How to become a sustainable energy leader in Australia

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A sustainable energy leader presenting a project about solar panels to a group of people in a meeting.
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A sustainable energy leader presenting a project about solar panels to a group of people in a meeting.

The global transition to sustainable and renewable energy is reshaping economies at an unprecedented pace, marking the most transformative shift since the Industrial Revolution. With its abundant sunlight, powerful winds and a firm commitment to achieving NetZero by 2050, Australia is leading the charge in this energy revolution.

This rapid expansion brings a pressing need for skilled professionals to drive the sustainability movement forward. In this article, we explore why Australia urgently requires new sustainable energy leaders and how you can take a pivotal role in shaping the future with a career in renewable energy.

Why Australia needs sustainable energy leaders

Australia’s renewable energy sector is expanding at an extraordinary pace. According to the Clean Energy Council, renewable energy sources supplied 39.4 per cent of the nation’s electricity in 2024—a significant leap from 13.47 per cent in 2014.

This progress has been largely driven by wind and solar, with rooftop solar leading the charge. Each year, hundreds of thousands of Australians install solar panels, underpinning the success of our world-class renewable energy industry.

Beyond residential installations, Australia is home to medium- and large-scale solar farms, hydroelectric facilities, and bioenergy solutions, all playing a vital role in the nation’s clean energy transition and business development.

Despite these advancements, there is much work needed to reduce carbon emissions and manage our global impact. As a signatory of the Paris Agreement, Australia is committed to limiting global temperature increases to below 1.5°C.

To achieve this, we have set ambitious targets: a 43 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and reaching Net Zero by 2050. Achieving these goals will require transformative action across all major economic sectors, unlocking significant industrial and export opportunities.

Key government initiatives, such as the 82 per cent renewable energy target, are pivotal in driving this transition. These policies aim to accelerate clean energy adoption and cement Australia’s role as a global leader in fostering business development opportunities.

As the clean energy sector continues to thrive both domestically and internationally, the demand for leaders in sustainable energy is set to soar. This growth presents an incredible opportunity for individuals from different backgrounds who are passionate about sustainability and professional growth to lead the charge in creating a culture where environmental responsibility takes centre stage, not a backseat.

Now is the time to embrace this challenge and shape a greener, more sustainable world for future generations.

Educational pathways to becoming a sustainable energy leader

There’s no single path to becoming a sustainable energy leader, but focused education combined with hands-on experience will determine how effectively—and authentically—you can thrive in this field.

For those passionate about clean and renewable energy, UTS Online's sustainability courses provide a number of study options to help you achieve your career goals.

Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Practice

The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Practice is an ideal starting point for sustainability enthusiasts—and you don't need a background in sustainability to enrol.

This course is designed for working professionals from diverse backgrounds who want to drive sustainability initiatives within their workplace, organisation or community. The course is delivered 100% online, allowing you to continue working while you learn and comprises four subjects which can be completed in just eight months.

This course equips you with the foundational knowledge and skills to incorporate sustainability principles into professional and organisational contexts. Graduates of the UTS Online Certificate in Sustainable Practice have successfully pursued careers as:

  • Sustainability Coordinators
  • Environmental Officers
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Support Officers
  • Sustainable Project Assistants

Master courses

UTS Online offers two master's courses in sustainability—the Master of Sustainable Leadership and Master of Sustainable Energy—both of which allow you to dive deeper into in-demand areas of renewable energy.

Plus, if you have completed the UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Practice, you only need to complete an additional five subjects to complete a Master of Sustainable Leadership or an additional eight subjects to complete a Master of Sustainable Energy.

Master of Sustainable Leadership

With a Master of Sustainable Leadership from UTS Online, you can become one of the visionary leaders driving NetZero forward. This course is for established professionals in STEM, policy, health, social care or related sectors who want to lead sustainability transformation.

As a sustainable energy leader, you could pursue roles such as:

  • Sustainability Manager
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Advisor
  • Environmental Policy Consultant
  • Organisational Change Leader
  • Sustainable Development Manager

Master of Sustainable Energy

The UTS Online Master of Sustainable Energy is ideal for those working in the engineering, science, technology or energy sectors. The focus of this course is on innovation, leadership and technical expertise and will give you the skills to design and provide sustainable energy solutions for the future.

Graduates of these UTS Online courses have successfully stepped into roles including:

  • Renewable Energy Specialist
  • Energy Transition Consultant
  • Sustainable Energy Project Manager
  • Policy Advisor (Energy and Environment)
  • Energy Efficiency Analyst

Build your clean energy network and stay connected

At UTS, we believe in a more sustainable future. This is why we offer a range of innovative courses and are ranked among the world’s top universities for sustainability.

We also have a dedicated Sustainability Centre where we measure our impact, outline our commitments, share resources and invite students to get involved, through on-campus and hybrid groups such as the Environment Collective.

People who pursue clean energy careers are diverse. They come from a wide range of industries and business backgrounds, including construction, technology, administration, finance and engineering. What brings them together is a shared passion for the environment and creating a sustainable future for all.

Through our online learning platform, Canvas and fortnightly online sessions, we encourage our sustainable energy students to join together, collaborate and share insights from their varied backgrounds. We also build valuable networks through events like our Lab to Leadership events and UTS career fairs.

With our New South Wales-based research centres, including the Institute for Sustainable Futures and the Centre for Clean Energy Technology, we offer students the opportunity to conduct work-integrated and project-based learning. Your learning will develop transferable skills so you can instantly make a difference in clean energy in your workplace.

Of course, we also encourage you to build your network outside of the university. You can join associations and professional networks to enhance your learning, stay updated on industry trends and engage in areas that align with your personal interests.

Some of these include:

Skills and qualities needed to be a successful sustainable energy leader

Career success isn’t just about technical knowledge. Being a leader in the sustainable energy industry requires many other skills, like the ability to communicate, work closely in a team and engage with diverse stakeholders, from government bodies to local communities.

These are also covered in our master’s courses, which include subjects like Communicating Science and Vision, Introduction to Psychological Science, and Leading Organisational Change.

Our courses consider all angles to prepare you for a successful, sustainable energy career.

Technical expertise and soft skills are both essential for building a successful renewable energy career. While technical knowledge in sustainability is important, those without a relevant background can still take the first step with the Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Leadership. This course provides the necessary skills and knowledge across subjects like Science and Big Data and Sustainability Practices in Industry, equipping you for a strong start in the field.

For those looking to deepen their expertise, pursuing a Master of Sustainable Leadership or a Master of Sustainable Energy offers opportunities to expand your technical knowledge, policy awareness and regulatory literacy. Subjects such as Technology and Innovation Management, Innovations in Energy, and Sustainable Energy: Sources and Systems will provide valuable skills to support your career in sustainable energy.

Success in the sustainable energy industry is not just about technical skills—it also requires strong leadership and interpersonal abilities. Communicating effectively, working closely in a team environment and knowing how to engage with diverse stakeholders are all critical.

Our master’s courses address these areas, offering subjects like Communicating Science and Vision, Introduction to Psychological Science, and Leading Organisational Change. By considering all aspects of professional development, our degrees prepare you to get ahead and stay ahead in your career.

Career outlook and leadership opportunities in renewable energy

Renewable energy leaders are in demand across a wide range of industries and sectors, including private energy companies, government agencies and consulting firms. In each of these sectors, there are many rewarding jobs available to align with your areas of expertise, including analysts, project managers, chief sustainability officers and policy advisors.

Based on your interests and experience, potential areas and roles you might consider include:

  • Focusing your career on one of the sectors that produce greenhouse gas emissions, like transport, industry, resources or agriculture and use the knowledge you’ve gained to lead the sector in clean energy solutions
  • Taking up a role in an agricultural company where you can lead renewable energy projects and build a strategic environmental plan to meet regulatory requirements
  • Commence a sustainability manager role in transport, where you’ll work with other key stakeholders to embed clean energy in every project

Salaries for roles in the renewable energy industry are competitive and growing, with pay reflecting the increasing demand for skilled professionals.

Our Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Leadership graduates can expect an average annual salary of $93,000 for roles such as Team Leader (Sustainability Projects), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Coordinator and Sustainability Advisor.

Positions such as Clean Energy Efficiency Consultants earn between $70,000 and $100,000, and other sustainability consultant roles in Australia can earn an average annual salary of around $160,000. As sustainability continues to be a focus for industries, the salary range and potential of these positions will surely grow.

Pave the way towards a sustainable future in the renewables sector

If you have a passion for clean energy, our sustainability courses will set you on the right path, no matter where you’re at on your career journey.

Make tomorrow better, starting today. Search UTS Online’s sustainability courses and take the lead in innovation. Reach out to our Student Enrolment Advisors at 1300 477 423 or visit our website to begin your journey as a sustainable energy leader.

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Sustainability

Acknowledgement of Country

 

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.