Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Management

Specialists in renewable energy systems and energy management have a diverse range of stimulating career opportunities. As the proportion of our energy generated via renewables increases, there is high demand in the industry for qualified experts to plan and design new systems.
The cost of energy is continuously on the rise, calling for economical use and management of the resources available. Energy supply companies and the manufacturing industry will need experts who can help them optimise their current energy use and increase efficiency across the board.

Fields of work for graduates of this degree course include:

• Project management for renewable energy plant construction (wind, solar, biogas)
• Energy grid operation
• Energy consultancy in the manufacturing and supply industries
• Grid planning in independent engineering firms
• Operation and maintenance of renewable energy systems and plants, such as offshore wind farms 
• Technical sales for companies that construct renewable energy systems

The first two semesters are taken up with foundational modules in subjects such as maths, physics, electrical engineering and electronics, alongside a systematic grounding in basic programming. These modules use the award-winning innovative teaching concept referenced above.

During this first year, students additionally take introductory classes in renewable energies and renewable energy engineering and in the fundamentals of project management and good academic and scientific practice.

In the course’s third and fourth semesters, we teach more in-depth principles of electronic circuits and principles and procedures from digital and control engineering. We prepare the ground for our students to gain a comprehensive understanding of energy engineering systems by offering modules on signals and systems, numerical concepts and probability, and hardware and software architectures for distributed systems.

Students build systematically on this knowledge by additionally exploring principles and procedures from digital and control technologies and control systems. As early as their second year, they are able to work in teams on issues around renewable energy and systems during integrative projects.

In their fifth semester, students complete a 20-week industrial internship, during which they learn how to apply their knowledge and skills in the real-life workplace. A Bachelor’s project, which takes place alongside the internship, presents them with the opportunity to expand their project management toolkit.

The sixth semester offers advanced modules in efficiency of buildings, drives and power electronics, the distribution of electrical energy, information and communications technologies for energy supply grids, energy logistics, and business administration for the energy sector, covering all key aspects of energy distribution, use and efficiency in today’s world. As well as providing a solid theoretical grounding, we ensure our students gain plenty of practical experience at computers or in the lab.

The course’s seventh and final semester will see you working on your Bachelor thesis in one of our department’s five labs, in an external institution, or at a company. You’ll also enhance your specialist knowledge in two required elective modules and hone your project and presentation skills via a required elective project.

If you‘re passionate about the world of technology and engineering, enjoy physics and maths, and if programming is your idea of fun, you’re in an optimum position to forge a successful career as an engineer in this speciality.

The ability to tackle and solve complex problems, creativity, a rational mindset, and a willingness to focus on fulfilling your potential will help you achieve success on this degree course.

Interested – but not quite sure yet whether this is the right course for you? Our self-assessment test can help you make up your mind. Take it here: HAW Navigator.