What is Renewable Sustainable Energy Transition and why is it Important?

In the early 2000s, Professor Susan Krumdieck, a world-renowned expert in energy transition, set out on a mission to develop a more sustainable solution for producing and consuming energy.

Now, after 20 years of groundbreaking research and expertise, she is teaching others to become sustainable energy leaders through the online MSc Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition programme at Heriot-Watt University.

Overview What is Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition? Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition relates to the work of Transition Engineering, a rapidly growing discipline that focuses on transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Led by Professor Susan Krumdieck, author, Professor and Chair of Transition Energy at Heriot-Watt University, the MSc in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition (ReSET) is designed to cultivate sustainable energy leaders who can drive real change in our world. According to the esteemed professor, the name ReSET reflects “the idea of changing perspective, effectuating a change of course that goes in a new direction.”

As a result of a 2011 sold-out seminar in London, hosted by Professor Krumdieck, that sought to answer the question of how to change the practice of social responsibility in relation to climate change and energy targets, a group of leaders across engineering fields were inspired to work on developing the foundations of a new discipline. According to Professor Krumdieck, this discipline, like safety engineering, would become a non-negotiable practice of duty of care in the field.

Now, Professor Susan Krumdieck is joined by other industry experts to deliver Heriot-Watt University’s Online MSc Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition, which encompasses four essential themes:

Transition Engineering:  Transition Engineering is a rapidly emerging field that is comprised of Interdisciplinary Transition Innovation, Management, and Engineering (InTIME) Design. This programme will cover the InTIME Design approach and background theory, including social system dynamics and history, economic behaviours, policy and future framing, and tools, as well as covering project planning and project management.

Renewable Energy Technology: Through this MSc, you will develop an understanding of renewable technologies and how to integrate them into the grid and utility operations. You will also be empowered with the skills to make effective decision analysis, and to communicate effectively with technology experts.

Economics and Commercialisation: Upon completing this programme, you will be confident in renewable energy development projects economic assessments, finance, compliance, and planning, as well as gaining an extensive knowledge in energy markets, subsidies, and the processes for commercial ventures.

Energy Systems: Through studying ReSET, you will gain a strong understanding of supply, distribution, delivery, end use technology, and level of service. You will discover more about transportation as an energy system, demand side management, buildings energy systems, efficiency, and conservation.

Why is Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition Important? Our world is at a tipping point, and combating climate change requires immediate action. ReSET goes beyond renewable energy development to focuses on transforming existing unsustainable systems, such as buildings and transport, into regenerative and sustainable solutions. This shift is vital for creating a greener, more sustainable future.

What skills will you learn when you study MSc Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition? Embarking on your MSc Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition journey will allow you to develop the necessary skills to become a leader in modern energy development and make a lasting impact on our planet’s future. Professor Susan Krumdieck is confident that graduates from ReSET will “be able to look beyond carbon counting and net zero targets to real transition projects for your organisation.”

Energy Data Analysis ReSET will equip you with the skills necessary to analyse and make data-driven decisions on energy production, consumption, emissions, and economics.

Communicating Future Scenarios By gaining practical experience in analysing and communicating future scenarios and emissions implications, you will gain the skills to effectively engage diverse stakeholders in sustainable initiatives.

Technical Expertise in Renewable Energy Characterisation You will achieve technical skills for characterising renewable energy conversion from different natural resources using a range of technologies and understand how these electricity and fuels integrate into current and future transition and end-use possibilities.

Transition Engineering, Project Management & Research Methods Transition Engineering forms the backbone of ReSET, empowering you to transform sustainability challenges into actionable change projects. With the programmes strong focus on project management and research methods, navigating intricate transitions within interdisciplinary groups becomes second nature. This emphasis equips students to handle complexities with ease.

Innovation with InTIME Design Innovation and creative concept generation using the InTIME Design approach are innovative capabilities essential for developing projects that shift existing systems to the regenerative, circular, and sustainable systems of the future. Economic calculations and Consent and development processes are taught through case studies with current renewable and sustainable energy systems developers.

What career paths will an MSc in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition open for you? According to Professor Krumdieck: “During the next decade, the need for transition engineering will grow throughout all levels of society, from local communities to councils, small businesses to major corporations, and efficiency and renewable energy developers to utility, oil and gas companies.” Therefore, graduates can expect successful careers in a wide range of organisations.

Why should you study MSc Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition with Heriot-Watt Online? Flexible, Global, Online Studying with Heriot-Watt Online means that you can study at anytime from anywhere in the world. You can fit your studies completely around your schedule, meaning that you can continue to work full-time, while immediately applying your learnings to your career.

Global Leaders in Energy Transition By studying MSc ReSET at Heriot-Watt Online, you will be joining a world-class programme designed exclusively for online students, offering flexibility and interaction with renowned experts and international peers. Professor Susan Krumdieck adds, the programme empowers graduates with the skills required to “meet the urgent demands for action on energy transition in all settings around the world.”

Transformative Education ReSET sets itself apart with its focus on interdisciplinary, mission-driven learning, and practical transition projects—meeting the highest demands in today's economy. By combining theory, competencies, and global examples, ReSET graduates emerge as transformative leaders at the forefront of sustainable energy transition.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition is a crucial component of our fight against climate change. Our MSc Renewable Sustainable Energy Transition, led by Professor Susan Krumdieck, will give you the knowledge and practical skills needed to make a difference to our planet - kickstarting or enhancing your career in renewable energy transition. It will empower you with skills in energy data analysis, communicating future scenarios, renewable energy characterisation, transition engineering, project management, and research methods. These skills will help open several career paths, including roles in organisations such as councils, small businesses, major corporations, and utility, gas, and oil companies.

Visit our programme details page to find out more about how you can make a difference with our MSc Renewable Sustainable Energy Transition.