The study of renewable energy engineering addresses problems associated with the use of fossil fuels by replacing them with sustainable, green options. By exploring different renewable energy types, students often seek to engineer machines or develop methods that are more efficient at producing large amounts of energy.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.