The benefits of decentralized, non-polluting and locally managed renewable energy systems that improve the quality of life in remote villages is downright sexy for anyone inside (or outside!) the development profession. I can vouch that these projects are exciting and immensely impactful, but also difficult and time-consuming.
Beyond interest in renewable energy from the major traditional NGOs and specialized renewable energy-focused organizations, there is a growing movement of D-I-Yers ranging from students to engineers, clean-energy professionals and renewable energy companies that want to get into the game. As someone who has worked at the nexus of clean energy and international development for eight years in the private and nonprofit sectors in the United States and overseas, I would like to share four key trends that I see in the field of renewable energy for international development and one key piece of advice to aide your job search in this innovative and growing sector:
1. Small-scale renewable energy systems are being deployed everywhere