Learning Objectives

Energy engineers, professionally categorized in the industrial engineering field, must know thermodynamic conversion methods of the various forms of energy, the environmental effects caused by energy conversion, the technical and operative issues involving plants and components where power is generated and used, as well as the methods of economic analysis employed to assess investments in the energy sector. They have to use up-to-date techniques and tools to identify and solve engineering problems in the energy field. Basic education emphasizes the fundamentals of mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science and applied economics for engineering. On these bases, specific energy engineering skills are developed, focusing on applied thermodynamics, heat transfer, thermal machines, energy processes, closely linked to other more traditional industrial engineering subjects (solid and fluid mechanics, applied mechanics, mechanical technologies, electrical engineering, materials). The programme therefore aims at training technicians able to work in the many areas associated with energy, which requires wide knowledge in the various branches of mechanical, chemical and electrical engineering together with an exploration of the more specific subjects required by the energy industry.

Job opportunities

The job market offers a wide range of opportunities to the Energy engineers: the production, distribution and correct use of energy are actually essential topics, even if with many problems, of our age. However, the energy industry must continuously adapt to the increasing demands in terms of competition in the liberalised markets, decentralization of production, greater attention to environmental impact problems and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, convergent needs in the request for technicians with specific skills.

Therefore, the possible career opportunities for the Engineer with a Laurea are:

• in the design, test and operation of thermal, thermoelectric, air-conditioning and refrigeration plants, both in industrial and civil-commercial sectors;
• in the field of production and sale of machinery and components for the energy sector such as boilers, air-conditioners, refrigerators, engines, heat exchangers, compressors and gas or steam turbines;
• in the renewable or fossil energy generation industry, in the oil and natural gas sector, in terms of production, dispatching or distribution services;
• energy management activities in companies or institutions, with production purposes that can be very different from those of energy. It should be noted here that the Italian Legislation (Law 10/91) provides for the obligation of the profile of “responsible technician for conservation and rational energy use” (Energy Manager) for companies with significant levels of consumption.

How to apply?

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