Renewable Energy Courses overview
Renewable energy refers to power sources that don’t rely on finite resources like coal or crude oil. They tend to harness the elements instead, making use of the sun, wind, tides and more. Postgraduate study focuses on the development of new technologies and improvement of existing ones through the use of engineering and science as a whole.
Homo erectus were technically using renewable energy 790,000 years prior to today through the burning of seeds and wood, but that was due to convenience and necessity rather than concern for the planet. It was only until the widespread burning of coal and fossil fuels in the 19th century that concerns over the planet began to arise. In 1873, Professor Augustin Mouchot asked the public to question what will happens when the oil runs dry, with other notable academics following suit. The field transitioned from theory to practice in the 1970s when the first wind turbines came into being.
Nowadays, renewable energy sources are far more widespread, efficient and capitalise on more resources. There still remain many challenges however, which is why professionals are needed now more than ever before to keep the lights on for humanity.
Is renewable energy for me?
Being a discipline of engineering, the field is best suited to analytical thinkers and problem solvers who can think laterally. It’s rife with potent issues that have yet to be solved, making it perfect for those creative enough to solve them. If you’re good at mathematics and have a penchant for solving puzzles, renewable energy could be the right field for you.
Study pathway
Master degrees are the best way to study renewable energy at the postgraduate level. These programs are offered by RMIT and others offer units in sustainable energy technologies, maximising energy efficiency and energy sustainability. They also provide a variety of interactive workshops and seminars to augment learning, with collaborative work being part of every program.
These programs take two years of full time study to complete, or up to four years part time. Students must have a bachelor degree in science or engineering to enter these programs, so long as their prior qualification included a major component regarding physics or chemistry of energy.
Employment options
Renewable energy consultant
Companies like ITP Renewable Energy Consulting require graduates from this discipline to aid private and public clients in achieving their sustainability goals. They provide technical design advice, complete feasibility studies, plot out energy storage strategies, undergo demand monitoring and a plethora of other useful capabilities that are required worldwide.
Renewable energy engineer
Companies like Acciona hire renewable energy engineers to strengthen their foothold in the renewable energy market. They contribute wind, solar PV, solar thermal, hydro and biomass energy solutions. This is a thriving industry for aspiring graduates, making it an ideal area to seek employment.
Specialisations
There are several sectors to seek specialised careers in, including: