Renewable Energy Training: Get Ahead of the Curve
The world is currently facing a crossroads when it comes to addressing climate change. With the increasing demand for energy, it has become necessary to shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. The renewable energy industry is growing rapidly, with 176GW of renewable energy capacity added in 2019, a 72% increase from the previous year, according to the International Energy Agency. As more countries seek to reduce their carbon footprint and meet their energy demands, the industry is expected to continue its upward trajectory. Therefore, taking renewable energy training courses is vital to stay ahead of the curve.
What is Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy refers to energy generated from replenishable sources like sun, wind, rain, geothermal heat, and tides. The objective of renewable energy is to reduce the carbon footprint that has arisen from energy production using fossil fuels. Fossil fuel use has resulted in greenhouse gas emissions, which, in turn, have contributed to global warming. To limit global warming to below two degrees Celsius, a goal set by the United Nations, it has become essential to transition to renewable energy production.
Prospects of Renewable Energy
The abundance of renewable energy sources like sun and wind, which are widely available in almost every location, makes renewable energy accessible and sustainable. Additionally, renewable energy sources do not emit greenhouse gases, making them environmentally friendly and contributing to the efforts to reduce carbon footprint.
Renewable Energy Training
Renewable energy training refers to teaching the latest technology, equipment, and practices that ensure that installations of renewable energy systems are efficient and safe. Renewable energy training develops skills to design, install, maintain and troubleshoot renewable energy systems. Those who complete renewable energy training courses receive certification recognized globally by employers. Moreover, hands-on experience is provided, which makes the learners more competitive when they apply for jobs.
Types of Renewable Energy Training
Renewable energy training courses are classified into different areas:
- Solar Training: This area focuses on solar energy production, which covers system design, sizing, different types of solar panel installations, electrical wiring, and safety regulations.
- Wind Training: This area focuses on wind energy production, which covers wind resource assessment, site selection, installation procedures, and wind turbines.
- Geothermal Training: This area focuses on geothermal energy production and covers geothermal systems, types of geothermal drilling methods, and environmental monitoring.
- Hydropower Training: This area is concerned with producing energy from flowing water and covers hydropower generators, hydromechanical and electrical systems, and safety aspects of hydropower generation.
- Biomass Training: This area is concerned with producing energy from organic materials and covers converting organic materials like wood waste into energy, maintenance of different types of systems, and ways of producing energy from biomass.
Why Get Renewable Energy Training?
Renewable energy projects require skilled professionals for their design and installation. Renewable energy training courses prepare professionals to meet the increasing demand for renewable energy installations. Renewable energy jobs are becoming more common, providing job security for those who get trained in the field. Training in renewable energy improves employability and the ability to earn a higher salary. With renewable energy still in its infancy state and a shortage of skilled people, there is high demand in the industry for experts. Renewable energy training is not only for professionals in the renewable energy industry, but also for anyone interested in renewable energy, as the demand for renewable energy has created job opportunities in various industries, including construction, engineering, and architecture. Individuals with renewable energy training can find employment in any sector that uses renewable energy.
Renewable Energy Training Institutes
Renewable energy training is offered globally by a range of institutions, including colleges, universities, third-party training providers, and government training providers. The modules vary in duration from short courses to comprehensive programs that can take several months. The cost of training varies depending on the course and the provider. Some institutions offer online training, which makes it possible for learners from different parts of the world to access training without having to travel.
Renewable Energy Institutes include:
- National Renewable Energy Laboratories (NREL): Provides training on solar energy, wind energy, and energy storage. The institute offers classroom instruction and hands-on training at its research facilities.
- Renewable Energy Institute (REI): The institute provides comprehensive training in renewable energy technology, systems design, and installation. REI’s training programs cover new technology, regulatory compliance, and safety standards.
- Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA): Provides renewable energy training to professionals and homeowners through online and on-site training in solar energy, wind energy, and energy efficiency. MREA’s training courses cover practical skills that are essential for setting up and managing renewable energy systems.
Renewable Energy Industry Trends
As the world shifts its attention to renewable energy resources, here are some industry trends expected in the future:
- Growth in Renewable Energy Investments: More countries and organizations will invest significantly in renewable energy as they try to reduce their carbon footprint.
- Expansion in the Use of Energy Storage Technology: Energy storage technology ensures that renewable energy sources are available when needed, improving the reliability of renewable energy systems.
- Increased Use of Artificial Intelligence: Artificial Intelligence can optimize renewable energy systems by reducing energy wastage and improving efficiency.
- Scaling up of Renewable Energy Technologies: The development of renewable energy technologies will continue, resulting in more efficient and cost-effective renewables installations.
Renewable Energy Training – A Comprehensive and Rewarding Investment
Renewable energy training is useful for professionals seeking to enter the renewable energy industry and anyone interested in renewable energy. It provides learners with the necessary skills to design, install, and maintain renewable energy installations. The demand for renewable energy professionals is high, which makes renewable energy training a smart investment. A sustainable future is achievable, and renewable energy training is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to this future.
References:
- https://www.iea.org/reports/renewable-capacity-highlights-2020
- https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/climate-change/
- https://www.irena.org/what-we-do/areas-of-work/education-and-training/rethinking-skills-in-the-renewable-energy-transition
- https://www.nrel.gov/
- https://www.renewable-energy-institute.org/
- https://www.midwestrenew.org/