advice on how to break into renewable enrgy infra investing?

Hey all, I'm interested in renewable energy. I worked in real estate PE and growth capital in Asia previously. I am inspired by the transition of our energy system into a more sustinabile one. I admire the RE infa funds and the grid transition funds. I'd like to make a career shift.

* How would you guys advise I make the industry switch to grid transition / rnewable energy?

* How can I deepen my knoweldge about the sector? 

I've been reading Renewable Energy Finance by Santosh and have in mind to do the BIWS RE case studies. 

4 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some detailed steps and resources to help you break into renewable energy infrastructure investing:

Making the Industry Switch:

  1. Leverage Your Existing Experience:

    • Highlight your background in real estate PE and growth capital, emphasizing any transferable skills such as financial modeling, deal structuring, and project management.
    • Network with professionals in the renewable energy sector to understand the specific skills and knowledge required.
  2. Target Relevant Firms:

    • Look for firms that are expanding their coverage into energy transition, such as Goldman Sachs' Houston office, which is known for its energy transition initiatives.
    • Consider firms like Encap’s Energy Transition Fund and Quantum’s investment into EV charging stations through ChargePoint.
  3. Gain Relevant Experience:

    • Seek opportunities within your current firm to work on projects related to renewable energy or grid transition.
    • Consider roles in firms that have a strong focus on renewable energy infrastructure, even if it means starting in a slightly different capacity to gain relevant experience.

Deepening Your Knowledge:

  1. Educational Resources:

    • Enverus.com: Visit their knowledge hub section and look for the Power & Renewables section. Watch the "IRA, Energy Transition Research, 2023 P & R Outlook" webinar (first 24 mins).
    • SEIA.org: Read the Solar Market Insight Report (Executive Summary).
    • Mercom Capital: Explore their clean energy reports.
    • Zpryme.com: Check out the U.S. battery project and capacity trends.
    • Energy.gov: Review the Battery Storage Valuation report (pg 7-15 and 28-29).
  2. Books and Case Studies:

    • Continue reading "Renewable Energy Finance" by Santosh.
    • Complete the BIWS Renewable Energy case studies to enhance your practical understanding of the sector.
  3. Stay Updated on Industry Trends:

    • Follow industry news and reports to stay informed about the latest developments in renewable energy and grid transition.
    • Understand key policies and incentives such as PTC, ITC, 45Q, and the transferability of credits, which are crucial for the sector.

By following these steps and utilizing the recommended resources, you can effectively transition into the renewable energy infrastructure investing space and deepen your knowledge of the sector.

Sources: Renewables / Energy Transition Primer, Working in the Dirty (Oil and Gas) Energy Industry - A Comprehensive Career Guide by Insiders, Thoughts on Power and Renewables IB, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/venture-capital/career-prospects-after-doing-renewable-energy-sustainable-tech-pevc?customgpt=1, Who here is trying to transition careers?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

What geography? My advice is to understand the power markets/grids of the region, and network extensively across the energy investing stack. So large, low-risk project financiers, middle-market infra/energy funds, and anything else that interests you. As for technicals, Pivotal180 is one great resource I’m aware of. 

 

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