What is sustainable energy?

Sustainable energy is energy that comes from sources that won't become scarce. This type of energy allows societies to meet their current energy needs without causing problems for future generations. There are various sources of sustainable energy. Solar panels can capture heat and light from the sun to energize power grids. Wind turbines can harness kinetic energy from wind to generate sustainable power. Hydropower plants also use turbines to create power, but the energy is generated from moving water, rather than wind. Other kinds of sustainable energy sources include biomass energy, which comes from plants and animals, and geothermal energy, which comes from heat within the earth.

Why is it important to learn about sustainable energy?

Learning about sustainable energy allows you to help society minimize its reliance on fossil fuels, such as goal, oil, and natural gas. Although fossil fuels have long been convenient sources of energy for humankind, they come with two major drawbacks. The first is that these sources will eventually become scarce and depleted. The second downside is that fossil fuel usage contributes to environmental damage, polluting the air and increasing the planet's temperature through carbon emissions.

What career opportunities can arise from learning about sustainable energy?

Learning about sustainable energy can prepare you for jobs that involve researching and designing energy systems or manufacturing, installing, and maintaining those systems. You can become a wind turbine technician and spend your time installing turbines. Or you can plan solar panel installations as a solar project manager. Jobs such as energy sales representative involve marketing sustainable power sources to others, while environmental consultants help organizations assess and reduce their carbon footprint.

How can online courses help me learn about sustainable energy?

Online courses can introduce you to the many types of sustainable energy and help you learn about their specific pros and cons. You'll also learn about energy policies, infrastructure design and management, and the challenges that come with climate change. Online classes allow you to study these topics and more at your own pace and from your own home.

What are the benefits of taking an online Sustainable Energy course?

Online Sustainable Energy courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Sustainable Energy skills. Choose from a wide range of Sustainable Energy courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Sustainable Energy courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Sustainable Energy, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Best Sustainable Energy Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Sustainable Energy Course Catalog

Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Renewable Energy
Skills you'll gain: Feasibility Studies, Plant Operations and Management, Project Finance, Electric Power Systems, Electrical Power, Energy and Utilities, Basic Electrical Systems, Sustainable Technologies, Systems Of Measurement, Project Implementation, Financial Analysis, Market Dynamics, Climate Change Mitigation, Project Management Life Cycle, Construction Management, Emerging Technologies, Project Management, Environmental Issue, Mechanical Engineering, Physics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University at Buffalo
Energy Production, Distribution & Safety
Skills you'll gain: Personal protective equipment, Electrical Substation, Electrical Power, Electric Power Systems, Electrical Systems, Environmental Regulations, Energy and Utilities, Basic Electrical Systems, Oil and Gas, Safety Training, Electrical Equipment, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Hazard Analysis, Workforce Development, Billing, Sustainable Development, Safety Standards, Sustainable Technologies, Supply Chain, Regulatory Affairs
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
11K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Sustainability Transition Leadership: Broadening Competences
Skills you'll gain: Active Listening, Drive Engagement, Community Development, Discussion Facilitation, Environmental Issue, Stakeholder Engagement, Complex Problem Solving, Systems Thinking, Sustainable Development, Social Justice, Leadership, Governance
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Preview
O.P. Jindal Global University
Environmental Issues, Policies, and Practice
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Laws, Environment, Environmental Policy, Sustainable Development, Environmental Issue, Environmental Regulations, Risk Management, Sanitation, Hazard Analysis, Public Health, Water Resources, Environmental Monitoring, Epidemiology, Water Quality, Pollution Prevention, Climate Change Mitigation
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
The State University of New York
Solar Energy Basics
Skills you'll gain: Electric Power Systems, Electrical Systems, Electrical Power, Energy and Utilities, Basic Electrical Systems, Building Services Engineering, Sustainable Technologies, Cost Estimation, Engineering Calculations, Safety Standards, Environmental Issue, Systems Of Measurement, Technical Standard
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Renewable Energy Technology Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Energy and Utilities, Electrical Power, Sustainable Technologies, Electric Power Systems, Basic Electrical Systems, Environmental Issue, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Emerging Technologies, Cost Estimation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
752 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Coursera Instructor Network
Electric Vehicle Systems and Technologies
Skills you'll gain: Power Electronics, Thermal Management, Electrical Safety, Electrical Power, Electric Power Systems, Electronic Systems, Electrical Equipment, Electrical Systems, Embedded Software, Electronic Components, Energy and Utilities, HVAC, Basic Electrical Systems, Sustainable Technologies, Automation, Environmental Issue, Environment and Resource Management, Environmental Regulations, Environmental Engineering and Restoration, Geospatial Information and Technology
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
215 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
L&T EduTech
Sustainable Design Practices in Building Design
Skills you'll gain: Sustainable Architecture, Waste Minimization, Sustainable Technologies, Environmental Engineering, Construction, Water Sustainability, Sustainable Design, Construction Management, Environment and Resource Management, Water Resource Management, Energy and Utilities, Building Codes, Building Design, Sustainability Standards, Environmental Management Systems, Sustainable Development, HVAC, Stormwater Management, Architectural Engineering, Thermal Management
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
65 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
École Polytechnique
Photovoltaic solar energy
Skills you'll gain: Climate Change Mitigation, Data Storage Technologies, Electric Power Systems, Electrical Systems, Energy and Utilities, Sustainable Technologies, Environmental Issue, Environmental Science, Project Finance, Semiconductors, Economics, Basic Electrical Systems, Cost Benefit Analysis, Materials science, Market Trend
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
478 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Columbia University
The Age of Sustainable Development
Skills you'll gain: Sustainable Development, Climate Change Mitigation, Socioeconomics, Community Development, Human Development, Environmental Science, Economics, Environmental Policy, Health Systems, Food Services, World History
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4K reviews
Mixed · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
University of Pennsylvania
Exploring Renewable Energy Schemes
Skills you'll gain: Electric Power Systems, Electrical Systems, Safety Standards, Energy and Utilities, Electrical Safety, Environmental Regulations, Power Electronics, Sustainable Technologies, Hydraulics, Basic Electrical Systems, Thermal Management, Equipment Design, Semiconductors, Physics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
657 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
Duke University
Renewable Energy and Green Building Entrepreneurship
Skills you'll gain: Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Team Building, Business Modeling, Environmental Issue, New Business Development, Sustainable Business, Business Strategy, Sustainable Development, Business Development, Entrepreneurial Finance, Stakeholder Engagement, Case Studies, Market Opportunities
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months