In this episode of The Gridcast, Liam Dutton sits down with Amir Jesmi, a respected figure in the transmission and renewables industry, with more than two decades of experience spanning Iran and Australia. Amir shares his inspiring journey - starting as a design engineer in Iran, founding a business, and later migrating to Australia, where he spent 14 successful years at UGL. Now, as the founder of Enervia, Amir offers his candid perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Australia's energy transition.The conversation dives deep into mentorship in engineering, transmission project delays, the role of AI, and how better planning can unlock real cost savings. With practical insights and a refreshing outlook, this episode is a must-listen for industry professionals, young engineers, and anyone passionate about energy and infrastructure.What You’ll Learn1. Engineering Career Lessons Across ContinentsAmir details his journey from Iran to Australia, navigating cultural, linguistic, and industry shifts, and building a lasting career with integrity, grit, and adaptability.2. The Real Cost of Poor Planning in TransmissionLearn how lack of upfront planning, community engagement, and system inertia are delaying projects and increasing costs- and what can be done about it.3. AI, Data Centers & the Future of Energy InfrastructureAmir shares his optimistic take on Australia's potential to lead in clean energy and tech infrastructure, including the rise of AI, data centers, and automated design.About the GuestAmir Jesmi is a senior engineer and energy consultant with over 20 years of industry experience. After a formative early career in Iran - where he built substations and tackled complex transmission challenges - he migrated to Australia, joining UGL where he stayed for over 14 years. A passionate mentor and advocate for knowledge sharing, Amir has recently launched his own consultancy, Enervia Engineering.Focused on transmission, substations, and renewables, Enervia brings deep technical insight and cost-effective design strategies to the market. Amir is a vocal proponent of better planning, community engagement, and embracing AI in infrastructure.Useful linksAmir Jesmi on LinkedInLiam Dutton on LinkedInConnectYou RecruitmentTimestamps00:00 – Intro & Amir’s background01:35 – Engineering in Iran and founding a business04:22 – Migrating to Australia: risks, language & cultural shifts10:05 – Landing at UGL & building a 14-year career13:00 – Learning insulation coordination and mentorship culture18:00 – Gaps in industry mentorship & training21:24 – From UGL to Garuda to founding NVAR Engineering26:08 – Value of effective early-stage design30:03 – Project delays, industry inertia, and funding gaps35:08 – Community resistance and how to improve engagement40:06 – Poor planning and its link to project cost blowouts46:29 – Missed opportunities in grid design (Project EnergyConnect example)48:46 – Optimism: AI, data centers & future energy infrastructure55:43 – Automating design and the dream of AI integration57:08 – Solving talent shortages & scaling mentorship01:01:09 – Amir’s best advice: honesty, transparency, and helping others01:03:05 – Quickfire: AI, football dreams & final thoughtsKeywordsPower transmission, substation design, renewables, clean energy, engineering careers, project delays, AI in infrastructure, data centers, mentorship, Australia energy, HVDC, NVAR Engineering, UGL, primary design, energy transition, talent shortage, engineering culture

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