Eric Sng, from New Zealand, is transforming his passion for renewable energy into real-world impact. He shares how his studies at the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) have prepared him to contribute to New Zealand’s ambitious net-zero carbon targets, and how he envisions shaping the future of the nation’s renewable energy sector.
A Commitment to Renewable Energy
Eric’ Sng’s interest in renewable energy began long before he enrolled in the 52859WA Graduate Certificate in Renewable Energy Technologies at EIT. As someone who had been involved in the research and deployment strategy of new energy technologies in his previous role, Eric already had a strong interest in the sector.
“My role in my previous company focused heavily on researching and deploying new energy technologies, and I wanted to further deepen my understanding of renewable energy. The graduate certificate from EIT allowed me to build upon this foundation while gaining formal certification and recognition in the field,” he said.
One of the primary reasons Eric chose EIT was the flexibility it offered. Being able to study remotely and at his own pace was an essential factor, allowing him to continue working and managing his personal life while gaining new expertise.
“The ability to study remotely meant that I could still continue with my employment, plan around my life, and gain valuable knowledge without the need to sacrifice my career or personal time.”
Additionally, the graduate certificate provided Eric with the opportunity to explore elements of the renewable energy field that were not part of his previous role.
“There were topics covered in the program that I hadn’t had the chance to delve into at work. It was a comprehensive learning experience that broadened my understanding and prepared me for new challenges in the renewable energy sector.”
Preparing for New Zealand’s Renewable Energy Goals
New Zealand’s push toward a net-zero carbon economy by 2050 is a critical factor driving demand for renewable energy solutions, and Eric sees the graduate certificate as a key enabler of his career in this fast-evolving field.
“As New Zealand works toward achieving its net-zero carbon goals, there is a need to ramp up renewable energy generation. The course has given me the knowledge to understand where the industry is heading and how to be a part of that transformation,” Eric explained.
The curriculum at EIT has equipped Eric with the tools to navigate some of the biggest challenges in New Zealand’s renewable energy landscape.
“The country has plenty of renewable resources, but the challenge lies in the skills shortage,” Eric pointed out. “New Zealand needs more capable and competent electrical engineers in the renewable energy sector to meet the nation’s carbon reduction targets. That’s an area where I hope I can make a real impact.”
Another key opportunity in New Zealand’s renewable energy sector is the integration of renewable generation into the existing electricity infrastructure. Eric highlighted the growing importance of energy storage solutions to ensure grid stability and meet increasing demand for renewable power.
“New Zealand’s grid stability relies on the integration of renewable energy and efficient storage solutions. In particular, there is a need for more renewable generation and storage solutions to replace fossil-fuel-based systems, especially for process heat in industries.”
The growing interest in renewable energy, especially in sectors such as process heat, where industries are shifting away from fossil fuels, presents ample opportunities for Eric to contribute to this transition.
“Industries are now looking to replace their fossil-fuel-based systems with renewable energy sources like electricity or biomass for their process heat needs. This shift presents a significant opportunity for innovation in renewable energy technologies,” he explained.
Leading the Charge for Net Zero by 2050
Throughout his studies, Eric found that his perspective on renewable energy technologies was solidified rather than changed. “I’ve always believed in the potential of renewable energy, and my studies have only reinforced that belief. Renewable energy is the future of energy generation, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
One project in particular stood out to Eric as a significant source of inspiration. “We worked on a case study where a microgrid consisting of solar and batteries was designed for a community. This project showed me how renewable energy can directly improve the quality of life by providing reliable electricity to schools, hospitals, and communities,” he recalled.
He emphasized that seeing how renewable energy can impact less fortunate communities around the world inspired him to want to contribute to similar projects in the future.
Eric said his goal is to play a pivotal role in New Zealand’s transition to cleaner energy. “I want to contribute to the development of strategies and plans that will help New Zealand achieve its net-zero carbon target by 2050,” he stressed.
“Renewable energy generation, combined with advanced storage solutions, will be crucial in replacing fossil-fuel-based peaking plants. I hope to be involved in these projects, helping to design and implement solutions that will drive the country’s shift toward a sustainable energy future.”
Eric’s aspirations extend beyond his immediate role. He hopes to take part in larger, strategic projects that influence national policies and technological developments in renewable energy.
“We need to focus on accelerating the integration of renewable energy into New Zealand’s grid while ensuring we have the storage capacity to support this transition. As a renewable energy professional, I hope to contribute to shaping this future.”
Eric’s journey reflects the importance of both personal commitment and professional education in shaping the future of renewable energy. His story is an inspiring reminder that education is a powerful tool in driving the transition to a sustainable, clean energy future.
