Due to the ever-increasing demand for reliable, non-fossil fuel forms of energy the importance of renewable energy sources cannot be overstated. Renewable energy options such as solar, wind, hydro and geothermal are becoming more accessible and cost-effective with each passing year. Solar energy in particular continues to be the fastest-growing source of new energy capacity worldwide, with the International Energy Agency predicting that solar will become the largest source of electricity generation by 2035.
As solar energy grows in popularity, so does the need for solar farms, which can be defined as a/many large-scale solar power facility/ies that distributes electricity to the power grid. These facilities are made up of solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity during peak sunlight hours. Although they are relatively low-maintenance when compared to other kinds of power plants, solar farms are still equipment that require upkeep, maintenance, and repair, making this sector an attractive prospect for those looking to enter the renewable energy industry.
Due to the increasing demand for renewable energy and the ever-increasing popularity of solar, solar farm jobs are expected to continue to grow in number. The jobs may range from general laborers to electricians to engineers, and pay scales will vary depending on the role and experience of the employee. Those interested in pursuing work in the solar energy industry should seek out training programs specific to the field, apply for internships or apprenticeships in the solar energy sector, or consider volunteering time on solar farm sites to gain hands-on experience.
Another area of the renewable energy sector that is seeing an increase in demand for workers is the energy storage segment. Energy storage technology is essential for future expansion of renewable energy, as it enables increased implementation of intermittent renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and wave energy, thus balancing the supply-demand cycle of electricity. Investment in energy storage technology is poised to surge, with global energy storage expected to increase by a massive 122% from 2020 to 2025, with the fastest growth happening in China, the United States, and Japan.
As with solar farm jobs, there is no single, easy path for those looking to break into the energy storage sector. However, candidates should gain an understanding of the energy storage technology involved, and work toward earning a degree in a related field, such as chemical engineering, electrical engineering or materials science. There are also several internships, apprenticeships, or volunteer work opportunities available in the renewable energy sector, which prospective workers should explore.
In addition to solar and energy storage, there is increasing interest in jobs related to technologies that enable greater energy efficiency. This involves developing new or more efficient ways to utilize clean energy sources, such as smart grids or microgrids, energy-efficient lighting and appliances, and building insulation. With the increasing emphasis on energy efficiency and reduction of energy waste, there is an opportunity for job growth in the energy efficiency sector as well.
The energy efficiency sector is made up of several different types of jobs, including engineers, technicians, project managers, marketing professionals, and more. The skills required for these jobs vary widely, depending on the position, as well as the industry in which a person is working. Workers in this sector often have a core background in engineering or technical fields, but there are jobs for those with marketing or business development backgrounds as well.
While jobs in the renewable energy sector are expected to increase in the years ahead, there are challenges that must be addressed to make this happen. A major issue is the shortage of skilled workers, which must be addressed through collaboration between industry and educational institutions. Furthermore, there are numerous regulatory challenges that prevent renewable energy adoption in certain countries or have significant impacts on different segments of the renewable energy industry. In order to overcome these obstacles, there must be clear, supportive government policies in place that cater to the needs of the renewable energy industry.
Another issue that needs to be addressed is the further development of renewable energy infrastructure. Solar and energy storage, for example, would work best if they were integrated with smart grids or microgrids, which enable more efficient and reliable transmission and distribution of electricity. The development of these types of infrastructure is essential for reaching the potential benefits of renewable energy.
In conclusion, as the demand for renewable energy continues to grow, there will be an increasing need for qualified workers in the industry. Opportunities exist in a variety of roles, including solar farms, energy storage, and energy efficiency. In order to break into these sectors, workers should gain specific knowledge and training relevant to each sector, seek out internships or apprenticeships to gain hands-on experience, and stay abreast of changing technologies and trends through education and industry events. Finally, supportive government policies that not only cater to the needs of the renewable energy industry, but also promote workforce development, are essential for the growth of this industry.
Posted by Société MEY on 2014-10-23 20:32:54