To become a renewable energy engineer in Ireland, you’ll typically need a degree in engineering, a strong interest in sustainability, and relevant industry certifications. Practical experience, continual upskilling, and awareness of Ireland’s ambitious climate goals will also significantly improve your job prospects.
With that in mind, let’s look at how you can begin a career as a renewable energy engineer in Ireland.
How to Become a Renewable Energy Engineer
Understanding the Renewable Energy Engineer Industry
Renewable energy engineers play a vital role in Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy. They are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining technologies that harness energy from natural sources like wind, solar, and tidal power. As Ireland commits to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and continues to phase out fossil fuels, the need for skilled professionals in the renewable energy sector has never been greater.
The Irish government’s Climate Action Plan has set out clear targets to boost green electricity to 80% by 2030. This strategic shift has accelerated the growth of wind energy jobs in Ireland, alongside solar energy careers and other sustainable energy roles. As a result, career opportunities in climate change engineering and energy transition jobs are increasing across the country.
Core Responsibilities of a Renewable Energy Engineer
Renewable energy engineers often work on multi-disciplinary teams and their projects span both urban and rural Ireland. Their day-to-day responsibilities may include:
- Project Design and Planning: Creating energy-efficient systems for residential, industrial, and commercial needs.
- Technical Analysis: Assessing site feasibility studies for wind turbines, solar panels, or hydroelectric plants.
- Energy Modelling: Using software tools to simulate energy outputs and systems performance.
- Compliance and Regulation: Ensuring all projects follow Irish and EU regulations relating to sustainability and safety.
- Installation and Maintenance: Overseeing and optimising the installation of renewable systems.
- Research and Development: Incorporating the latest clean tech innovations into Irish energy infrastructure.
- Stakeholder Communication: Liaising with government agencies, local authorities, and communities during project deployment.
Essential Soft Skills
Beyond technical expertise, renewable energy engineers in Ireland need a number of soft skills to collaborate effectively and innovate within a fast-changing sector:
- Analytical Thinking: Ability to assess complex data sets and translate them into actionable project solutions.
- Problem-Solving: Developing creative and reliable systems tailored to diverse ecological and geographical landscapes.
- Communication: Explaining technical processes to non-engineers, including farmers, local councils, and stakeholders.
- Teamwork: Coordination with tradespeople, government officials, and environmental scientists.
- Adaptability: Staying updated with innovations and changing energy regulations in Ireland and the EU.
- Project Management: Balancing budgets, timelines, and environmental considerations across multiple sites.
Steps to Becoming a Renewable Energy Engineer in Ireland
Step 1: Earn a Relevant Degree
Start with a Level 8 honours degree in engineering – particularly in mechanical, electrical, environmental, or energy engineering. Universities and Institutes of Technology in Ireland offer specialisations that focus on sustainable technologies.
Step 2: Gain Work Experience
Internships or graduate programmes with energy companies, engineering consultancies or utilities providers are a great way to gain hands-on experience. Many organisations in Ireland taking part in the Green Economy offer early-career placements.
Step 3: Obtain Industry Certifications
Certifications from Irish bodies like QQI or those run under the National Framework of Qualifications help validate your knowledge in areas like health and safety, environmental regulation, and green energy technologies.
Step 4: Develop Specialisations
Focus on a specific energy form such as wind, solar or bioenergy, depending on your interests and regional demands. For example, those based in the west of Ireland might align their career with wind energy jobs due to strong onshore wind development in Connacht and Munster.
Step 5: Stay Informed and Upskill
Attend renewable energy conferences in Ireland, complete continuous professional development (CPD) courses, and remain alert to changes in Irish and EU energy policy. Joining professional bodies such as Engineers Ireland can support your learning and networking.
Salaries and Career Growth
Due to the pace of the renewable energy sector growth in Ireland, salaries for engineers in this space are steadily increasing, with strong job security and progression. Here’s a general guide:
- Entry Level: €35,000 – €45,000 per year
- Mid-Level: €50,000 – €70,000 per year
- Senior Level: €75,000 – €95,000+ per year
Some experienced engineers move into consultancy, project management or policy advisory roles. Others choose to specialise further in offshore wind, battery storage solutions, or clean tech innovation. There are also emerging opportunities with local authorities and NGOs focused on community-led energy initiatives across Ireland.
Courses and Certifications
While a degree lays the foundation, certified training enhances your employability. Look out for courses recognised by QQI or those run through SOLAS-approved training centres. Specialised training in solar photovoltaic systems, wind turbine maintenance, or sustainable energy systems can make you a more competitive candidate.
Certifications might include:
- Professional Engineering Certification (Level 8/9)
- Sustainable Energy Technology (QQI Level 6/7)
- Health and Safety for Renewable Installations (SOLAS Certification)
- Environmental Management Systems (ISO Compliance Training)
If you would like to find out more about certification and the courses available to you, just get in touch or complete the form below.
