Engineers who work in the renewable energy field use engineering solutions to generate energy from renewable sources. If you want to work as a renewable energy engineer, you’ll almost certainly need to complete an engineering science undergraduate program. As interest in sustainable energy generation grows, the number of engineering programs that include specific courses in renewable energy technology is growing. Solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, tidal, and biofuel power generation are all areas of focus in renewable energy engineering. Many universities offer degree programs specifically geared toward becoming a renewable energy engineer.
Within the engineering field, there is already training geared toward specific engineering specialties. Mechanical, thermodynamic, electrical, and hydraulic engineering are just a few examples. You should look into a preparation track that allows you to choose courses from your area of interest. A course of study in thermodynamics and thermal radiation, for example, would be a good choice if you want to become a renewable energy engineer with a focus on geothermal engineering or solar power. An engineer with a degree in aerodynamic engineering or composite materials engineering may have chosen to prepare for wind energy focusing on a course of study in aerodynamic engineering or composite materials engineering.
If you already have an engineering degree and want to work as a renewable energy engineer, professional engineering associations and some colleges and universities offer certificate programs in sustainable engineering. Energy generation systems are dynamic, interacting in a variety of ways with the environment and society. You might find that incorporating an interdisciplinary approach to your studies will better prepare you for a career as a renewable energy engineer.
Shorter versions of energy sustainability programs are also available as certificate programs. Whether you pursue a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a certificate through a program, you’ll almost certainly receive some training in sustainable practices, such as energy conservation, as part of your studies to become a renewable energy engineer. Renewable energy strategies include energy conservation measures, regardless of whether they were produced using renewable energy sources.
An energy audit may be performed an engineering firm retrofitting or renovating a building or plant, and LEED certification may be part of that audit. LEED certification is a globally recognized standard that a renewable energy engineer will be expected to understand and implement. It’s a rating system that considers a building’s environmental impact, as well as the materials used and the level of energy and water efficiency achieved. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an acronym for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.”