Renewable Energy Technology Fundamentals from Coursera

Renewable energy is one of the fastest growing industries on the planet, with billions of dollars invested each year to meet international energy sustainability goals. This course will provide you with a solid foundation for understanding and deploying important renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar. In addition, you will come away with a good understanding of important energy storage technologies such as pumped hydro, batteries, and hydrogen.

Upon completing the course, you will be conversant with the opportunities and challenges of renewable energy technologies. You will be comfortable participating in debates and making decisions regarding these technologies. And the knowledge you gain will be foundational for further study of renewable power systems, renewable energy projects, and forecasts for the future of renewable energy. We hope you will join us on our journey!

This course is the first in a four-course Coursera specialization in Renewable Energy.

• Renewable Energy Technology Fundamentals

• Renewable Power & Electricity Systems

• Renewable Energy Projects

• Renewable Energy Futures

Course logo image credit: "Wind Turbine" icon courtesy of Vectors Point from the Noun Project.

What's inside

Syllabus

Energy Fundamentals

Any understanding of renewable energy requires vocabulary, principles, and tools – that is the objective of this week’s module. We first define “energy.” What is it? Where does it come from? How is it measured? What are its rules? We then turn our attention to electricity and ask similar questions. What is electricity? How is it measured? How can renewable resources be used to generate electricity? Upon completion of this module, you will have a solid grounding in the underlying concepts required to understand the promise and challenges of renewable energy technologies.

Wind Energy

This week we turn to wind energy – currently the most rapidly growing global source of renewable energy. First, we investigate how do winds arise? What are the important characteristics of wind? And how much energy is embodied in wind? We then describe how wind turbines extract energy from wind, and detail the components, performance, and economics of wind turbines. Along the way we pay close attention to rapidly evolving offshore wind technologies and their use.

Solar Energy

Solar radiation is the most abundant source of renewable energy on earth. Given this abundance, how can it be transformed for human use? In this module we investigate several ways to turn sunlight into electricity. We first describe the attributes of solar radiation and the various ways that sunlight is useful for humans. Next, we introduce photovoltaic (PV) technologies, and how they are used to generate abundant electricity. We conclude with an examination of solar PV project applications, planning, and economics.

Other Renewable Energy Technologies

While wind and solar are the fastest growing renewable energy technologies globally, hydroelectric power remains the largest, and other technologies also have long histories. In this final module, we first describe six of these technologies, including hydropower, biomass energy, concentrating solar power, geothermal power, and ocean energy. Since effective and economic energy storage is critically important for the long-term success of renewable energy, we next turn to energy storage technologies, including pumped hydro, batteries, thermal storage, and hydrogen storage, plus several emerging storage technologies. We conclude with forecasts for the success of both renewable energy generating technologies, and renewable energy storage technologies.

Final Assessment

The last week of Renewable Energy Technology Fundamentals 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

Suitable for professionals seeking knowledge and skills applicable to the renewable energy sector

Provides a basis for understanding and implementing renewable energy technologies

Offers a comprehensive foundation in wind and solar energy, including their principles, technologies, and economics

Covers additional renewable energy technologies, such as hydropower, biomass energy, and geothermal power

Includes a focus on energy storage technologies, such as pumped hydro, batteries, and hydrogen storage

Provides insights into the opportunities and challenges of renewable energy technologies

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 Technology Fundamentals with these activities:

Review introductory energy and electricity concepts

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Understanding the basics of energy and electricity are foundational concepts for this course.

Browse courses on Energy

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Define energy and describe its properties
Describe the different forms of energy
Explain the concepts of power and efficiency
Identify different sources of energy

Explore wind energy through online tutorials

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Interactive tutorials provide an engaging way to delve into the intricacies of wind energy.

Browse courses on Wind Energy

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Find reputable sources for wind energy tutorials
Follow tutorials on wind turbine principles and technologies
Explore resources on wind farm development and operation

Join a study group for wind energy discussions

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Engaging with peers through discussions provides diverse perspectives and enhances your understanding of wind energy concepts.

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Identify and join a reputable study group or online forum
Participate actively in discussions and ask insightful questions
Share your knowledge and contribute to the collective learning experience

Four other activities

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Volunteer at a renewable energy organization

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Hands-on experience through volunteering provides invaluable insights and connections within the renewable energy sector.

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Identify and reach out to relevant renewable energy organizations
Discuss volunteer opportunities, roles, and responsibilities
Engage in activities that support the organization's mission
Network with professionals and learn about ongoing projects

Develop a presentation on a solar energy case study

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Creating a presentation allows you to synthesize your knowledge and showcase your understanding of real-world solar energy applications.

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Select a recent and relevant solar energy case study
Research the project's design, implementation, and outcomes
Develop a presentation outline and gather data and visuals
Craft a compelling narrative and design impactful slides

Solve practice problems on energy conversion and storage

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Practice makes perfect! Solving problems reinforces your comprehension of energy conversion and storage mechanisms.

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Identify reliable sources for practice problems
Attempt to solve problems independently, using your knowledge from the course
Compare your solutions with provided answers or consult with experts

Develop a proposal for a renewable energy project

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Creating a project proposal allows you to apply your knowledge and skills to a practical application in the field of renewable energy.

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Define the scope and objectives of your proposed project
Research and identify suitable renewable energy technologies
Develop a detailed plan for project implementation
Estimate project costs and potential benefits

Career center

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

Project Manager (Renewable Energy)

Renewable energy project managers oversee the development and implementation of renewable energy projects. This course would be an excellent asset to help you gain a more in-depth understanding and foundation of renewable energy technologies.

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Renewable Energy Researcher

Renewable energy researchers develop new and innovative renewable energy technologies. This course can help prepare you with the knowledge and understanding of renewable energy to succeed in this field.

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Energy Manager

As an energy manager, you will be leading the charge of developing and implementing energy-saving strategies. Renewable energy understanding is essential in the role, as many companies look to reduce carbon footprint while saving on operational costs.

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Sustainability Specialist

Sustainability specialists work in a variety of industries to promote sustainable practices and policies. An understanding of renewable energy, its opportunities, and challenges would make for a great foundation in the role.

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Wind Turbine Technician

Wind turbine technicians install, maintain, and repair wind turbines. This course can help build a strong foundation for gaining the knowledge necessary to succeed in this role.

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Environmental Consultant

Environmental consultants advise businesses and organizations on environmental issues and help them comply with regulations. As an environmental consultant, a focus on renewable energy would help build a foundation for success in this growing field.

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Solar Engineer

With the rise of emphasis on saving the environment and using renewable energy sources, the demand for solar engineers is on the rise. As a solar engineer, your job will be to design, install, and maintain solar energy systems. Upon completion of this course, you will be able to move into entry-level roles in this growing field.

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Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers design and build electrical systems. Knowledge of renewable energy sources can be helpful in this role, as electrical engineers often work on projects related to renewable energy.

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Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Solar photovoltaic installers design, install, and maintain solar photovoltaic systems. This course may be helpful in understanding the important concepts and technical aspects of solar photovoltaic projects.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental engineers develop solutions to environmental problems. Knowledge of renewable energy sources can be helpful in this role, as environmental engineers often work on projects related to renewable energy.

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Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers design and build machines and other mechanical systems. Knowledge of renewable energy sources can be helpful in this role, as mechanical engineers often work on projects related to renewable energy.

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Hydrologist

Hydrologists study the movement and distribution of water on the Earth's surface and underground. Knowledge of renewable energy can be helpful in this role, as hydrologists often work on projects related to hydropower.

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Civil Engineer

Civil engineers design and build infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. Knowledge of renewable energy sources can be helpful in this role, as civil engineers often work on projects related to renewable energy.

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Geologist

Geologists study the Earth's physical structure and composition. Understanding renewable energy sources, such as geothermal energy, can be helpful in geology.

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Architect

Architects may design and build structures that incorporate renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or geothermal heating and cooling systems. This course can provide a foundation for architects to build upon.

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Renewable Energy Technology Fundamentals

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