Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
•   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Working Life

Fuel and energy engineers tackle the problem of providing us with safe and reliable sources of energy. Without energy, we would not have heating, lighting, or the power we need to run manufacturing industries and transport systems. Most energy is produced by the combustion of fossil fuels. However, atmospheric pollution from power stations, transport and industrial processes causes problems such as acid rain, global warming and the reduction of the osone layer. For these reasons, many fuel and energy engineers are engaged in developing renewable energy technologies.  
 
Many fuel and energy engineers work in the production of fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas. Their aim is to use these existing fuels as efficiently as possible, therefore conserving reserves for as long as possible. They also research, test and develop techniques to minimise atmospheric pollution, for example, reducing emissions of oxides from sulphur and nitrogen in the coal-fired power generation industry. In the oil industry, fuel and energy engineers may develop lubricants and detergents to make sure combustion engines are clean and working efficiently.  
 
Other fuel and energy engineers are based in educational research departments, working on projects such as methods to improve diesel and gas turbine combustion, and investigations into the formation of pollution. Fuel and energy engineers also research, develop and test alternative sources of energy such as tidal, wind, solar and geothermal power. The field also includes specialists involved in energy conservation, environmental issues pertaining to power production and consumption and the many organisations involved in energy policy.  
 
In manufacturing, fuel and energy engineers design, research, test, commission and install energy equipment like furnaces, boilers, gas turbines and engines. In research work, technologists may use computer-aided design (CAD) to create 3-D models, and other computer systems to analyse fluid dynamics. Fuel and energy engineers may also be involved in car manufacture, helping to meet strict exhaust emission legislation and working on catalytic converters.  
 
Almost every area of industry uses a large amount of energy to power its production processes. Some fuel and energy engineers work directly for industrial employers while others are consultants, advising employers on energy usage an

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Identify and recommend energy savings strategies to achieve more energy-efficient operation.
• Conduct energy audits to evaluate energy use and to identify conservation and cost reduction measures.
• Monitor and analyse energy consumption.
• Monitor energy related design or construction issues, such as energy engineering, energy management, or sustainable design.
• Inspect or monitor energy systems, including heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) or daylighting systems to determine energy use or potential energy savings.
• Advise clients or colleagues on topics such as climate control systems, energy modeling, data logging, sustainable design, or energy auditing.
• Analyse, interpret, or create graphical representations of energy data, using engineering software.
• Verify energy bills and meter readings.
• Collect data for energy conservation analyses, using jobsite observation, field inspections, or sub-metering.
• Manage the development, design, or construction of energy conservation projects to ensure acceptability of budgets and time lines, conformance to federal and state laws, or adherence to approved specifications.

Further Information

• Energy Engineer- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Energy engineer- from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

In order to become an Energy Engineer, it is necessary to have a degree in engineering, ideally with a specialisation in some form of energy engineering.

While most universities offer engineering programmes there are a number of undergraduate programs with a focus on energy engineering, energy systems or sustainable energy engineering. Some programs allow you to enter a general engineering course and then select to specialise on energy engineering as you progress through the course.

There are many different types of organisations who require energy engineers, including utility companies, sustainable energy developers, government planning departments and energy consultants.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: manufacturing, engineering operations, engineering technology, cleanroom operations.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: renewable energy, control systems, pre-university, engineering, preliminary, technology, sustainable energy, construction technology, renewable.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Engineering.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: general engineering, engineering, energy, energy systems, mechanical, renewable, mechanical engineering with energy, renewable, electrical energy engineering, sustainable energy, environmental engineering, electrical services, energy management, physics with energy, environment.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: engineering, civil engineering, environment, energy, energy systems engineering, sustainable energy engineering, energy management, green technologies.

A postgraduate qualification offers either a path into the field for someone with a more general engineering or science undergraduate or a way for those who have already studied energy engineering to aid their career by specialising further.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Engineers Ireland To apply for the Engineering Technician title, you will need an accredited Level 6 qualification and three years post graduate experience. A list of Engineering Technician accredited programmes is available from Engineers Ireland.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €110k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
CPL / Morgan McKinley / Lincoln/ Azon/ Excel/ WEI/ Clark/ Indeed

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Laboratory technicians; Electrical and electronic technicians; Engineering technicians Quality assurance; technicians Planning, process and production; technicians Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels fell between 2021 and 2022, by approximately 3,000 persons, but remained above 2017 levels, resulting in a positive, but below average, annual average growth rate for the five-year period. Employment for this occupation was primarily in industry (accounting for a 60% share of employment). Employment permits issued were across a variety of technician roles (e.g. process, manufacturing, laboratory). The Recruitment Agency Survey identified vacancies for maintenance technicians in manufacturing with electrical/mechanical skills as difficult-to-fill.

Employers (Skills for Growth) experienced difficulties in filling a range of engineering technician roles, including aircraft technicians and manufacturing technicians, particularly for those with digital skills and knowledge of procedures/processes. There was a 3% increase in the number of online job adverts in 2022, driven by increases in electrical/electronic technicians and, to a lesser extent, laboratory technicians.

New apprenticeship registrations for a number of industry related technicians (including lab analysts) have risen strongly since the first of these programmes were introduced in 2017; by 2022 there were 314 new registrations across a range of apprenticeships (lab analyst, manufacturing technology, OEM engineer etc.) up from approximately 100 in 2017. Although demand seems to be lessening for these roles, issues with attracting suitable candidates remain for maintenance and laboratory technicians in particular, at least in the short-term.

• Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)

  • Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • (01) 808 2002
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• STEPS - Engineers Ireland

  • 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland
  • (01) 665 1340
  • [email protected] Back to top
  • Click Here

• Environmental Health Association Ireland - EHAI

  • Heraghty House 4 Carlton Terrace Novara Avenue Bray Co Wicklow Ireland
  • (01) 276 1211
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Health and Safety Authority

  • The Metropolitan Building, James Joyce St. Dublin 1
  • 1890 289 389
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Wind Energy Ireland

  • Sycamore House Millennium Park Osberstown Naas Co Kildare W91 D627
  • 045 899341
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here