Renewable energy careers

Playing a central role in helping to offset the impact of climate change, the UK's renewable energy industry is at the forefront of technological development, with a range of careers available for graduates

From wind turbines to solar panels and tidal barrages to biofuels, clean and renewable energy sources are increasingly familiar to everyone. They're now more important than ever as world governments attempt to meet international targets for reducing carbon emissions.

With the renewable energy sector likely to see massive growth, discover more about graduate opportunities in a field that encompasses aspects of both energy and the environment.

Types of renewable roles

Technical positions

Design engineer - tasked with designing, building and developing renewable energy systems.
Electrician - ensures the safe installation, maintenance and repair of the electrical aspects of renewable energy systems, including wind turbines, solar panels and heat pumps.
Energy engineer - similar to a design engineer, focusing on researching and developing new technologies and processes to ensure sustainable energy solutions.
Energy installer/technician - their role is to install and maintain wind turbines or solar panels.
Heating engineer - besides managing renewable energy systems, such as heat pumps and solar thermal boilers, they also service conventional gas and oil boilers as well as underfloor heating.

Managers and consultants

Renewable energy manager - responsible for taking renewable energy projects from design to completion. They aim to maximise production and profit while reducing environmental impact. You can also consider the role of a project manager.
Renewable energy consultant - provides sustainable solutions and guidance on moving to renewable energy to clients, such as energy firms, developers and government organisations. See 7 things you need to know about being an energy consultant.
Business developer - explore opportunities and gain investment for renewable projects. With knowledge of tech and finance, you'll be involved with contract negotiations and adhering to building regulations.

Other relevant roles

Working in renewable energy

'It's an exciting time to join the industry,' says Juliette Sanders, chief communications officer (CCO) at Energy UK, the UK's trade body for the sector.

'The renewables sector is growing rapidly, and we're on the cusp of the scale-up and roll-out of new technologies like hydrogen, carbon capture and floating offshore wind. Alongside that, we'll see big growth in flexibility, storage solutions and home decarbonisation like heat pumps.'

Over the coming years, hundreds of thousands of new job opportunities will become available nationwide - see the opportunities in wind and solar power below. These jobs are crucial for building and developing the infrastructure to produce clean energy.

Working in renewables offers the chance to be part of a growing industry and contribute to protecting the environment.

If your passion lies in this area, read more about environmental careers.

A renewable energy project requires contributions from people with various backgrounds and skill sets, including commercial skills. Read more about the skills employers want.

'Not all those jobs require a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) background,' explains Juliette. 'Yes, we're going to need engineers and technicians, but there are a whole host of other professions supporting and within the sector - from lawyers, accountants and medics to digital media, public affairs and policy.'

You could work outdoors on land or at sea, in an office or a laboratory. Many roles provide opportunities to travel and work abroad.

Renewable energy qualifications and training

Science and engineering degrees

To pursue a career in renewable energy, studying for an undergraduate degree in a related subject is advisable.

The following engineering and science-related subjects can provide a good grounding in this field:

For instance, the Beng Electronic and Electrical Engineering (Energy Systems) at Brunel, University of London is perfect for specialising in sustainable electrical energy systems.

The three-year course, accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), can be extended by a year to include an industry work placement. The year spent working for a leading engineering or technology company provides you with invaluable professional experience.

Get the lowdown on general engineering courses.

BSc Renewable Energy

Several options are available for those seeking a specialist renewable energy degree, including the BSc Renewable Energy from Coventry University.

The course allows you to explore renewable energy technologies in depth, focusing on their potential impacts on global energy systems.

You'll gain a strong foundation in the fundamentals of renewable energy sources, including:

biomass
geothermal
hydroelectric
solar
wind.

To enter the programme, which has the option of a foundation year, you'll need 112 UCAS Tariff points (equivalent to BBC at A-level). Discover why you should consider a foundation year.

Masters in renewable energy

If you'd like to study the subject at postgraduate level, a Master of Science (MSc) degree can also help you stand out from the competition.

The selection of renewable energy courses includes the following:

MSc Renewable Energy - Cranfield University
MSc Renewable Energy and Clean Technology - The University of Manchester
MSc Renewable Energy and Power Systems Management - City, University of London
MSc Renewable Energy Engineering - Heriot-Watt University.

Search postgraduate courses in renewable energy.

Online renewable energy courses

The Renewable Energy Institute (REI) offers a range of short online courses for those who would benefit from the flexibility provided by distance and online learning options.

These include the following on-demand courses:

Electrics for Renewables
Renewable Energy Consultant Expert Certificate
Renewable Energy Management and Finance
Renewable Energy Solutions.

A 30-credit level 3 undergraduate module in Renewable Energy that can count towards a foundation or honours degree is available from The Open University.

Online renewable energy courses can also be found through Coursera and the University of Aberdeen.

Explore general CPD opportunities for graduates.

Earning potential in renewables

All types of engineers are needed - from general mechanical, design and environmental engineers to more specific wind energy engineers. Those with design and technical skills, including landscape and wind analysis, will also be required.

Starting salaries for these renewable roles can vary from 拢19,000 to 拢28,000, depending on the job, company and location.

According to Totaljobs, the average wage for renewable energy professionals is 拢38,252, but many positions require the right qualifications and experience.

Where to find renewable jobs

Many smaller energy companies are challenging the so-called 'big six' traditional suppliers, which include:

Indeed, around 6,500 companies now operate within this sector, with newly created jobs spread around the country.

Leading employers engaged in solar, wind, and water power offer renewable energy internships, graduate schemes and apprenticeships, such as:

View the range of renewable careers at RenewableUK - Job Finder.

To connect with students and those with up to ten years of experience in the sector, you can join Energy UK's Young Energy Professionals (YEP) Forum.

It's free to become a member, and you'll benefit from:

networking events and awards
panel evenings with industry experts
site visits to wind farms, nuclear power stations, and other energy infrastructure.

The forum has produced a Guide to Jobs in Energy, highlighting the sector's full range of jobs.

Opportunities in wind and solar power

The Offshore Wind Industry Council's (OWIC) UK Offshore Wind Skills Intelligence Report 2023 shows that offshore wind alone supports over 32,000 direct and indirect jobs across the UK, with most (17,394) working solely in this subsector. This will rise to over 104,000 roles by 2030, with 56,296 expected to be direct jobs.

Nearly a third of the workforce is based in Scotland (29%), followed by Yorkshire and the Humber (16%), London (15%) and the North East (11%). All parts of the UK are benefiting from the green industrial revolution.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has revealed through its Renewables 2024 report that renewables are set to nearly triple (2.7 times) their capacity by 2030.

This growth is spearheaded by onshore wind and the solar PV (photovoltaic) system, which consists of solar panels. Due to the economic possibilities they offer, solar panels will account for 95% of growth by the end of the decade. The trend towards a reliance on renewables will likely lead to the creation of UK jobs.

Ensuring greater diversity in the workforce

Promoting diversity is a priority for the sector, as it seeks to secure the best talent from different backgrounds.

While over a fifth (21%) of those working in offshore wind are women - an increase of nearly 5% since 2019 - there's still room for improvement, as the industry hopes to achieve its target of 33% by 2030.

In the solar PV industry, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has revealed that the number of full-time women employees has reached 40%.

More girls are encouraged to study STEM subjects at school so that they can continue studying them at university. The aim is to achieve a representative gender mix at all levels and foster diversity in areas such as ethnicity and sexual orientation.

The industry is collaborating to improve the diversity of its workforce through Tackling Inclusion and Diversity in Energy (TIDE), which looks across all forms of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and aims to make it as easy as possible to improve this within the energy sector.

Read about opportunities for women in engineering.

A bright future for renewables

Another attraction of working in the industry is its expected longevity as the UK transitions from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. 'The UK has halved its emissions since 1990, largely thanks to the power sector,' says Juliette. 'The actions over the next decade will shape our future, and whichever part of the industry you work in, you're contributing to that.'

Renewable energy is now the country's largest source of electricity, generating over half (51%) of our annual power needs in 2024, according to the government's Energy Trends (March 2025) report.

The statistical release showed that wind generation increased by 2% to a new record high, while bioenergy and solar energy also experienced record highs. The nuclear output was stable, ensuring that low-carbon electricity generation hit a record 65% for the year.

Production levels will need to be ramped up in the years ahead to meet the UK's carbon reduction targets, but this means there should be more options for establishing a foothold in the industry.

Find out more

Get an overview of the UK's energy industry.
Discover how to become an engineer.
Explore careers in the engineering and environment sectors.