Energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro and biomass currently make up about 25% of global electricity generation, but that figure is expected to rise to 45% by 2040.
To better prepare energy professionals for the changing marketplace, the Freeman School launched a new specialization this fall that offers students a deep dive into the business of renewables.
Renewable and Sustainable Energy, a specialization available within the Master of Management in Energy (MME) program, focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to bring renewable energy projects from concept to completion.
“Solar and wind generation were among the fastest growing sectors of energy employment in 2019, and we expect that trend to continue in the post-COVID-19 environment,” says Ira Solomon, Freeman School dean.
“This new specialization in renewable energy continues our commitment topreparing students for careers across the energy spectrum.”
In addition to the MME program’s core curriculum, the specialization requires nine credit hours of electives in renewable and sustainable content. The first new course in the specialization, Renewable Energy Project Development and Finance, was offered this fall.
The Freeman School’s Master of Management in Energy is a STEM-designated program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the business of energy. Since its launch in 2011, the program has focused primarily on fossil fuels, but with the growing role of renewables in the nation’s energy mix, Pierre Conner, executive director of the Tulane Energy Institute and director of the MME program, says the new specialization fills an important
niche in the market.
“Over the next several years, it’s going to be increasingly important for energy professionals across all sectors to have a thorough understanding of renewable energy finance and development,” says Conner. “This new specialization provides that foundation, and I couldn’t be more excited to offer it to students this fall.”
