The future will be powered by large scale renewable energy projects that make clean, sustainable and affordable energy accessible to all.

Joel Thomas, our next pathbreaker, Wind & Solar Project Developer at Sowitec Group GmbH (Germany), works as a project developer for wind and solar projects helping in technical development and planning of projects, both locally and internationally.

Joel talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about being fortunate to do an internship for Zephyr, a wind energy development firm, where he was tasked with analyzing the wind behavior in dense Swedish forests.

For students, working in the field of renewable energy is not just a career but also a privilege, to be part of a field that holds so much promise !

Joel,  Your background?

I grew up near the serene backwaters of Alappuzha district in Kerala. My father was employed as an accounts officer at BSNL, while my mother pursued a career as a science teacher. Both of them are now enjoying their well-deserved retirement.

As for my personal interests, I have always been a devoted cinephile and an avid reader. Additionally, I have a profound passion for travel and try to immerse myself in nature. Whether it’s embarking on hikes, scaling mountains, swimming, or delving into astrophotography, I find solace and inspiration in these outdoor pursuits.

From my early student years, I could say that I was fascinated by science, especially astrophysics. It was the mid-2000s and I remember getting hold of an Encyclopedia Brittanica CD, “Touch the Sky, Touch the Universe”. It was a virtual space exploration environment, where it was possible to explore the earth, different celestial bodies and galaxies. That hooked me into the astrophysics and earth sciences niche, setting the trajectory that hugely shaped my career. 

Though I was not a very studious kid, I was very much interested in collaboration, and was an active part of science/nature clubs. During my primary school years, along with dedicated teachers, we organized a series of events aimed at igniting the spark of scientific curiosity in fellow students. Our mission was to make science more engaging and accessible, and these experiences played a pivotal role in shaping my path forward.  

What did you do for graduation/ post-graduation?

Though I wanted to pursue something related to Astrophysics, I had to opt for plan B which was Electrical Engineering. It was a rather interesting time of my life as I really liked some aspects like Renewable Energy, Electrical design, but was clearly not good at other subjects which led me to fail in some exams. This played an integral part in shaping me. I remember feeling sad, scared, and insignificant during that time, but now, in hindsight, I am truly grateful that I persevered through that crisis.

I also maintained my involvement in “clubs and collaborations” by being a part of IEEE and volunteering within the Kerala section. This experience allowed me to connect with many like-minded students and mentors and significantly contributed to enhancing my social skills and collaborative abilities.

Essentially, I did my BTech in Electrical Engineering and MSc in Wind Power Project Management from Uppsala University in Sweden

What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional and uncommon career?

It is never a simple question, is it? I cannot say that I was always destined to do this. It’s a matter of change and flow. I am the sort of person who tries to understand things and go with the flow.

Following my graduation, I worked for two years as a GIS Engineer in Kochi. In 2018, while I was working in my first job in Kerala, a devastating flood swept across the entire state. Most people found themselves homeless and sought refuge in nearby relief camps. My friends and I volunteered in one such relief camp in Kochi. There, I witnessed fellow volunteers crafting portable flashlights and power banks from scratch, creating live interactive geo-coordinated heatmaps for rescues, establishing GitHub repositories to address issues, and more. The realization hit me that if more individuals, equipped with strong technological expertise and a willingness to assist, could effectively tackle a rapid and intense event like a flash flood disaster, we could also take substantial steps toward mitigating the impending climate crisis. This moment became a monumental turning point for me, both personally and professionally.

I felt compelled to actively engage in climate change mitigation, using the technical knowledge I possess, which was my understanding of renewable energy acquired through my degree, experience in working with maps, passion for design, and the social skills I had developed.

Subsequently, I made the decision to pursue a master’s degree in Wind Power Project Management at Uppsala University in Sweden. I would describe this as one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. During my time there, I had the opportunity to interact with people from all around the world and was exposed to multiple cultures, languages, ideas, and visions.

How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Or how did you make a transition to a new career? Tell us about your career path

While I was still working in my first job, I attended several online courses pertaining to renewable energy. I was particularly fascinated by a wind energy MOOC from DTU, Denmark and wanted to know more about the industry. So, I researched more about the job opportunities, emerging markets, and the demand before pursuing wind energy as my masters. 

I didn’t have a solid plan. I thought I would let the ‘flow’ decide where I would go. So, I applied everywhere for wind energy programs without a specific country in mind. Regardless of some initial rejections, I managed to get an admission to the wind energy masters in Sweden and decided to pursue the opportunity.

The programme was multidisciplinary and due to my love for earth sciences, meteorology and design, the wind resource assessment subject caught my attention. I started to specialize on the topic and wrote my dissertation on it. 

I was also fortunate to do an internship for Zephyr, a wind energy development firm in Sweden. I was tasked with identification and creation of resource data for 12 different sites throughout Sweden. 

Working with Zephyr was very interesting and fun! I always wanted to do my dissertation in a professional setting. I thought that will give me a taste of the industry before I set foot in it. Collaborating with a company is a lot like applying for a job. You need to showcase what you intend to do, and it should align with what the company wants for itself and from you. It is a co-dependent relationship.

Zephyr develops, builds, and operates wind power in Norway, Sweden and Iceland. At that point, they were entering the Swedish market and were looking for insights on the wind behavior in dense Swedish forests. I wanted to do my dissertation in forested areas as well, so we collaborated. They provided the data, and I did my work, which in turn benefited both of us.

Roughly 60% of land area in Sweden is covered by forests. This is indeed a staggering amount and it’s clearly in Sweden’s best interest to develop wind and solar farms within these forested areas. I’m pleased to have contributed to this initiative.

How did you get your first break?

The shift across countries was definitely not easy. The job markets are different. Renewable energy could be in full swing in one country while stagnating in the other. In Denmark, one of the leading players in wind energy, the onshore wind scene is mostly saturated while the industry in Finland is still in the teen years. So, if I want to work on the offshore wind sector, I would try more in Denmark where there are more offshore technological advancements. However, if I am interested in onshore wind jobs, Finland may be a better option, as there are more emerging opportunities in this area. 

After 50+ rejections, one thing I realized is that we tend to take each rejection personally and think it’s our fault when it could clearly be not. I believe that if something doesn’t work out, a better opportunity is waiting for us down the line.

I researched renewable energy companies and began applying for their open positions even before my graduation. Starting early definitely provided me with some valuable insights. Cold calling was another strategy I used, which made a significant difference. Even if they didn’t have an open position at the time, companies wouldn’t forget those who went the extra mile. I asked my friends to proofread and critique my resume, refining it step by step in the process. I gradually saw the difference, resulting in multiple interview opportunities. For one position, I went through as many as four rounds of interviews, only to be rejected at the last moment. While I felt disheartened, I never doubted myself, and eventually, the right position came along at the right moment.

There are also other factors to consider like difference in political orientation, legislation and even language. It is easier to land an English-speaking role in some countries but for others, it would be prerequisite to know the local language. 

In hindsight, anyone considering a similar transition should thoroughly research these aspects and identify their desired career goals. With careful planning and a little luck, the shift can be achieved.  

What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?

One of the main challenges I faced was, working with solar energy, after getting into the workforce. I had only studied the wind aspect of renewable energy, which was a part of my master’s program; I even wrote my dissertation on it. I understood the wind industry, its operations, and technical knowledge. However, the same level of knowledge and expertise did not extend to solar. I was essentially starting from scratch in this area. So, when my manager asked if I could take on solar projects, I took a leap of faith and said yes. I began learning from the basics, and although it had a steep learning curve, with the help and support of my coworkers, I can now confidently design and develop both wind and solar farms.

Where do you work now? 

I work in Sowitec development GmbH, a renewable energy firm located in south Germany. We primarily operate in Germany, Latin America, and Africa. I work as a project developer for wind and solar projects helping in technical development and planning of projects, both locally and internationally. This includes wind\solar resource data creation and optimization, project development, monitoring and evaluation of wind and solar meteorological masts, wind turbulence simulation and optimization using CFD platforms.

What’s a typical day like?

My work is exceptionally dynamic, with no two days being alike. One day, I’ll be in the office, and the next, I’ll be out in the field. Some days are dedicated to intense coding, while others involve flying drones. I particularly appreciate the multidisciplinary nature of my work. Furthermore, the nature of my work shifts with projects in different countries, introducing me to new technical concepts previously overlooked due to changing country requirements. Working with clients also varies, adapting to different countries, languages and cultures.

Overall, I take great satisfaction in contributing my small part to make the world a bit greener while enjoying the diverse experiences along the way

How does your work benefit society? 

I can say that my work contributes in a small way in mitigating climate change. Working in the renewable energy sector also contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable, and economically prosperous society. It’s definitely a privilege to be part of a field that holds such promise for the future.

Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!

It is actually hard to point out. Generally, it gives me immense pleasure to see a project that I worked on come to fruition. 

Your advice to students based on your experience?

Every experience and every story is different. Work for what you believe is right. Talk with people and collaborate. Seek and create opportunities, go with the flow and see where it takes you. Failures will come your way; embrace them because they will ultimately shape who you are. When they come, don’t be too hard on yourself. Keep on working for your passion and your story will be fulfilling.

Future Plans?

I don’t know. Maybe go with the flow? For the moment, I would like to stay constantly updated on the industry. Perhaps learn more about wind and solar hybrid systems, offshore wind, and other technological advancements in renewable energy. Who knows? In five years, the new hot topic might be efficient smart grids, a stable hydrogen economy, or even renewable nuclear fusion. When that happens, I would like to experience it from the front row.