This blog explores the top 5 emerging green energy jobs in 2024.
The renewable energy industry is not only a symbol of optimism for a sustainable future, but also a driver of employment opportunities for instance. As nations work towards achieving their net-zero goals, the green economy must be widespread.
This means the renewable energy sector is demonstrating its potential as a key player in job creation. Additionally, it offers avenues for economic development and a sustainable future. Therefore this blog explores the top 5 emerging green energy jobs in 2024.
With the increasing urgency to transition to renewable energy sources, IRENA forecasts that employment could rise to 38.2 million by 2030 and 43 million by 2050. However, this increased need for renewable energy jobs means that talented individuals passionate about clean energy and sustainability are in high demand to fill these top 5 emerging green energy jobs in 2024.
1. Green Energy Consultant
A renewable energy consultant helps businesses of all sizes, from large corporations to new start ups. They assess how to implement sustainable energy options by performing detailed energy surveys and audits. Additionally, Green Energy Consultants also provide guidance on renewable technologies like solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy.
By collaborating with various stakeholders, they evaluate a company’s energy use and production to find ways to incorporate renewable energy systems, supporting global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote green policies.
Green Energy Consultant role and responsibilities
They support organisations to become greener and more sustainable. Typical aspects of the role include:
- Feasibility Studies: Evaluate site suitability and potential for renewable energy projects
- Regulatory Guidance: Ensure projects comply with legal and environmental standards.
- Financial Analysis: Assess project viability and secure funding.
- Technology Selection: Advise on and optimise renewable energy technologies.
- Project Management: Support planning and execution of projects.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate with stakeholders and educate on renewable energy.
Green Energy Consultant career prospects
As you move forward in your career, you can take on senior or management positions, leading teams and bigger projects. You might decide to focus on a specific area like wind, solar, or hybrid energy, which helps you become an expert in that niche. Green energy consultants can also shift to related jobs, such as energy auditor, energy engineer, or sustainability manager, which can expand your career options in the industry.
2. Green Energy Solar PV Installer
The solar industry is growing rapidly! To meet this demand, solar PV installers are essential now and will be important in the future. Besides installing, they must follow safety rules and finish the work on time and within budget.
Solar PV Installer role and responsibilities
Taking a key role in driving the production of solar energy, the roles and responsibilities of a solar PV installer include:
- System Installation: Install solar panels, inverters, and other components on roofs or ground mounts.
- Electrical Wiring: Connect solar systems to electrical grids and ensure proper wiring and connections.
- Site Assessment: Evaluate sites for optimal panel placement and system efficiency.
- Maintenance & Repair: Perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot system issues.
- Safety Compliance: Follow safety protocols and building codes during installation.
- Customer Interaction: Explain system operation and maintenance to customers.
Solar PV Installer career prospects
Once you have experience and skills as a solar PV installer, you can progress to a team leader or project manager position. Solar PV Installers might also choose to work for themselves. Solar energy is important for many countries aiming for clean and sustainable energy, so this career can lead you to places all over the world.
3. Wind Turbine Technician
Keeping the largest and most advanced wind farms running smoothly is a big job that depends on skilled wind turbine technicians. For example these experts handle the installation, inspection, operation, maintenance, and repair of wind turbines, both on land and at sea. Additionally, Wind Turbine Technicians can frequently face tough conditions, such as bad weather and remote locations. They often work around the clock to ensure the turbines operate at their best. This makes wind turbine technicians essential and in high demand in the renewable energy sector.
Wind Turbine Technician role and responsibilities
With playing such a vital role in driving wind energy production, let’s look at their typical day-to-day duties:
- Maintenance & Repair: Perform regular maintenance and repairs on wind turbines.
- Inspection: Conduct inspections to identify and address potential issues.
- Troubleshooting: Diagnose and fix electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic problems.
- Safety Compliance: Adhere to safety protocols and regulations while working at heights.
- Component Replacement: Replace faulty components such as blades, generators, and gearboxes.
- Documentation: Keep detailed records of maintenance and repairs.
Wind Turbine Technician career prospects
After becoming a technician, you can advance to a team leader or site administrator role. Additionally, you can also explore other fields such as Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ). In this area, you could take on positions like HSE Field Officer or Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist.
4. Green Energy Efficiency Engineers
Engineers will continue to be highly sought after due to their expertise. The green energy industry relies on engineers for building and upkeeping infrastructure. From creating solar panels to improving wind turbines, engineers and technicians are essential.
Renewable Energy Engineers role and responsibilities
- System Design: Design and develop renewable energy systems like solar, wind, and biomass.
- Technical Analysis: Conduct technical assessments and simulations to optimise system performance.
- Project Planning: Plan and oversee the implementation of renewable energy projects.
- Innovation: Develop and improve renewable energy technologies and solutions.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure designs meet regulatory standards and environmental guidelines.
- Collaboration: Work with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders to deliver projects.
Renewable Energy Engineer career prospects
There will be opportunities to advance to senior engineering roles, project management, or executive positions. In addition to these, you can even specialise in corporate social responsibility or move into research and development, where you can focus on vital issues such as discovering new renewable energy sources and optimising production.
5. Green Energy Project Managers/Project Developers
Renewable energy project managers in onshore wind play a crucial role in overseeing the development and execution of wind energy projects. Responsibilities encompass a broad range of tasks, from initial planning to the operation and maintenance of wind farms.
Green Energy Project Manager role and responsibilities
A key part of this role requires the ability to carry out feasibility studies and site assessments and to secure the necessary permits and approvals. The is a strong demand to manage project plans, including budgets, timelines and resource allocations.
Additionally, an essential skill is Stakeholder Management and the ability to liaise with landowners, government agencies, contractors and community groups. Likewise, Internal stakeholders such as engineering, procurement and legal is also part of the role. Part of the skills required will be to oversee the construction process, ensuring it adheres to plans, schedules, and safety standards.
Renewable Energy Project Manager/Project Developer career prospects
- Entry-level roles such as project coordinator or assistant project manager.
- Progression to project manager, senior project manager, or program manager.
- Potential to move into executive roles such as director of renewable energy projects or VP of project management.
Conclusion
These are the top 5 emerging green energy jobs in 2024. As the industry grows quickly, there is a high demand for professionals in roles like wind turbine technicians, solar PV installers, renewable energy consultants, wind energy project managers, and renewable energy engineers.
Each job plays an important part in promoting clean energy technologies, improving production methods, and lessening environmental harm. Equally, the skills needed for these positions include technical knowledge, analytical skills, and strong communication and project management abilities.
Moreover, with the increasing global focus on renewable energy, job opportunities in this area are also growing. People can advance to higher or specialised roles, shift into research and development, or explore careers in consultancy and education. Above all, worldwide interest in renewable energy means there are many opportunities available. Certainly, this will lead to careers that are both rewarding and significant.
If you are looking for that next step in your wind energy career, we can help you. We have placed a significant number of candidates in roles within wind energy. Why not contact our team today to discuss your renewable energy career ambitions?
