Renewable Energy Systems Major

Total units 48 Units

Areas of interest Environmental Studies, Engineering, Renewable Energy, Climate, Sustainable Engineering
Major code RENE-MAJ

Academic career Undergraduate
Academic Contact Prof Klaus Weber

The Energy and Renewable Energy Systems Major brings together a diverse range of engineering disciplines to achieve a common goal: the delivery of affordable, sustainable, decarbonized energy services to society.

The Major builds on a solid foundation of mechanical and electrical engineering knowledge. It recognises that solar photovoltaics and wind energy now comprise three quarters of net new global generation capacity additions (99% in Australia) because they are cheap and getting cheaper. Electrification of transport, heating and industry will more than double electricity demand.

Students gain technical knowledge of solar and wind power, electricity transmission and distribution, energy storage, and hydrogen generation and use. Environmental, social, resource, material and financial constraints are considered.

The Major gives students a broad context of the available energy resources and energy technologies. Students develop the analytical skills that permit them to select the most appropriate technology, or to combine several of them to meet an energy demand with high performance and low cost.

Graduates are able to critically analyse and design affordable and sustainable energy systems, and combine them as required to provide energy solutions. Graduates may pursue further specialisation in other energy technologies, based on the foundations gained through this major. A subset of courses is offered as a flexible minor.

Learning Outcomes

apply wind and solar energy resource mapping and modelling methods to design wind and solar farms.
evaluate solutions to engineering problems in the design and integration of renewable energy and energy storage into the electricity grid by selecting and applying theoretical principles and methods from mathematics, physics, electrical, electronic and control engineering.
demonstrate proficiency with advanced knowledge and tools in the field of renewable energy engineering, including knowledge of power systems and embedded systems, and tools for wind and solar energy mapping.
identify and compare current developments and emerging trends in the design, integration, and operation of renewable and distributed energy generation, as well as renewables-based industrial processes and transport.
use disciplinary knowledge and effective communication skills to critically appraise self and others' engineering designs and solutions.
undertake critical reflection and independent research in the field of renewable energy engineering.
work effectively within teams, demonstrating autonomy, professional conduct, well developed judgement, adaptability and responsibility to achieve engineering outcomes at a high standard.