solar power and sustainable energy systems. The event concluded with a Q&A session and dinner, allowing students to clarify doubts and explore pathways for contributing to the renewable energy industry.

UoA x AUT Social Mixer

This is a social event that connects students between University of Auckland student branch and Auckland University of Technology student branch.

 

Industry Visit to Transpower Control Centre in Hamilton

Our recent visit (on 8th October 2024) to the Transpower Hamilton Control Centre provided a valuable insight into the heart of New Zealand’s national grid management. During the visit, we had the opportunity to observe the sophisticated systems and real-time operations that ensure the reliable transmission of electricity across the country. The Transpower team introduced us to their advanced grid monitoring and control technologies, including how they handle critical decision-making processes during peak load times, network faults, and maintenance scheduling. The visit also highlighted the importance of cybersecurity, resilience in grid operations, and the integration of renewable energy into the national grid. This experience offered us a deeper understanding of the challenges and complexities involved in maintaining a stable and secure electricity network.

 

Technical Presentation on Energy management strategies for self-consumption of PV energy in buildings

Energy management strategies for self-consumption of PV energy in buildings (video)

 

IEEE IAS Distinguished Lecture on Enabling Power Grid Resiliency in DER-Rich Environment by Professor Anurag Srivastava

Enabling Power Grid Resiliency in DER-Rich Environment by Professor Anurag Srivastava (video)

 

STAND TALLER IN CAREER WITH IEEE

Summary of the Event

This report provides an overview of the recent event organized by the AUT and UoA IEEE Student Branches, titled “Stand Taller in Career with IEEE” hosted by IEEE AUT SB on May 26^th, 2023.  The event aimed to introduce and promote the IEEE student branches at Auckland University of Technology and the University of Auckland, while providing valuable insights into the opportunities and benefits offered by IEEE to its members and volunteers, followed by a technical seminar and a job search skills workshop. This report summarizes the presentations and workshops conducted during the event and highlights the number of registrations and participation from various institutions.

Introduction

The IEEE New Zealand North (NZN) Section has been a pillar of support for the IEEE student branches at AUT and UoA. Their2 continued financial and organizational assistance has contributed significantly to the growth and success of these student branches. This report aims to express gratitude to NZN for their support while providing an overview of the event’s proceedings.

1. Presentation 1

Presenter: Dr. Haroon Rashid, Vice Chair, IET Young Professionals Section Malaysia

Title: Exploring the Potential: Unlocking Opportunities in IEEE for Members and Volunteers

Dr. Rashid’s presentation shed light on the vast potential and opportunities that IEEE offers to its members and volunteers. He emphasized the importance of active engagement within the IEEE community to enhance personal and professional growth. The presentation provided valuable insights into the various resources, networking opportunities, and career development programs available to IEEE members.

2. Presentation 2

Presenter: Professor Anurag K Srivastava, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA

Title: ML-based Approaches for Enabling the Cyber-Power Grid Resilience

Professor Srivastava’s presentation focused on the application of machine-learning approaches to enhance the resilience of cyber-power grids. The session delved into the challenges faced by power grids in the face of cyber threats and how machine-learning techniques can be utilized to detect, prevent, and mitigate such attacks. The presentation provided a comprehensive understanding of cutting-edge research in this field and its potential impact on the power sector.

3. Workshop:

Presenter: Melanie Holland, AUT

Title: Make Effective Career Decisions and Job Search

Melanie Holland conducted a workshop that focused on equipping the participants with essential skills for making effective career decisions and conducting a successful job search. Through practical tips, she guided the participants on how to identify their strengths, set career goals, develop an impressive resume, and effectively utilize job search platforms. The workshop received positive feedback from the participants and served as a valuable resource for their career development.

Conclusion:

The event witnessed a total of 42 registrations. Among the participants, 12 were from the University of Auckland, 29 from Auckland University of Technology, and 2 from the Manukau Institute of Technology.

In conclusion, the event “Stand Taller in Career with IEEE” organized by the IEEE New Zealand North (NZN) Section proved to be a great success. The presentations and workshop provided valuable insights and practical guidance to the participants, empowering them to explore the potential opportunities offered by IEEE. The active support and encouragement from NZN were pivotal in making this event possible, and we express our heartfelt gratitude for their ongoing assistance.

The membership procedure for AUT and UoA IEEE student branches is currently underway, and we anticipate a substantial number of students to become IEEE members and actively engage in the enriching activities and initiatives offered by the organization.

We extend our sincere thanks to the NZN Section for their unwavering support, particularly their financial contributions, which have made a remarkable difference in the growth and development of the AUT and UoA IEEE student branches. We express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Ramon Zamora AUT IEEE SB Counselor, Dr. William Lu for promoting this event at MIT,  and Ray Xia, UoA IEEE SB Chair for hosting the event as a perfect MC. Their support enabled us to provide a vibrant platform for students to engage, learn, and grow within the IEEE community.

We look forward to future events that will continue to inspire and empower students in their professional journeys with IEEE.

 

Sincerely,

AUT IEEE Student Branch