Fuel and Energy Engineer

Also known as:

Energy Technologist
Oil Technologist

Introduction

Fuel and energy engineers research and develop ways to improve the efficient use of energy and to minimise environmental damage from its conversion into usable forms. Many industries employ fuel and energy engineers to assess environmental impact and manage energy usage. They may also work in fuel production industries, manufacturing companies or as consultants.

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Work Activities

Fuel and energy engineers tackle the problem of providing us with safe and reliable sources of energy. Without energy, we would not have heating, lighting, or the power we need to run manufacturing industries and transport systems.

Most energy is produced by the combustion of fossil fuels. However, atmospheric pollution from power stations, transport and industrial processes causes problems such as acid rain, global warming and the reduction of the ozone layer. For these reasons, many fuel and energy engineers are developing methods of reducing emissions from fossil fuels or exploring renewable energy technologies.

Many fuel and energy engineers work in the production of fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas. Their aim is to use these existing fuels as efficiently as possible, thereby conserving reserves for as long as possible. They also research, test and develop techniques to minimise atmospheric pollution, for example, reducing emissions of oxides from sulphur and nitrogen in the coal-fired power generation industry (strict emissions legislation is set by both the UK and the European Union).

In the oil industry, fuel and energy engineers develop lubricants and detergents to make sure combustion engines are clean and working efficiently.

Other fuel and energy engineers are based in research departments, working on projects such as methods to improve diesel and gas turbine combustion, and investigations into the formation of pollution. Fuel and energy engineers also research, develop and test alternative sources of energy such as tidal, wind, solar and geothermal power.

In manufacturing, fuel and energy engineers design, research, test, commission and install energy equipment like furnaces, boilers, gas turbines and engines. Fuel and energy engineers are also involved in car manufacture, helping to meet strict exhaust emission legislation and working on catalytic converters.

Almost every area of industry uses a large amount of energy to power its production processes. Some fuel and energy engineers work directly for industrial employers while others are consultants, advising employers on energy usage and pollution control.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You must have the ability to solve problems using a combination of logic and creativity. Fuel and energy engineers need excellent knowledge of engineering principles, as well as a strong awareness of environmental issues. You must be willing to keep up-to-date with changes in technology, the latest information on environmental issues, and new UK and European Union (EU) legislation governing emissions.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are needed to work in teams alongside other engineers, and to explain complex ideas clearly to people who do not have a technical background. Those fuel and energy engineers who work in manufacturing companies may need marketing and sales skills.

You will need a good knowledge of computers, including Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and strong mathematical skills.

Fuel and energy engineers must have leadership skills to supervise teams of engineering technicians. The ability to motivate and encourage others will be an advantage.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for fuel and energy engineers vary, depending on employer, role and responsibilities.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Fuel and energy engineers earn in the range of £25,000 - £31,500 a year, rising to £40,000 - £50,000. Higher earners can make around £58,000 - £70,000 a year, and higher salaries are possible.

Most fuel and energy engineers work 35-40 hours, Monday to Friday. However, late finishes and some weekend work may be required, especially as deadlines approach.

Employers are firms in the oil, gas and nuclear industries, which produce and distribute the various types of fuel.

Fuel and energy engineers also work in other industries that use fuel in their manufacturing and processing operations (such as steel, chemicals, ceramics and textiles).

Other employers are manufacturers of burners, boilers, generators, turbines, and engines that supply power plants. Some fuel and energy engineers work for consultancies that advise on energy conservation and the efficient management of plant and buildings.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (eg, Access to Engineering) could be the way in.

These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

There are other pathways through which adults can register as Chartered or Incorporated Engineers, including career progression and routes based on the achievement of occupational standards.

• 9% of people in occupations such as fuel and energy engineer work part-time.
• 15% have flexible hours.
• 4% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as renewable energy.