Global warming is a concern looming large on the minds of environmentalists world over.With researchers working on blueprints to safeguard the planet from disastrous consequences, judicious use of energy is the mantra everybody seems to be chanting. Also, with fossil fuels nearing extinction, the need to research alternate, environment friendly energy resources is felt more than ever.

Energy engineering is a specialised stream that addresses such critical areas as developing energy-efficient mechanisms and monitoring energy usage. "Energy management is a promising field that combines management practices and technical aspects of chemical, biotech, material science and mechanical engineering. Energy managers analyse and improve energy efficiency; draft organisational strategies for judicious energy consumption; ensure compliance with government regulations regarding hazardous industrial waste; and ensure better indoor air quality, in totality contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment," informs Professor S Balachandran, HOD, School of Energy, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore.

Energy consumption, especially in the electrical form has escalated manifolds with industrial growth widening the demand-supply gap. "Energy engineers who can research and implement energy conversion, transmission and utilisation in the most efficient way to sustain future energy needs are highly in demand," avers Professor KV Sharma, Coordinator, Centre for Energy Studies, JNTUH College of Engineering.

WANTED: ENERGY ENGINEERS

Much like financial audit, the government has made energy audits compulsory for commercial establishments.The Energy Conservation Act, 2001 that has been in effect from March 1, 2002 has been framed mainly for efficient use of energy and its conservation and as per the act, it is mandatory for all designated energy consumers to get energy audits conducted by an accredited energy auditor and to designate an energy manager. "Though implemented ineffectively, the law does exist. But if it is put into practice, India will need close to a lakh energy auditors and managers in the next ten to fifteen years," says Balachandran, emphasising on the mass need of energy engineers.

 Assuming that our energy consumption is only going to increase over the years, non-renewable resources of energy are hardly going to last for another couple of decades. Although hydrogen power, wind energy and photovoltaic energy are being seen as potential renewable energy resources, commercial use of these is still a distant dream, given the high production cost involved.To cost-effectively harness energy from such alternate resources for mass consumption, there is an immediate need for breakthrough research in these areas. Qualified energy engineers with a research-oriented mind, thus have a bright scope here.

"The fact that fossil fuel consumption is contributing to global warming also has accelerated the need for commercial exploitation of non-polluting, renewable sources of energy. And with private players like Reliance and Suzlon aiming aggressive expansion in the renewable energy industry, Energy Engineering obviously spells a bright future for technology enthusiasts," says Balachandran.

THE CARBON CREDIT LURE

With the concept of carbon credit trade now being endorsed by domestic biggies including Tata Motors, Bharat Forge, Bajaj Finserv and Apollo Tyres (Maruti all set to join the league), energy conservation has become the buzzword in industrial circles.

Carbon trading is an application of an emissions trading approach wherein greenhouse gas emissions are capped and then markets are used to allocate the emissions among the group of regulated sources. Each credit could be auctioned to a polluting company, based either in the US or in the European Union, which needs these credits to comply with the stiff carbon emission limits that are prevalent in these regions.With carbon credit prices firming up in the international market, more and more Indian companies are vying to churn profits by using technically proficient (non-polluting) means. Efficient energy consumption becoming the core focus of such companies, energy engineers who can help them check emission levels are highly sought after.

ACADEMIC CUE

Energy studies are not as popular at undergraduate level as they are as a specialised degree at the post graduate and doctorate level.     Though Bachelors and Masters in Energy Engineering can be pursued in India, the latter makes more sense as a post graduate degree is a mandate for most of the jobs available here.

BTech in mechanical, electrical or chemical technology is the eligibility criterion for a PG degree in Energy Engineering. PhD is also offered by a handful universities, but going abroad is always a better idea as India still is in nascent stages in terms of research as opposed to developed nations where Energy Engineering is the core focus of most universities.      The bucks? Not bad at all! Freshers could command as much as Rs 4 lakh per anum with mid-level packages going as high as Rs 15 lakh.

OPTIONS GALORE

With energy conservation being the global focus, this sector has immense scope for students willing to specialise in this niche area of expertise.

While research and development is an obvious choice for those oriented academically, Indian energy research agencies like Sardar Patel Renewable Energy Research Institute (SPRERI),Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI), Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) and Bharat Heavy.  Electricals Limited (BHEL) are potential employers. These agencies are involved in design and development of renewable energy systems with a view to bring out marketable products, which can meet mass needs in terms of quality, price, operation ease and maintainability.

Opportunities in private engineering consultancy firms in the areas of energy audit and conservation are immense. Energy-oriented commercial set ups looking for energy management solutions also employ qualified consultants. Development of clean technology and urban waste management are another couple of prospective areas in the private sector.

Apart from the private and government sector, the not-for-profit sector is another area that employs energy engineers. NGOs involved in integrated rural development schemes, managing biowaste for biogas extraction also employ energy engineers.

CERTIFIED EXPERTISE

The essential qualification for a certified energy manager and auditor is the passing of a nationallevel certification examination, which is conducted under the aegis of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (a statutory body under the Ministry of Power).The examination establishes a uniform criterion for the certification of energy managers/energy auditors and also ensures that services of qualified persons having the requisite knowledge on the subject are available to the industry. Certified energy managers and auditors play an elemental role in private setups as well as government bodies, particularly the renewable energy development agencies of various states.

THE ENTREPRENEURIAL TRAIL

With adequate domain experience, an energy engineer can also branch off as an entrepreneur.
   With energy performance certificate becoming a mandate, and the concept of green buildings catching up fast, consultancy in these areas is a high potential business space.    Also, manufacture of solar panels, LEDs and other energy saving devices is a profitable area to explore.

"The legacy of '70s oil crisis brought energy engineering as a specialisation into focus. Its relevance over the years has only increased. And with the energy crisis becoming an issue of global concern, energy engineers have a bright future," says Sharma on a concluding note.

INSTITUTE WATCH

JNTUH College of Engineering, Hyderabad

Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT)

Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur

Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi

Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore Pondicherry Engineering College

PER CAPITA ENERGY CONSUMPTION IS A SIGNIFICANT INDICATOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF A NATION.WITH THE SHIFT OF FOCUS FROM CONVENTIONAL TO ALTERNATE RESOURCES, ENERGY ENGINEERING HOLDS THE KEY TO FULFILLING THE BURGEONING ENERGY NEEDS OF A DEVELOPING NATION LIKE OURS.