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Renewable Energy Scientist

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A Renewable Energy Scientist studies ways to generate energy from natural sources such as sun, wind, water, and geothermal heat. They design experiments, collect data, and test new materials and systems to make energy cleaner and cheaper. Workplaces include universities, government research labs, and energy companies. They may model how different systems perform, analyse environmental impact, and help develop technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, or battery storage. Communication and teamwork with engineers, policymakers, and engineers are important, along with good lab skills and curiosity about the environment.

Renewable Energy Scientist

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📊 Statistics

Typical salary range

In the United Kingdom, renewable energy scientists often earn between 30,000 and 60,000 per year in early to mid career, with senior roles or specialist positions potentially reaching over 70,000.

Number of jobs

There are several thousand roles across the UK in universities, research institutes, and the energy industry, with steady demand as more projects and technologies are developed.

Education path

Most scientists hold at least a Bachelors degree in a STEM subject, followed by a Masters or PhD for research roles in renewable energy fields.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Wind Turbine Technician

A hands on role working on the installation and maintenance of wind turbines, helping to keep sustainable energy generating efficiently

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Solar Panel Engineer

A role focused on designing and testing solar panels and related equipment to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity

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Environmental Data Analyst

A junior scientist who collects and studies data from renewable energy projects to understand their impact and improve performance

Stage 1: Foundations

Understand the basics of energy and science

Learn the key ideas behind energy, conservation, and how renewable systems work.

Study the basics of physics and chemistry. Focus on energy, power, circuits, and thermodynamics. Take part in science clubs or online courses to build a solid foundation.

Choose relevant GCSEs and A levels

Pick subjects that will help you study engineering or science later.

Aim for strong maths, physics, and chemistry; consider computer science. If your school offers environmental science or geography, these can be useful for energy contexts.

Explore hands on projects

Join maker clubs or science fairs to try simple renewable projects.

Build small solar chargers, wind turbines from kits, or water wheel models. Document what you did and what you learned to show in future applications.

Stage 2: Learning and Skills Development

Study engineering and environmental topics

Develop knowledge in engineering principles and how renewable energy systems work.

During college or university study, focus on thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, materials, and energy systems. Learn about energy policy and sustainability.

Gain practical experience

Seek placements or internships related to energy or engineering.

Apply for summer internships with engineering firms, energy utilities, or research labs. Volunteer for energy audits or community projects to see real world applications.

Learn data analysis and software

Build skills in data handling, modelling, and computer tools.

Get comfortable with programmes such as Excel, Python, or MATLAB. Learn how to analyse performance data from experiments and simulations.

Stage 3: Higher Education and Specialisation

Choose a degree in a renewable field

Select a degree that focuses on energy, engineering, or environmental science.

Consider degrees like Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, or Sustainable Energy. Look for courses on solar, wind, energy storage, and smart grids.

Join a research or lab project

Participate in energy related research to gain hands on experience.

Work with professors on cutting edge projects such as battery technology, turbine design, or energy systems modelling. Present findings to peers or at conferences where possible.

Network and plan for careers

Build connections with mentors and potential employers.

Attend university careers fairs, join engineering societies, and seek mentors in the energy sector. Prepare a professional CV and LinkedIn profile highlighting relevant projects.

Stage 4: Early Career and Impact

Find entry level roles or graduate schemes

Look for roles in engineering firms, energy companies, or universities.

Apply to graduate programmes in mechanical, electrical, or energy engineering. Roles might include energy analyst, design engineer, or R&D assistant. Tailor your application to show energy projects you have worked on.

Develop specialism and professional recognition

Choose a niche such as solar technology, wind turbines, or energy storage.

Pursue Chartered Engineer status by gaining experience and pursuing further study if appropriate. Obtain relevant certifications such as energy management or project management where useful.

Contribute to real world energy solutions

Work on projects that reduce emissions and improve efficiency.

Collaborate with teams to design, test, and implement renewable systems. Share results with communities and publish findings where possible to build impact.

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🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Renewable Energy Scientist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Sample Qualifications

A Renewable Energy Scientist typically conducts research into renewable technologies, tests new materials and systems, and analyses data to improve efficiency and performance. These activities align closely with the core competencies of a Renewable Energy Engineer, who designs, develops and optimises renewable energy solutions using physics, engineering principles and data-driven methods.

How to become

You can get into this job by studying for a degree qualification.

University

You can do a degree in an engineering or a scientific subject. Some employers might expect you to have a postgraduate qualification.

Relevant subjects include:

  • energy engineering
  • Earth sciences
  • environmental engineering
  • geophysics
  • renewable or sustainable energy

Getting work experience during your studies through a summer internship or year placement scheme can give you an advantage when you start looking for work.

Your university careers service can help you find opportunities.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Energy Institute for training and professional development opportunities. You can also apply for chartered engineer status, for recognition of your skills and expertise in the industry.

Further information

You can find out more about working in renewable energy from:

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