Renewable Energy Technologist

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Renewable Energy Technologist. A Renewable Energy Technologist conducts research on new and existing renewable solutions and technologies, evaluates, consults and advises on renewable energy technologies and related projects to ensure the sustainability, efficiency and suitability of renewable energy solutions, technologies for renewable energy generation, transmission, distribution and utilisation in different industry contexts in compliance with the relevant legislative and regulatory requirements to meet national and international energy transition priorities. A qualified learner will be able to: • Conduct research on new and existing renewable energy solutions and technologies including processes. • Review renewable energy solutions and technologies to determine suitability, sustainability, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. • Consult and facilitate site acceptance testing and factory acceptance testing and commissioning of renewable energy equipment. • Evaluate and solve problems relating to energy generation, transmission and distribution. • Conduct investigations and propose solutions on energy system failure(s).

South Africa has an electricity-intensive economy, and the current sources of electricity cannot meet the high demand for electricity due to high population growth rate hence the need for this qualification as renewable energy is an energy source which will reduce South Africa's vulnerability to the escalating costs of imported fuels. Using non-renewable resources has a greater negative impact on the environment and South Africa is not an exception to this global environmental dilemma as it is largely dependent on using non-renewable resources for power generation. This qualification will benefit the energy sector with alternative sources of energy as South Africa's fast growing population and other drivers in the economy such as industry and building, agriculture, transport, appliances and other factors pose a challenge for increased demand in electricity, which require renewable energy technologies to meet the rising demand for electricity South Africa. This qualification will not only provide South Africans with greater opportunities to access affordable, clean, safe and reliable energy, but also contribute toward the achievement of global energy transition priorities. It will benefit the South African society, communities and create more economic opportunities as access to electricity will facilitate the establishment of new businesses, enabling the existing ones to grow thus creating jobs as well as building the capacity of businesses to be more productive contributing to the country's economy. This qualification will provide learners with knowledge, skills, attitudes and values on a wide spectrum of renewable energy solutions including technologies taking into consideration issues of sustainability, suitability, efficiency of solutions and technologies and climate factors. Renewable Energy Technologists play a major role in discovering and providing advice on technological advancement used globally to generate energy from different sources that can provide huge opportunities for energy transitions to contribute to the nation's electricity. Their innovation in renewable energy will inevitably have positive spin-offs to socio-economic development of the country and society addressing the structural unemployment facing the country. This qualification is aimed at learners who wish to start a career in this occupation or those who are already working in renewable energy industry but do not have formal qualifications to practice in this occupation. Qualifying learners will gain employment opportunities in government, the private sector and become self-employed. In addition, no licensing or membership requirements apply to this qualification at the time of development. The qualification will allow qualifying learners to articulate vertically, horizontally and diagonally in energy and environmental-related qualifications.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification. RPL for exemption Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be exempted from modules through RPL. RPL for credits Learners will be awarded credits for or towards the qualification or part qualification through RPL as provided in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for credits provides for the formal award of credits for, or towards a qualification or part-qualification registered on the NQF. RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record. Entry Requirements: • An NQF Level 6 qualification in Power Generation or Electrical Engineering or Electronics Engineering or Mechanical Engineering. • An Occupational Certificate at NQF Level 6 or Advanced Occupational Certificate in relevant engineering fields.

• Examine different sources of renewable energy and advise on solutions and technological advancement for energy transitions and generation.
• Demonstrate the ability to execute evaluation functions for site acceptance testing, factory acceptance testing, and commissioning.
• Evaluate generation, transmission and distribution-related problems and suggest possible solutions.
• Investigate and evaluate causes of energy system failure(s) and propose solutions through application of relevant procedures.