Renewable energy consultants carry out energy surveys and audits and advise clients on sources of renewable energy. These include wind, solar, marine, wave, tidal, hydro and bioenergy. They also advise on sustainable solutions within the built environment and infrastructure sectors. They are sometimes called sustainability consultants.

The Work

You could be:

• carrying out energy surveys, feasibility studies, greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories and carbon footprinting
• analysing technical data and working out how much energy is or can be produced
• giving energy efficiency advice to clients in the public and private sector
• advising on UK green energy policies and carbon reduction
• recommending renewable and sustainable materials and energy solutions
• doing estimates and writing reports
• completing environmental impact assessments for companies
• logging data into specialist software for analysis
• reviewing environmental documents and permits for clients.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the type of industry or business you work for
• the size of company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Salaries for renewable energy consultants at entry level can be around £25,000 a year. Salaries for experienced consultants can be from £30,000 to £60,000 a year or more. You might get extra income from a bonus or shares scheme.

Conditions

• You would work in an office but you may visit clients onsite.
• You may have to travel to meetings in other parts of the country or abroad. Renewable energy is a global industry.
• Working hours could be long to meet deadlines.

Useful Subjects

• Engineering Science
• Environmental Science
• SfW Energy

Getting In

• You should have a relevant degree (SCQF Levels 9-11) in a subject such as renewable energy, environmental management, environmental science, engineering or sustainability.
• Entry requirements for degree courses are usually 4-5 Highers including Maths and a science or technological subject plus English at National 5.
• Some employers may prefer a postgraduate qualification. Many Scottish universities offer postgraduate courses in renewable energy (SCQF Level 11).
• For many vacancies you need to have relevant experience in the renewable energy industry.
• It helps if you are a member of an appropriate professional body.
• You may need a full, clean driving licence.

You would usually work in a renewable energy or engineering consultancy. There are also jobs with maintenance contractors, offshore companies and construction firms.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2024

10202

2.3 %

RISE

2029

10441

  United Kingdom

2024

125531

3.3 %

RISE

2029

129675

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What Does it Take?

You should be able to:

• analyse and solve problems
• manage projects and budgets
• pay close attention to detail
• communicate and negotiate well
• work under pressure
• work well in a team and individually.

You should have:

• a strong interest in renewable energy and sustainability
• good report writing skills
• good IT skills
• business awareness
• a knowledge of environmental laws and renewable energy policies.

Training

• You could study part time for a postgraduate qualification in renewable energy while you are working.
• Courses are available in energy auditing and environmental impact assessments.
• You can work towards chartered membership of professional bodies such as the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).
• You need to keep up to date with technical advances in this rapidly developing industry.

Getting On

• If you start as a graduate entrant, with experience you could move on to be a senior consultant.
• You may progress to be a senior manager.
• You could set up your own consultancy.

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Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.