What Is The Best Degree To Work In Renewable Energy?
The renewable energy sector has seen tremendous growth in recent years as countries around the world seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. According to Deloitte, renewable energy deployment is expected to grow 17% in 2024, accounting for almost a quarter of total electricity generation globally. Key renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydropower and biofuels offer a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
This rapid growth has created many exciting career opportunities in renewable energy. Jobs span a range of functions like engineering, project development, operations, finance, policy and more. Positions are available at renewable energy companies, utilities, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. With the right degree and skills training, there are abundant options to launch a fulfilling career in renewables.
Engineering
Many types of engineering degrees can prepare someone for a career in renewable energy. Some of the most applicable engineering disciplines include:
Electrical Engineering – Electrical engineers design, develop and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment like solar panels, wind turbines, batteries and power systems. These skills are critical for renewable energy projects.
Mechanical Engineering – Mechanical engineers design and build wind turbines, hydroelectric dams, tidal power generators, biofuel systems and other renewable energy technologies. Their expertise in mechanics and energy conversion is valuable.
Environmental Engineering – Environmental engineers develop solutions for environmental issues and sustainability. Their knowledge can help integrate renewable energy technology while minimizing environmental impacts.
Civil Engineering – Civil engineers plan and manage large construction projects, including those related to hydroelectric dams, wind farms, solar arrays and other renewable infrastructure.
Overall, an engineering degree provides technical skills applicable to designing, building, improving and implementing renewable energy systems.
Solar Energy
A degree in electrical engineering is one of the best routes to work in the solar energy industry, particularly in photovoltaic system design and installation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical engineers typically enter the solar industry with at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering (https://www.bls.gov/green/solar_power/). Electrical engineers focus on the generation and supply of power, making their skills directly applicable to designing and maintaining solar photovoltaic systems.
Many colleges and universities now offer programs and courses specific to solar engineering and PV system design, such as Solar Energy Engineering at Arizona State University. These programs provide specialized photovoltaic training and hands-on lab experience with solar systems. The Solar Career Map site lists numerous solar-focused engineering roles like PV System Designer, PV Systems Engineer, and Solar Product Development Engineer (https://www.irecsolarcareermap.org/). Obtaining a degree in electrical engineering or solar engineering, along with PV coursework and certifications, can open up many career paths in solar energy.
Wind Energy
Mechanical and electrical engineering are two of the most common degrees for careers in wind energy. Mechanical engineers often work on designing and developing wind turbines, including improving turbine aerodynamics, materials, and mechanisms. Electrical engineers focus on aspects like generators, power electronics, control systems, and grid integration for wind projects.
Major companies hiring wind energy engineers include Vestas, Siemens Gamesa, GE Renewable Energy, and Nordex. There are over 26 wind energy engineering jobs in Texas and many more being advertised across the country as the demand for wind power rises.
Typical responsibilities of wind energy engineers include designing turbines and tower structures, testing prototype designs, analyzing power generation and loads, modeling turbine aerodynamics, ensuring reliability and safety, and integrating wind systems into the electrical grid. The median salary for wind energy engineering roles is over $100,000.
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is thermal energy generated and stored in the Earth. Geothermal energy comes from the heat within the Earth’s core produced by the slow decay of radioactive particles, as well as heat from the mantle and crust (1). Geothermal energy can be accessed by drilling water or steam wells in a process similar to drilling for oil and natural gas (2).
Geology and geoscience skills are critical in the exploration and development of geothermal resources. Geologists study the subsurface to locate geothermal reservoirs and characterize the rocks, fractures, and faults where hot fluids exist. They use techniques like geochemistry, geophysics, remote sensing, and geologic mapping. Drilling engineers design and implement the well drilling plan. They determine the well path, casing design, drilling fluid program, and other technical parameters. Petroleum engineers may also be involved in reservoir modeling and operations (1, 3).
Majoring in geology, geosciences, or geosystems engineering is recommended for careers in geothermal energy. Relevant coursework includes structural geology, geophysics, hydrogeology, reservoir engineering, drilling engineering, geochemistry, and geothermal energy technology (2, 3). Skills in project management and leadership are also valuable in this interdisciplinary field.
Hydroelectric Energy
Hydroelectric power is one of the most widely used forms of renewable energy, generating around 16% of the world’s electricity. Hydroelectric plants capture energy from flowing water to turn turbines and generate electricity. There are major opportunities for engineers in the hydroelectric industry.
Civil engineering and mechanical engineering are common degree paths for careers in hydroelectric power. Civil engineers may design and oversee the dams, tunnels, and other infrastructure involved in hydroelectric plants. Mechanical engineers often handle the turbines, generators, and other moving parts of the facilities.
According to Zippia, 25% of hydroelectric plant operators major in civil engineering. Mechanical engineering is also a popular major, though exact statistics are not available.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy states that hydroelectric plants employ civil, mechanical, electrical and geoscience engineers for planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of facilities.
Overall, civil and mechanical engineering provide excellent educational foundations for careers in hydroelectric power generation. The technical skills from these majors align well with the infrastructure and machinery involved in harnessing the power of moving water.
Bioenergy
Biochemistry and chemical engineering are two promising degrees for careers in bioenergy. Bioenergy involves converting biomass materials like plants, agricultural waste, and even municipal solid waste into energy sources like transportation fuels, biogas, and electricity.
Those with biochemistry degrees can become biochemists researching how to break down biomass into biofuels and bioproducts. They use knowledge of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to develop new bioenergy technologies (Department of Energy, 2022). Chemical engineers can help design, construct, and operate bioenergy facilities and processes. Their expertise in thermodynamics, chemical reactions, and process design enables optimizing bioenergy production (Oregon State University, 2022).
Other roles include biological technicians assisting in bioenergy research, microbiologists studying microbes for biofuel production, and agricultural specialists improving biomass feedstock crops. Overall, those with biochemistry and chemical engineering backgrounds have diverse opportunities to apply their knowledge to advance bioenergy.
Energy Policy & Management
A degree in energy policy and management provides the skills needed to develop renewable energy solutions while balancing economic, political and environmental concerns. Students gain expertise in energy regulations, project management, sustainability practices, and evaluating the costs and benefits of energy proposals.
Coursework covers topics like energy economics, government policy analysis, business management, and environmental impact assessments. Skills developed include evaluating energy proposals, performing cost-benefit analyses, managing diverse stakeholder perspectives, and crafting policies to incentivize renewable energy growth.
Graduates are prepared for careers directing sustainability programs, advising lawmakers on energy policy, managing government or utility renewable energy projects, performing energy audits, leading energy conservation initiatives, and consulting for companies on meeting emissions targets.
With training across business, policy, and environmental domains, the interdisciplinary nature of these programs provides the well-rounded expertise needed to navigate the complex landscape of renewable energy development.
Entrepreneurship
Launching a successful startup in renewable energy requires strong business acumen and entrepreneurial experience. Many universities now offer programs and courses focused on energy entrepreneurship to provide students the skills to commercialize new technologies and launch green energy companies.
Cities like Tulsa are fostering energy entrepreneurship through access to capital, mentorship, and incubator programs (Energy Tech in Tulsa). Research suggests more outreach to students is needed to promote participation in university entrepreneurship initiatives (Final Technical Report 2018-19_Award #DE-EE0007148). Hands-on experience bringing an energy concept to market can differentiate graduates entering the renewable sector.
With the right business training and startup experience, young entrepreneurs can launch innovative companies providing clean energy solutions for the future.
Conclusion
When considering the best degree for a career in renewable energy, there are several strong options to choose from. Engineering degrees, especially in electrical, mechanical, and chemical engineering, provide a solid educational foundation across renewable energy technologies. Degrees focused specifically on solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, or bioenergy allow students to gain specialized expertise in growing renewable energy fields. Energy policy, management, and entrepreneurship degrees equip graduates with business acumen and skills needed to bring renewable innovations to market. Ultimately, the ideal degree comes down to a student’s specific interests and the type of renewable energy career they wish to pursue. With demand for renewable energy expertise only continuing to grow, all of these degree paths can lead to engaging, meaningful work driving the transition to a clean energy future.
