Research Intern - Master's Thesis in Renewable Energy (f/m/d)

  Our Renewables team is looking for you!   

We are Uniper

At Uniper, we are pro-actively transforming the world of energy whilst at the same time ensuring security of energy supply. As an internationally operating company, we work in very diverse teams with the greatest possible working time flexibility for our employees. Our corporate culture is characterized by equal opportunities, mutual appreciation, and respect. With us, you will be able to develop new business models, work on technological solutions for a modern, sustainable, and future-oriented energy supply as well as pro-actively help to shape changes. Interested? Then we will look forward to meeting you!

Your responsibilities

Industries need accurate estimates of future energy technology costs, including the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) for PV, wind, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Material costs significantly impact total project costs, and changes in these costs can affect the economic viability of renewable energy (RE) projects. This study aims to fill the gap in long-term material price projections and their impact on RE projects by providing CAPEX forecasts based on material cost predictions. The research will integrate material cost projections with established technology cost curves to enhance CAPEX estimates for RE investments and promote supply risk reduction measures. Future developments in RE technologies, including production advancements and new generations like perovskites, will also be considered.

• Collect historical data on material prices and compositions for PV, wind, and BESS
• Survey and select correlation models for material price and CAPEX relationships, including technology advancements
• Breakdown technology costs by categories such as labor, energy, raw materials, and processing
• Develop future scenarios for material supply and geopolitical issues to identify supply chain bottlenecks
• Analyze technology trends under different scenarios (BAU, Green World, Global Crisis, Local Crisis) and evaluate supply shortages and rerouting strategies

Expected Outcomes:

• Material price forecasts for PV, wind, and BESS utility-scale projects in Germany until 2050, with a focus on short-term (until 2030)
• Correlation analysis between CAPEX and material prices
• Implications for stakeholders, including policymakers, investors, and developers

Your profile

• Master’s student in Renewable Energy, Environmental Engineering, or a related field, with a strong academic focus on energy systems and technologies
• Solid understanding of renewable energy technologies, specifically PV, wind, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
• Knowledge of Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) and Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) analysis, including the economic implications of material costs on renewable energy projects
• Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel and Python, with experience in regression analysis and system dynamics modeling to forecast trends and assess various scenarios
• Familiarity with material cost structures and their influence on the economics and viability of renewable energy technologies
• Experience in conducting comprehensive literature reviews, synthesizing research, and developing forecast models to predict long-term trends in energy technology costs
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to think critically about complex data and propose innovative solutions to challenges in the renewable energy sector

Your benefits

• Support to balance private life and work: Sabbaticals, part-time possibilities, family service
• Coaching

• E-car charging stations at almost all Uniper locations

Health offers:

• Flu vaccination
• Preventive health services
• Employee assistance program

Our employees are the reason for our success. Therefore, you will find many other benefits at the local level to help you reach your potential. Energy evolutionary wanted!

 Your contact

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at:

career@uniper.energy

Attention! Please apply via the button in this portal. Application documents that reach us by post will not be returned and, like those we receive by e-mail, can unfortunately not be considered!

As an employer, Uniper is committed to diversity and equal opportunities. Therefore, we encourage applications from suitably qualified individuals whose capabilities match the role requirements regardless of gender, origin, disability, age, religion, ideology, sexual identity or marital status. We live inclusion and support flexible working.