HACKER Q&A
📣 rishikeshs

Energy Policy Background, Passion for Coding – Career Advice?


I have a background in mechanical engineering and a master’s in Renewable Energy. I spent a few years working on mini-grid sector before moving to a think tank/non-profit, where I focused on energy policy at the national level. My work there involved energy system modeling (primarily using PyPSA), and I discovered a real passion for coding through this experience.

Now, I’m currently unemployed due to limited opportunities in the policy field where I’m based. I’d like to transition into tech roles that integrate my experience in energy/climate with programming. I’m open to any advice on fields to explore or specific areas where I should upskill.

Thanks for any guidance!

  👤 thenaturalist Accepted Answer ✓
Tons of green startups all around, UK, Germany - don't know much about the US.

Tons of software on the mechanical side - I'm more familiar with wind turbines which seems to be an extremely fractured supplier market. Building predictive maintenance software mostly, but also management software.

ESG/ financial reporting side: Tons of data suppliers who consolidate data going into ESG reporting, helping PE/ banks to assess the CO2 exposure in their portfolios.

Just a quick draft as I'm on mobile, but there's a ton of people out there among the entire value chain from capital to consumer building in this field.