Over the last two decades, research and investment in sustainable energy have increased dramatically. Wind power, meanwhile, has become one of the fastest growing sources of electricity generation in the world.
Wind and solar energy are the two largest sources of renewable energy available and careers in this sector are growing as the world seeks alternative sources of energy in the face of climate change. Wind energy sources can be divided into onshore and offshore: Offshore wind farms are larger, involving more investment and time to develop, but also generate much more power. Roles and careers are varied, moving from the initial development of a project through to its eventual decommissioning. Mainly, people will work in planning and overseeing the installation, improvement, and operation of an offshore wind farm.
The sector in wind energy that is likely to produce the majority of new jobs is manufacturing/installation/operation, but it tends to employ engineers mostly, as manufacturing engineers, plant managers and quality assurance personnel. However, these companies also specialise in wind energy analysis, design, testing and management. People with degrees in computer science, aerodynamics, atmospheric science or mathematics are likely to find positions in this industry. Since wind energy is an international industry, many of these positions may require travel.
The wind industry also offers opportunities in the service sector, for field technicians, installation technicians and operational maintenance experts. These jobs require a range of education and experience, in science or other fields. One area in particular, that requires scientific expertise is the environmental assessment of the proposed site for the location of the turbines which is studied to determine whether drinking water, plants or animals would be affected by a new wind-power facility. A bachelor degree in biology or environmental science would be a requirement for this job. Some of these positions also require extensive professional experience in the field concerned.
However, probably the most important kind of assessment work is resource assessment. Wind-resource assessors characterise the wind resource at a particular site, analysing wind patterns, predicting how much energy a wind farm at that location would be likely to produce, and providing technical information to support site-choice decisions. Such data is important to another group, the utilities and grid operation managers. Consequently, people in meteorology could also find a career in wind energy.
Schooling & School Subjects
Various careers with different requirements. For engineering or a scientific career, a NSC meeting requirements for a degree or diploma course.
This field makes use of electrical, mechanical and computer engineers, MBAs, meteorologists, environmentalists, plant managers, marketing managers etc.
An internship with a wind company is probably the best way to enter the field.
South African Wind Energy Association
RE Hub 53 Dudley Road
Corner Bolton Avenue
Parkwood Gauteng 2193
Tel: (011) 214-0664
https://sawea.org.za/
South African Wind Energy Association
Gordon’s Bay, 7800
Tel: 072 479 4215
www.greenwind.co.za
Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa (SESSA)
P O Box 868
Ferndale, 2160
Tel: (010) 286-1332
www.sessa.org.za
Sofar Ocean Spotter
Pier 50, Shed B, Bulkhead Office
San Francisco, CA 94158
https://www.sofarocean.com/
Read up on exciting new opportunities for offshore wind farming, here. Sofar Ocean Spotter and its connected sensor platform Smart Mooring allows offshore wind farms to be established without disrupting critical marine ecosystems.
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