As experts within renewable energy, we know a thing or two about how to succeed within the industry. Currently, there are 12.7 million renewable energy jobs and there are a projected 13.3 million new jobs to be added to the industry by 2030. Project managers are an essential part of renewable energy projects, and without the right support, it can be difficult to navigate. Within this blog we, explore all the tools you will need to become a project manager within renewable energy.
Types of projects
The renewable energy industry can be split into many different sectors and departments with a variety of different projects taking place simultaneously. This means that the requirements of the project manager can vary greatly! Within renewable energy, the different industries could include solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, bio, hydro, tidal, and wave.
Where to start
Education
It can be daunting when picking your degree without a set career in mind. Thankfully, if you want to become a Project Manager within renewable energy, there is a lot of flexibility. Starting with a strong foundation in engineering, particularly electrical, mechanical, or civil, is ideal. However, there are various phases within renewable energy projects, each requiring specialised project management. Front-end roles focus on site selection, permitting, and community engagement. Middle-end roles involve construction, procurement, and engineering. Back-end roles concentrate on operations, maintenance, finance, and grid integration. Other relevant degrees might therefore be Environmental Science, Law, Business Administration, Ecology, Operations Management and many more. It also won’t go amiss if you have an additional masters in a relevant degree.
Certifications
There are also many beneficial certifications you can get that will boost your CV and make you stand out amongst the crowd. For example:
Project Management Professional (PMP): A globally recognised certification for project managers. PMI is the globally recognised authority on project management, and their PMP certification is highly respected by employers worldwide.
Certified Energy Manager (CEM): A certification that validates expertise in energy management. To obtain a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) certification, you need to meet the specific eligibility requirements set by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).
HSE Qualification: Renewable Energy projects can encounter many dangers, therefore making this qualification invaluable for site-based project management. NEBOSH is a reputable company to get this qualification from.
Renewable Energy Certifications: Certifications specific to solar, wind, hydro, or other renewable energy technologies.
PRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner certification are also highly regarded for project management.
Skillset
From working with reputable clients globally within renewable energy, we have compiled a list of important skills you will need to become a project manager within the industry. Beyond the technical side, strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential. You'll need to work effectively with diverse teams, from engineers to executives.
Problem-solving and decision-making abilities are crucial for navigating the challenges and uncertainties inherent in renewable energy projects. A knack for planning and organisation, coupled with proficiency in project management tools, will help you keep projects on track. Additionally, a solid understanding of health, safety, and environmental regulations is crucial, as renewable energy projects often involve significant environmental impact assessments and compliance requirements.
Experience
Whether you are new to the career world or have been working 20+ years, you will understand the importance of having experience. To thrive as a project manager in renewable energy, you'll need a mix of practical experience and technical know-how. Having a solid understanding of project fundamentals like cost, risk, health and safety, and schedule management is key. Real-world experience within the industry, especially in renewable energy, gives you a significant advantage.
