How Chemical Engineers Can Become Renewable Energy Engineers

Chemical engineers can become renewable energy engineers by building on the process, materials, and systems skills they already have, then closing specific gaps in areas such as power systems, project development and renewables regulation. Most people make the move through a mix of targeted courses, professional registration (such as Chartered Engineer status) and a tailored CV, often starting in roles in battery storage, carbon capture, hydrogen, bioenergy, solar or wind.

Why Chemical Engineers Are In Demand for Renewable Energy Careers

With the renewables space experiencing a talent shortage, companies within the industry are increasingly looking at ways of sourcing the people they need to support their renewable energy projects. One of the approaches many businesses are starting to take is finding candidates with transferable skills, many of which can be found in chemical engineering jobs. As the world continues to progress towards a sustainable future, the role of chemical engineers has become increasingly pivotal.  

In this guide, we’ll explore the ways in which chemical engineers can and are supporting innovations in renewable energy and how you can transition from chemical engineering jobs into renewable energy engineering jobs.

We’ll cover:

• What a renewable energy engineer does
• Whether chemical engineers can work in renewable energy, and where they fit best
• The skills, qualifications, and certifications that help
• How to transition into renewable energy, step-by-step
• Renewable energy job outlook
• The best renewable energy job paths

What Does a Renewable Energy Engineer Do?

A renewable energy engineer is an engineer who designs, develops, tests, and improves systems that generate, store or convert energy from natural, sustainable sources such as sun, wind, water, and organic matter.

Chemical engineering jobs and renewable energy engineering jobs go hand in hand. Renewable engineers contribute to the production of energy derived from natural, sustainable sources. With renewables a focal point in discussions on global sustainability, these engineers are at the forefront of creating innovative methods to utilise alternative energy and support the world’s efforts towards a sustainable future.

Whether it's battery storage, biofuels, wind, hydro or solar power, a chemical engineer can seamlessly transition into a renewables role and focus on discovering efficient, clean, and innovative ways to extract energy from these resources.

The responsibilities of renewable engineering jobs vary depending on the specific source of energy they contribute to. What remains the same across all roles is that the duties are critical to the sustainable development of energy solutions. If you're working as a chemical engineer in the energy sector or an alternative field, you may find these responsibilities similar to your current role.

The typical responsibilities of a renewable energy engineer include:

• Designing and testing machinery: creating and testing machinery that can efficiently harness energy from renewable sources.
• Enhancing existing processes: continuous improvement is crucial for developing renewable energy technologies, and engineers work on refining and optimising existing processes and ideas to maximise energy output.
• Converting alternate forms of energy: replacing non-renewable energy sources with cleaner alternatives, reducing fossil fuel use, carbon emissions and greenhouse gases.
• Researching new ways to generate energy: staying at the forefront of cutting-edge innovation and researching new methods of renewable energy generation that are both effective and environmentally friendly.
• Minimising environmental damage: finding ways to reduce the environmental impact of renewable energy production, ensuring sustainable practices.
• Location decision-making for projects: helping determine optimal locations for energy generation, such as selecting suitable sites for wind and solar farms.
• Equipment design: developing the equipment necessary for efficient energy extraction from renewable sources.
• Site inspections: conducting comprehensive site inspections to facilitate the installation of renewable technologies.
• Researching cost-effectiveness: identifying the most cost-effective processes and technologies for sustainable energy production.
• Legislation and environmental standards: staying informed and compliant with legislative and environmental standards so energy systems align with regulatory requirements.

As a renewable energy engineer, the overarching goal is to produce clean and easily accessible energy. In the face of global net-zero targets and the continued shift away from non-renewable energy sources, these engineers are actively contributing to a future where energy production is efficient and environmentally responsible.

Can Chemical Engineers Work in Renewable Energy?

Yes. Chemical engineers work across the renewables sector, particularly in battery energy storage, carbon capture, hydrogen, bioenergy and solar, where chemistry, materials, and process design are central to the technology.

Seasoned chemical engineers and those looking to kickstart their careers by applying for chemical engineering jobs can contribute to the transition to renewable energy. Leveraging their interdisciplinary expertise through a combination of chemistry, physics, and engineering principles, they can contribute significantly to various innovations in clean energy production, conversion, and storage.

Chemical engineers' knowledge covers the full spectrum of the renewables industry, including battery energy storage, bioenergy, carbon capture, hydropower, solar energy, and wind energy. Here are the specialisms where chemical engineering talent can make the biggest difference.

Battery energy storage

Chemical engineers have made pivotal contributions to high-performance battery technology, addressing the intermittent nature of renewable sources. Applying their expertise in electrochemistry and materials science, professionals within this space can optimise the performance, lifespan, and safety of batteries used in renewable energy applications. These advancements are fundamental in establishing reliable energy storage systems, contributing to a more stable energy grid.

As renewable energy sources come intermittently, effective energy storage technologies are imperative to capturing the energy when it's generated - ensuring no power is wasted. Chemical engineers have made significant strides in this domain, contributing to the performance of lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors and fuel cells, to name a few.

Carbon capture and storage

Tackling greenhouse gas emissions is paramount for sustainable energy solutions. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a set of technologies that capture carbon dioxide from industrial processes or power generation and permanently store it, preventing it from entering the atmosphere. Chemical engineers actively contribute to the development of CCS technologies.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), if carbon emissions fall to zero by 2070, carbon capture and storage technologies will account for around 15% of this reduction. By applying their knowledge of separation processes and fluid dynamics, chemical engineers can help design efficient CCS systems, playing a crucial role in reducing the impact of emissions on the planet and reaching global net-zero targets.

Hydrogen

Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced by splitting water using electricity from renewable sources, rather than from fossil fuels. It’s one of the areas where chemical engineering experience translates most directly; electrolysis, gas handling, process safety and scale-up all draw on skills chemical engineers use every day. Hydrogen projects also need engineers who understand how to integrate production, storage, and transport into wider energy systems.

Solar energy

In solar energy, chemical engineers can be instrumental in refining the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) cells, arguably the backbone of renewable power. Through research and innovation, they can devise advanced materials and coatings to enhance sunlight absorption and improve solar energy conversion into electricity.

These breakthroughs can boost efficiencies and make solar panels more affordable and available, fostering wider adoption by businesses and individual households.

Bioenergy

Bioenergy is energy produced from organic material such as biomass, biofuels and biogas. An essential aspect of bioenergy innovation is anaerobic digestion, which converts waste biomass into valuable renewable energy. Chemical engineers contribute by developing processes that efficiently extract energy from organic waste while minimising the environmental impact and the release of carbon emissions.

Chemical engineers are pivotal for advancing biofuel production. For example, they can employ techniques that utilise enzymes and genetically modified crops to enhance the efficiency of biofuel extraction, making it a more viable and sustainable option for transportation.

Hydropower

Chemical engineers can also help shape the future of hydropower and clean fuel production. They can be essential for designing and optimising the efficiency of hydropower generation, using their expertise in fluid dynamics, materials science, and process optimisation to support the designs of turbines and systems within hydropower plants.

Their ultimate objective is to find a balance between electricity generation efficiency and environmental sustainability, ensuring hydropower remains a reliable and eco-friendly renewable energy source.

Wind energy

As a crucial pillar of renewable energy, wind power benefits from chemical engineering input on sustainability and efficiency. Their contributions extend beyond the visible blades, encompassing material properties, aerodynamics and lubrication systems.

Chemical engineers can create surface treatments to reduce drag and enhance the performance of turbines. Through their expertise in fluid dynamics, they can contribute to designing blades with improved aerodynamics, resulting in higher energy capture.

Ultimately, chemical engineers have the potential to help advance renewable energy innovations, address challenges, and drive the transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. Talent in or looking to apply for chemical engineering jobs can contribute to these clean energy innovations and support the global fight to combat climate change and reach net-zero targets by transitioning into the role of a renewable energy engineer.

What Skills Do You Need to Become a Renewable Energy Engineer?

Renewable energy engineers need a mix of technical engineering skills (data analysis, design software, knowledge of energy systems), commercial awareness and soft skills such as problem-solving, project management and communication. Many of these are already part of the chemical engineering toolkit.

The core skills and traits employers look for include:

• A passion for innovating the renewable energy space
• The capacity to comprehend and analyse complex data
• Knowledge of environmental and renewable energy regulations and relevant legislation
• A mechanical, electrical, civil, environmental or chemical engineering degree
• Commercial understanding of the financial aspects of renewable energy projects
• Ability to utilise 3D software such as AutoCAD
• Project management skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of relevant legislation
• Interpersonal communication skills

Transferable skills from chemical engineering

If you already work in chemical engineering, you may be closer to a role in renewables than you think. Skills that typically transfer include:

• Process design and optimisation: the same thinking applies to electrolysers, biogas plants, carbon capture units and battery manufacturing.
• Thermodynamics and heat and mass transfer: essential for energy conversion, storage, and efficiency.
• Fluid dynamics and separation processes: directly relevant to carbon capture, hydropower, and bioenergy.
• Materials and electrochemistry knowledge: the foundation of battery, fuel cell, and solar PV development.
• Process safety and risk management: increasingly valued in hydrogen, battery storage and carbon capture projects.
• Data analysis and modelling: used to optimise yield, efficiency and cost.

Gaps to close before you make the move

Chemical engineers moving into renewables most often need to build knowledge in:

• Power systems and grid integration: how generation and storage connect to the grid.
• Electrical engineering fundamentals: particularly for solar, wind, and battery storage roles.
• Renewable project development: permitting, site selection, financing, and how projects move from feasibility to operation.
• Renewables policy and regulation: the standards and incentives that shape project economics in your region.
• Technology-specific knowledge: for example, PV system design, wind resource assessment or electrolyser operation.

Identifying which of these gaps matter most for your target technology will help you choose the right courses and projects.

What Qualifications and Certifications Help?

A degree in chemical, mechanical, electrical, civil or environmental engineering is the standard entry point. Professional registration and a specialist renewables course can then strengthen your application.

• Engineering degree: an engineering degree aligned with energy, such as chemical, electrical, or mechanical engineering, is a good starting point.
• Specialist courses: environmental engineering or renewable and sustainable energy courses help bolster your knowledge. Courses endorsed by professional bodies such as the Energy Institute are well-regarded by employers.
• Professional registration: the Engineering Council offers Engineering Technician (EngTech), Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, which can improve career prospects and offer international recognition. Chemical engineers may also pursue chartership through their professional institution.

How to Transition into Renewable Energy Engineering

To move from chemical engineering into renewable energy, identify your target technology, close your skills gaps, gain relevant experience, tailor your CV and get professionally registered.

Becoming a renewable energy engineer requires a strategic blend of academic achievements, practical exposure, and a commitment to staying informed about industry developments. For those with or pursuing a background in chemical engineering who are eager to support the energy transition, here are the key steps for embarking on this fulfilling career path:

• Earn your degree: for aspiring chemical engineers wanting to focus their efforts on pursuing a renewable energy career, a degree matched to the renewables sector is an excellent first step. Electrical, mechanical, or chemical engineering degrees all qualify.
• Choose your path: battery storage, hydrogen, carbon capture, solar, wind, hydropower, or bioenergy. Each uses different parts of your background. Picking one focuses your learning and job search.
• Enrol in specialist courses: if you already have chemical engineering experience and transferable skills, environmental engineering or renewable and sustainable energy courses can help you upskill and prepare for a renewables job.
• Apply for work placements: pursue placements during your degree or while completing relevant courses. Explore internships, placement years, or engagement with organisations like Student Energy and the Energy Institute to build practical experience and professional networks in the industry.
• Tailor your CV: develop a CV that highlights your skills, education and chemical engineering experience. Include a personal statement explaining your suitability for renewable energy engineering and the transferable skills you’ve gained in your current or previous roles.
• Get registered: if you haven’t already, consider registering with the Engineering Council for professional recognition (EngTech, IEng, or CEng)
• Work with a specialist recruiter: a recruiter focused on renewable energy can advise which employers and roles are the best match for your background.

Job Outlook for Renewable Energy Engineers

Globally, renewable energy employment reached at least 16.6 million jobs in 2024, according to IRENA, with the green transition expected to create 14.4 million jobs by 2030 and an additional 9.6 million new roles. Solar PV remained the largest employer with more than 7 million jobs, followed by liquid biofuels, hydropower and wind.

The practical takeaway: demand for skilled engineers remains strong, especially for people with transferable skills in energy storage, hydrogen, carbon capture, and grid-connected technologies, but competition is real. Engineers who can show specific, technology-relevant experience stand out. Our renewable whitepaper looks further at the talent gap.

What Are the Best Renewable Energy Job Paths?

Renewable energy engineers typically work for energy developers and utilities, equipment manufacturers, engineering and EPC contractors, consultancies, and technology start-ups. Common job titles and routes for chemical engineers include:

• Process engineer (hydrogen, biofuels, or carbon capture): designing and optimising production and capture processes.
• Battery or energy storage engineer: working on cell chemistry, system design, safety and performance.
• Project engineer or project manager: taking renewable projects from design through construction and commissioning.
• Process safety engineer: supporting hydrogen, storage, and carbon capture facilities.
• Research and development engineer: working on new materials, coatings, catalysts and storage technologies.
• Environmental or sustainability consultant: advising companies on decarbonisation and compliance.
• Senior engineer or asset manager: with experience, overseeing the performance of operating renewable assets.

You can see the latest openings across alternative and renewable energy jobs and browse live roles on our job search.

Looking for the Latest Renewable Energy Engineering Jobs?

If you want to move from chemical engineering into renewable energy, we can help. As experts in renewable energy recruitment with over two decades of experience supporting candidates around the globe, we are well placed to connect you with the world’s most prominent organisations leading the energy transition.

Register for the latest renewable energy jobs or contact us today to discover how we can support your career aspirations.