As we seek to find cleaner, more sustainable energy sources, renewable energy is a key area of our focus. Energy engineers are here to help.

This career is for you if you are interested in engineering as well as the environment and sustainability. Continue reading to find out more about the field and what it looks like for engineers in this field.

What is Energy Engineering?

Energy engineering is a relatively recent field of engineering. It focuses on the development of technologies that are better for the environment and more efficient in producing energy. Additionally, energy engineers are responsible for auditing energy production and enforcement of environmental laws and regulations to make sure processes are compliant.

Engineers in energy might be interested in different types of systems such as:

  • Green buildings
  • Energy-efficient lighting
  • HVAC systems
  • Energy procurement
  • Air quality
  • Solar or wind power

They use their engineering skills to produce efficient manufacturing and production results, while also being in compliance with the environment.

Many industries are looking for energy engineers and not just those that focus on renewable or green energy.

Some hydro-, gas-, and oil companies may consult energy engineers to help reduce their environmental impact, as well as learn how to better use their resources.

The main task of an energy engineer is to reduce energy consumption across all industries and fields.

What skills do energy engineers need?

Engineers need to have a passion for sustainability, the environment, and a variety of technical skills to be successful in this industry.

You will need the following technical skills to be an energy engineer:

  • 3D modelling
  • Auditing energy
  • AutoCAD – Computer-Aided Design
  • Renewable Energy System Design Software
  • Simulation of energy
  • Additional computer programming skills
  • Project management skills
  • Scientific and mathematical skills
  • Creativity in problem-solving

Energy engineers must be able to solve problems. Critical thinking is essential in energy engineering. It can help you see a problem and find a creative solution.

You might need additional skills depending on the role you play. These skills could include communication skills, management skills and the ability to understand trends and energy markets.

You must be flexible and able to learn quickly, which is the most important thing. Energy is vital to the world. However, technology changes quickly and we need to be able to adapt. Energy engineering is at the forefront of new technology. You need to be able to adapt to changes and work quickly.

Energy Engineering Education

As with all careers, it is important to start your journey by getting the education you need. A bachelor’s degree is required to become an energy engineer.

You will take classes in chemical science, renewable energy systems and mechanics as part of your degree. You might need a master’s degree or even a PhD depending on the career path you choose.

You will need to have some practical experience as an engineer while you are in school. Although you might be able to get a junior position without any experience, it is advisable to have some work experience in the field before you apply for engineering jobs in energy sector.

After you complete your education, you will need to obtain a professional engineer license. You will need to show proof that you have a degree and work experience.

What do Energy Engineers do?

Although it sounds like a great job, what does an energy engineer actually do every day? An energy engineer’s primary focus is to reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency. This means that you will be doing a lot of site inspections, research, and surveys.

These are some other responsibilities that usually fall under the purview of an energy engineer:

  • Set energy consumption benchmarks based on local or global regulations
  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by researching
  • Find and share information about energy conservation projects
  • When you modify a system, calculate the energy savings and performance improvements
  • When it comes to energy savings and consumption, work with engineers to create drawings and reports
  • Energy conservation and energy management programs should be implemented

Why do we need energy engineers?

There are many opportunities in energy engineering. You don’t have to only work for companies that are focused on sustainability and conservation projects.

Energy engineers are a key part of many large energy companies, particularly in the oil and gas industry. They help improve their consumption and ensure that they remain environmentally responsible. Exxon Mobil and Shell among others have employed energy engineers to join their teams.

Another major employer of energy engineers is the government. Governments often require energy engineers to lead, advise and manage projects.

To wrap up

The demand for energy engineers is expected to increase as the world uses more renewable energy. It can be a very rewarding job to see your work have a direct impact on the well-being of the planet.

There are many other options if you are interested in working in sustainable energy, but are not sure if you want to be an engineer.