Renewable Energy Careers

High School

For many jobs in the renewable energy industry, it pays to have a strong background in science and mathematics. For example, earth science, agriculture, and biology classes will be useful if you plan to work in the hydropower industry researching the effects of a new hydropower project on the surrounding vegetation and animal life. Mathematics, earth science, and chemistry classes will be helpful if you plan to work in the geothermal energy industry identifying and harvesting possible sources of geothermal energy from within the earth. Physics classes will be helpful if you plan to work in the wind industry designing windmills and turbine engines to capture and convert wind energy into electricity, or "green" buildings and homes of the future.

You need not be technically gifted in science and math in order to succeed in the renewable energy industry. Computer classes are useful for workers who run design programs, organize research, and maintain basic office records. Finance, accounting, communications, and English classes will be helpful to anyone who is interested in working in the business end of the industry. Taking a foreign language is highly useful since a majority of renewable energy companies are located abroad.

Postsecondary Training

Most technical jobs in this industry require at least an associate's or bachelor's degree. Courses of study range from environmental science and mathematics to architecture and meteorology. Many people who are employed in the research and development or technical departments of their respective renewable sub-industry have bachelor's or master's degrees in electrical, chemical, or mechanical engineering. Some scientists have graduate degrees in engineering or the sciences (such as biology, physics, or chemistry).

A growing number of colleges offer classes, certificates, and degrees in renewable energy, including Georgia Tech, Purdue University, the University of California (at both Davis and Irvine), and the University of Wisconsin.

Visit the following Web sites for lists of programs: https://www.energy.gov/eere/education/education-homepage and https://irecusa.org/workforce-development.

Four-year degrees in liberal arts, business, or other professional degrees are not required, but are recommended for many non-technical jobs. For example, a community affairs representative or public relations specialist should have a communications or journalism background.

Certification

Certificate programs in renewable energy are provided by colleges and universities, professional associations (such as the Midwest Renewable Energy Association), and private organizations (such as National Solar Trainers). Contact these providers for more information.

Other Education or Training

The Renewable Fuels Association offers continuing education opportunities (CE) at its National Ethanol Conference. The Geothermal Resources Council offers workshops and seminars at its annual meeting and trade show. Topics include drilling, economics, environmental aspects of geothermal activity, financing, geochemistry, geology, geophysics, heat pumps, legal aspects, management, non-electric uses, and reservoir engineering. Many other professional associations (such as the American Solar Energy Society, American Wind Energy Association, and the National Hydropower Association) provide CE classes, webinars, and conferences in their particular specialty.