• Outdoors
  • Environment and Sustainability
  • Further qualifications
  • Numerical-analytical

What does a wind energy analyst do?

As a wind energy analyst, you will test and analyse different types of wind technology, to measure their efficiency and suggest ways to improve energy production. 

The job role of a wind energy analyst involves the following duties:  

  • Advising decision-makers on renewable wind technology  
  • Analysing different models of wind turbine 
  • Carrying out in-depth data processing and report writing 
  • Exploring ways to improve technology  
  • Modelling wind farm projects to determine the energy they will produce 
  • Researching wind energy costs  
  • Sharing research at conferences, in meetings or via reports  
  • Studying wind power systems and domestic and international wind power markets 
  • Testing wind turbine technology and measuring its efficiency. 

How to become a wind energy analyst

There are several routes to becoming a wind energy analyst. You could complete a university course or an apprenticeship, or apply to an employer directly. 

You should explore these routes to becoming a wind energy analyst to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions. 

You will need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site. 

University 

To become a wind energy analyst, you could complete an undergraduate, or postgraduate university course in a relevant subject, such as:  

  • Architecture  
  • Energy management 
  • Environmental or energy engineering  
  • Renewable or sustainable energy 
  • Sustainable development 
  • Surveying. 

You’ll need: 

  • 2 - 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science (undergraduate degree) 
  • An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject (postgraduate degree). 

Apprenticeship 

You could train to become a wind energy analyst by completing a higher or degree apprenticeship in engineering, or architecture, or by training as a surveying technician. 

You'll need 4 - 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship. 

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you’ll be fully employed and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and college or a training provider. 

Work 

If you have experience working in a related industry such as architecture, surveying or energy engineering, you might be able to apply directly to an employer for a position as a wind energy analyst. 

Work experience 

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a wind energy analyst. Potential employers will be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV. 

Skills  

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a wind energy analyst include:  

  • Ability to use your initiative  
  • Excellent communication skills 
  • Excellent mathematical abilities 
  • Knowledge of renewable energy 
  • Logical and analytical thinking skills.

Qualifications

To become a Wind Energy Analyst, you could complete a:

  • NVQ Level 3 Electrical Power Engineering - Wind Turbine Operations and Maintenance
  • Level 3 Wind Turbine Operations and Maintenance apprenticeship

To become a Wind Energy Analyst, you could complete a:

  • NVQ Level 3 Electrical Power Engineering - Wind Turbine Operations and Maintenance
  • Level 3 Wind Turbine Operations and Maintenance apprenticeship

To become a Wind Energy Analyst, you could complete a:

  • NVQ Level 3 Electrical Power Engineering - Wind Turbine Operations and Maintenance
  • Level 3 Wind Turbine Operations and Maintenance apprenticeship

How much could you earn as a wind energy analyst?

The expected salary for a wind energy analyst varies as you become more experienced.

  • Newly trained wind energy analysts can start at £31000
  • Trained with experience wind energy analysts can earn up to £85000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route. 

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Career path and progression

As a wind energy analyst, you could progress into a position as an energy engineer or broaden your role to become a renewable energy consultant, advising on different types of renewable energy, such as solar power. 

You could become self-employed and work as a wind energy consultant.