Case study - Alison
Wind is something we certainly aren’t short of in Scotland but using this resource involves a lot more than simply sticking some wind turbines in an empty field and hoping for the best.
Finding the most suitable sites for wind farms is a tricky job which can take years to complete.
And that’s where Alison Jenkins comes in. The 27-year-old works as a Wind Analyst with wind energy specialists Renewable Energy Systems (RES) Ltd.
RES develops and builds wind farms around the world and Alison’s team plays an important part in deciding where these should be set up.
Alison, who works in Glasgow, said: "Basically, when we find an area which we think might be suitable for a wind farm, we need to work out how much electricity could be generated from it.
"We set up masts on these sites to record information about the wind, like how strong it is and the direction it blows. The masts usually stay there for between three and five years.
"My job is quite technical. It involves analysing information from the masts and using this to decide how well a wind farm would work in that area.
"I’m also responsible for doing noise assessments to make sure the wind turbines aren’t too noisy for people living nearby."
Alison enjoyed science subjects at school and went on to study physics at university. She became interested in renewable energy when she was in her final year and this inspired her to do a Masters in Renewable Energy Systems Technology.
But it’s not all about qualifications. Alison says skills such as team working and being able to communicate with other people are just as important as her technical knowledge.
It’s hard work, but Alison says there are plenty of advantages.
She explained: "I get to work in different technical teams and do research into different areas and that keeps my job interesting. It also gives me a range of experience and that’s good for my career.
"It’s a well-paid job and isn’t as stressful as a lot of graduate jobs.
"But the best thing is the chance to do something I believe in. I feel quite strongly about renewable energy so this job is perfect for me. I like the fact that I’m working towards something which is important to me."