Green EnergyEnergy that fits in with the ecosystem

Renewable/Alternative Energy Majors?

I’m trying to decide on a major and all I know is I want to someday contribute what I can to the development of clean energy. I’m told that physics is a useful degree for that sort of career. Anyone know if Engineering Physics or just a solid Physics degree are good choices? Is one better? Are there other majors that would help more?

I did a physics degree followed by a physics masters with solar power research. My mate did the same, except that his masters project in supercapacitors for energy storage.

He now has a job with Centrica doing in house IT and may well end up working on smart grid renewable stuff. I would have been able to go into solar research or get a job with a power company pretty easily according to people in my research group but I decided to go do climate science instead.

A physics degree is a way in, but you’re more likely to end up either in R&D or working with IT and the likes with a physics degree. Electronic engineers are more likely to be involved in the design of power stations and so on, although both should be adequately qualified for a renewables job!

Tbh, most majors can get involved in renewable energy; the companies need salespeople, IT technicians etc as well. Physics, chemistry and engineering are probably your best bet for real involvement with the tech.

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