Renewable energy is currently in a supercycle of growth, driven by increasing demand and investment. Effective project management is at the core of ensuring renewable energy projects are completed on time and budget. In this article, we will explore how project management drives the renewable energy transition, and how you can take advantage of the project management skills shortage.

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The Australian Renewable Energy Industry is Growing

The renewable energy industry is booming. This is because of climate change concerns, cheaper renewable electricity, and increased government support. In the 2025 Federal Budget, billions were allocated to renewable energy.

The graph below shows the uptake of renewable energy. Renewable energy generation has increased fivefold over the last 25 years.

Currently, renewable energy generates 35% of Australia’s energy. However, the Federal Government has announced this must double to 82% by 2030.

Despite this growth, the project-based industry faces a severe project management skills shortage.

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But First: What is a Project?

A project is a one-time job with a clear goal, like building a house, launching a new app, or planning a wedding. It has a start, an end, and a plan to get things done. Unlike daily work, a project is temporary—it finishes when the goal is met.

Project management is the art of making sure the project runs smoothly. It’s about planning, organising, and leading a team to get things done on time, within budget, and without chaos. A project manager keeps everything on track, solves problems, and makes sure everyone knows what they need to do.

A project is a lot like a road trip. You have a destination (project goal), a map (project plan), and a budget. You decide who’s coming (project team), what to pack (resources), and how long it’ll take (project schedule). Project management is making sure you don’t run out of petrol, get lost, or blow all your money on snacks before you reach the finish line.

‍You can read more about the elements of a project here.
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What is Project Management in Renewable Energy?

Renewable energy project management involves planning, organising, and overseeing renewable energy projects. This includes solar farms, wind farms, and batteries. A project manager makes sure the project is built by its deadlines and stays within its budget Renewable project managers must also handle unique items like grid connection.

Key aspects of renewable energy project management include:

1. Risk Management: Renewable energy projects are complex. They involve many risks (for example, delays). Project management helps identify and manage risks early.
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2. Time Management: In its 2024 Integrated System Plan, the Australian Energy Market Operator forecasted that 90% of Australia’s coal-fired power stations will close by 2035. With the growing global demand for renewable energy, timely project delivery is crucial to keep the lights on.
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3. Stakeholder Management: Renewable energy project managers work with various stakeholders. This includes engineers, subcontractors, and the Australian Energy Market Operator.
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4. Following Laws: Renewable energy projects must comply with many laws, including environmental and WHS laws.

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Why Project Management Is Essential in Renewable Energy Projects

Project management is necessary in the renewable energy industry. Here are four key reasons why project management leads to project success.

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Reason 1: Policy Changes

Government rules about renewables change often. In some areas, like offshore wind and project decommissioning, not all the rules have been written. Project managers must stay updated to ensure project compliance.

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Reason 2: Supply Chain Issues

Renewable energy projects rely on a global supply chain for most components. For example, a solar farm project will buy its trackers, inverters and modules from European or Chinese supply chains. Supply chains are also affected by global demand. Recently, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and COVID-19 has caused serious delays. Strong renewable energy project management can mitigate these risks.

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Reason 3: Controlling Costs

Renewable projects require big investments. Poor planning can cause massive cost overruns - like Snowy 2.0, which jumped from $2 billion to $12 billion.

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Reason 4: Community Engagement

Local support is crucial. Poor communication with landowners or Indigenous groups can lead to legal issues and delays.

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How to Become a Renewable Energy Project Manager?

Project management helps renewable energy projects succeed. As the industry grows, demand for skilled project managers will rise. Key skills include managing resources, handling risks, and ensuring compliance.

A project management certification can boost your career. Online courses like PMP, CAPM, PRINCE2, or Agile can teach you the skills to manage renewable projects—and other industries worldwide.

Want to learn more about renewable energy project management? Join our free Project Management Community here.