Renewable Energy Projects from Coursera

Understanding renewable energy technologies is important, but equally important is knowing how to effectively deploy these technologies to provide renewable energy to end-users – the topic of this course. Upon completion of the course, you will understand the development and management of renewable energy projects, large and small, from conception to launch and subsequent operation.

This course will teach you to plan, execute, and operate renewable energy projects such as solar PV plants, wind farms, and geothermal generators. We first describe how to develop a renewable energy feasibility study and make go-no-go project decisions. We then examine project site selection and evaluation of renewable technology alternatives and technology vendors. Next, we review methods for financing and organizing renewable energy projects. The course concludes with an examinations of project construction, operations and maintenance, repowering, and plant decommissioning. These capabilities will round out your understanding of renewable energy uses and deployment – come join us!

Note that this course is the third in a four-course Coursera specialization in Renewable Energy:

1. Renewable Energy Technology Fundamentals

2. Renewable Power Systems

3. Renewable Energy Projects

4. Renewable Energy Futures

What's inside

Syllabus

Project Planning

This first week’s module examines the important topics of renewable energy project planning and site selection. The first step in developing a renewable energy project is to undertake an initial high-level feasibility study based on project goals and objectives, resource availability, local conditions, and preliminary financial analysis. Based on the results of this analysis, a decision must be made to proceed with the project plan, modify the plan, or abandon the plan in favor of other opportunities (the go-no-go decision). If the decision is made to proceed with a project, the location and site of the project is decided based on anticipated energy resources, regulatory and economic environments, and stakeholder interests. With a positive feasibility report and a site selected, intensive development of a renewable energy project can proceed!

Renewable Energy Project Assessments

The module this week summarizes how we can thoroughly measure a renewable energy resource (solar, wind, hydro…) over time at a chosen project site and to develop energy generation forecasts. Next, we address the needed technologies, equipment, and infrastructure necessary to develop a renewable energy project. With this information, we will be prepared to undertake detailed financial analysis of the developing project in the next module!

Project Financing

In the module for this week, we survey the many ways that renewable energy projects are financed. First, we review basic financial concepts such as including the time value of money (TVM), future and present value, perpetuities and annuities, discount rates, discounted cash flow (DCF), net present value (NPV), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR). We then use these concepts to create project financial profit, loss, and cash flow projections. We conclude with a review of the various ways that renewable energy projects are financed and how renewable energy projects are organized depending on their financial structure. Since (in)appropriate financing can make or break a project, a good understanding of project financing is imperative for renewable energy project developers!

Project Execution

After extensive project data gathering and planning, it is finally time to execute our plan, to construct our renewable energy plant, and to generate renewable energy! Getting to this point has been a long process, but recall that “a failure to plan is planning to fail.” In this module, we describe the steps required to construct a renewable energy plant; commission it to ensure it is operating properly; and then to operate and maintain the plant over its intended lifespan. Finally, at the end of its life, we will need to determine if the plant can be economically “repowered,” or if it should be decommissioned and torn down.

Final Assessment

The last week of Renewable Energy Projects includes a final exam that will allow you to demonstrate your mastery of the content covered in this course. Take some time to study, review any concepts or topics you found challenging, and then take the final exam!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Encompasses planning, execution, and operation of renewable energy projects, equipping learners with a comprehensive understanding of the field

Taught by experienced instructors (Stephen R. Lawrence) in the renewable energy domain, ensuring high-quality instruction

Aligned with industry standards, providing learners with up-to-date knowledge and skills

Provides a practical approach, focusing on the deployment of renewable energy technologies

Exploration of a wide range of renewable energy technologies, including solar PV plants, wind farms, and geothermal generators

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Renewable Energy Projects with these activities:

Organize and review your notes, assignments, and quizzes

Show steps

Organizing and reviewing your materials will help you retain the information covered in the course.

Show steps

Gather all of your course materials.
Sort your materials into logical categories.
Review your materials regularly.

Review 'Renewable Energy: Power for a Sustainable Future' by Twidell & Weir

Show steps

Covering the technical, economic, and social aspects of renewable energy, this book will provide a deeper overall knowledge of the field.

View Renewable Energy Resources on Amazon

Show steps

Read each chapter thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts and definitions.
Summarize the main points of each chapter in your own words.
Identify areas where you need further clarification and research them.

Follow a tutorial on solar PV system design

Show steps

Completing a tutorial will provide you with practical knowledge and skills in designing solar PV systems.

Show steps

Find a reputable tutorial on solar PV system design.
Follow the steps in the tutorial carefully.
Apply what you learn to design a solar PV system for a specific site.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Solve renewable energy project feasibility study problems

Show steps

Working through problems will help you develop the critical thinking skills necessary to make sound decisions in renewable energy project development.

Browse courses on Feasibility Studies

Show steps

Identify the key factors to consider in a feasibility study.
Gather data on resource availability, site conditions, and financial factors.
Analyze the data and make recommendations.

Develop a renewable energy project proposal

Show steps

Writing a proposal will give you hands-on experience in the planning and development of renewable energy projects.

Browse courses on Project Development

Show steps

Identify a potential renewable energy project site.
Gather data on resource availability, site conditions, and financial factors.
Develop a project proposal that outlines the project's goals, objectives, and implementation plan.

Answer questions and provide guidance to other students in the course forum

Show steps

Answering questions and providing guidance to others will help you reinforce your understanding of the course material and improve your communication skills.

Show steps

Monitor the course forum for questions and requests for assistance.
Provide thoughtful and helpful responses to other students.
Share your own insights and experiences to help others learn.

Create an infographic on the benefits of renewable energy

Show steps

Creating an infographic will help you synthesize and communicate the key advantages of renewable energy in a clear and concise manner.

Browse courses on Environmental Sustainability

Show steps

Research the benefits of renewable energy.
Identify the key points you want to communicate.
Design and create your infographic.

Career center

Learners who complete Renewable Energy Projects will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Renewable Energy Engineer

As a Renewable Energy Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and managing renewable energy systems. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy technologies, project development, and management. This course will also help you develop the technical skills you need to design and build renewable energy systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Engineer

Project Manager

As a Project Manager, you will be responsible for planning, executing, and managing renewable energy projects. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy technologies, project development, and management. This course will also help you develop the project management skills you need to deliver projects on time and within budget.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Solar Installer

As a Solar Installer, you will be responsible for installing and maintaining solar panels and other renewable energy systems. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy technologies, project development, and management. This course will also help you develop the technical skills you need to install and maintain renewable energy systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Installer

Wind Turbine Technician

As a Wind Turbine Technician, you will be responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing wind turbines. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy technologies, project development, and management. This course will also help you develop the technical skills you need to install and maintain wind turbines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wind Turbine Technician

Hydropower Technician

As a Hydropower Technician, you will be responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing hydropower systems. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy technologies, project development, and management. This course will also help you develop the technical skills you need to install and maintain hydropower systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hydropower Technician

Energy Analyst

As an Energy Analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing energy use, costs, and trends. You will also develop and implement strategies to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy technologies, project development, and management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Analyst

Energy Auditor

As an Energy Auditor, you will be responsible for assessing the energy use of buildings and facilities and recommending ways to improve energy efficiency. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy technologies, project development, and management. This course will also help you develop the technical skills you need to conduct energy audits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Auditor

Geothermal Technician

As a Geothermal Technician, you will be responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing geothermal systems. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy technologies, project development, and management. This course will also help you develop the technical skills you need to install and maintain geothermal systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geothermal Technician

Sustainability Manager

As a Sustainability Manager, you will be responsible for developing and implementing sustainability initiatives for businesses and organizations. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy technologies, project development, and management. This course will also help you understand the business case for sustainability.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Energy Storage Specialist

As an Energy Storage Specialist, you will be responsible for developing and implementing energy storage solutions for businesses and organizations. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy technologies, project development, and management. This course will also help you understand the business case for energy storage.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Storage Specialist

Environmental Consultant

As an Environmental Consultant, you will help businesses and organizations comply with environmental regulations and improve their environmental performance. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy technologies, project development, and management. This course will also help you understand the environmental impacts of different energy sources.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant

Policy Analyst

As a Policy Analyst, you will research, analyze, and develop policies that affect the energy sector. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy technologies, project development, and management. This course will also help you understand the political and economic landscape of the energy sector.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Energy Economist

As an Energy Economist, you will be responsible for analyzing the economic impacts of energy policies and technologies. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy technologies, project development, and management. This course will also help you understand the economic principles that govern the energy sector.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Economist

Energy Policy Analyst

As an Energy Policy Analyst, you will be responsible for researching, analyzing, and developing energy policies. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy technologies, project development, and management. This course will also help you understand the political and economic landscape of the energy sector.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Policy Analyst

Nuclear Engineer

As a Nuclear Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and operating nuclear power plants. This course may be useful to you in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy technologies, project development, and management. However, this course will not provide you with the technical skills you need to design and operate nuclear power plants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Engineer