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ESCO occupation

alternative fuels engineer

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Alternative fuels engineers design and develop systems, components, motors, and equipment which replace the use of conventional fossil fuels as main power source for propulsion and power generation with the feature of using renewable energies and non-fossil fuels. They strive to optimise energy production from renewable sources and reduce production expenses and environmental strain. The alternative fuels employed mainly include Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), biodiesel, bio-alcohol as well as electricity (i.e., batteries and fuel cells), hydrogen and fuels produced from biomass.

2149.9.1 ISCO 2149 ESCO source
Competences
77
Groups
4
Essential
46
Optional
31

Competences and skills

77 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 24 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

8 competences
alternative fuels

Fuels or power sources that serve, at least partly, as a substitute in the traditional energy supply to transport such as oil and fossil sources. They have the potential to contribute to decarbonisation efforts and enhance the environmental performance of the economy and transport sector.

green
Scope note
Alternative Fuels Directive includes: -Electricity Hydrogen -Biofuels -Synthetic and paraffinic fuels -Natural gas including biomethane in gaseous form (compressed natural gas (CNG) -Liquefied Natural gas (liquefied natural gas (LNG) -Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
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chemical products

The offered chemical products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.

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electrochemistry

Subdiscipline of chemistry that studies the chemical reactions that take place during the interaction of an electrolyte, a chemical substance that works as an ionic conductor, and an electrode, or an electrical conductor. Electrochemistry deals with the electrical charge that moves between the electrolyte and electrodes and studies the interaction between chemical changes and electrical energy. Electrochemistry is famously used in the manufacture of batteries.

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energy efficiency

Field of information concerning the reduction of the use of energy. It encompasses calculating the consumption of energy, providing certificates and support measures, saving energy by reducing the demand, encouraging efficient use of fossil fuels, and promoting the use of renewable energy.

green
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market pricing

Price volatility according to market and price elasticity, and the factors which influence pricing trends and changes in the market in the long and short term.

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offshore constructions and facilities

Structures and facilities installed in a marine environment, usually for the production and transmission of electricity, oil, gas and other resources.

green
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offshore renewable energy technologies

The different technologies used to implement the marine renewable energy to an increasing degree, such as wind, wave and tidal turbines, floating photovoltaics, hydrocratic generators and ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC).

green
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smart grids systems

Smart grids are a digital electricity network. The system involves the electronic digital control of production, distribution and use of electricity, information management of the components and energy saving.

digitalgreen
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Cross-sector

16 competences
CAD software

The computer-aided design (CAD) software for creating, modifying, analysing or optimising a design.

digital
Scope note
CAD software should be differentiated from computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software. CADD systems are CAD systems with additional drafting features. For example, CADD systems enable an engineer or architect to insert size annotations and other notes into a design.
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circular economy

The circular economy aims to keep materials and products in use for as long as possible, extracting the maximum value from them while in use and recycling them at the end of their life cycle. It improves resource efficiency and helps to reduce the demand for virgin materials.

green
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electronics

The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications.

digital
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energy storage systems

The systems to capture the energy produced at one time for use at a later time. This includes the differences between the main battery types, super capacitors and hydrogen or fuel tanks.

green
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engineering principles

The engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.

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environmental legislation

The environmental policies and legislation applicable in a certain domain.

green
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fuel cell types

Fuel cells functionalities and types. It includes the operating conditions of fuel cells and possible related problems.

green
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fuel gas

The various qualities, hazards and applications of gaseous fuels, such as oxy-acetylene, oxy-gasoline, oxy-hydrogen and others.

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health, safety and hygiene legislation

The set of health, safety and hygiene standards and items of legislation applicable in a specific sector.

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mechanics

Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

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power electronics

The functioning, design, and usage of electronics that control and convert electric power. Power conversion systems are usually categorised as AC-DC or rectifiers, DC-AC or inverters, DC-DC converters, and AC-AC converters.

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renewable energy

The different types of energy sources which cannot be depleted, such as wind, solar, water, biomass, and biofuel energy. The different technologies used to implement these types of energy to an increasing degree, such as wind turbines, hydroelectric dams, photovoltaics, and concentrated solar power.

green
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statistics

The study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of data collection in terms of the design of surveys and experiments in order to forecast and plan work-related activities.

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systems development life-cycle

The sequence of steps, such as planning, creating, testing and deploying and the models for the development and life-cycle management of a system.

digital
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technical drawings

Drawing software and the various symbols, perspectives, units of measurement, notation systems, visual styles and page layouts used in technical drawings.

digital
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thermodynamics

The branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat and other forms of energy.

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Essential skills and competences 22 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

9 competences
assess hydrogen production technologies

Compare technological and economic characteristics of different options to produce hydrogen. This includes comparing sources (natural gas, water and electricity, biomass, coal) and related technologies.

green
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conduct energy audit

Analyse and evaluate the energy consumption in a systematic manner in order to improve the energy performance.

green
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design electric power systems

Construct generation plants, distribution stations and systems and transmission lines to get energy and new technology where it needs to go. Use high tech equipment, research, maintenance and repair to keep these systems running. Further design and plan layout of the buildings to be constructed.

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execute feasibility study on hydrogen

Perform the evaluation and assessment of the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel. Compare costs, technologies and available sources to produce, transport and store hydrogen. Take into account the environmental impact to support the process of decision making.

green
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identify energy needs

Identify the type and amount of energy supply necessary in a building or facility, in order to provide the most beneficial, sustainable, and cost-effective energy services for a consumer.

green
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promote innovative infrastructure design

Throughout the coordination of an engineering project, promote the development of infrastructure that is innovative and sustainable, in line with the latest developments in the field.

green
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promote sustainable energy

Promote the use of renewable electricity and heat generation sources to organisations and individuals, in order to work towards a sustainable future and encourage sales of renewable energy equipment, such as solar power equipment.

green
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provide information on hydrogen

Provide organisations and individuals searching for alternative energy fuels information on costs, benefits, and negative aspects of the use of hydrogen. Inform about what one must take into account when considering the implementation of hydrogen solutions.

green
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use thermal management

Provide thermal management solutions for product design, system development and electronic devices used to protect high power systems and applications in demanding environments. These can be eventually collaborated with customers or other engineers.

digital
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Cross-sector

13 competences
adjust engineering designs

Adjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.

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analyse energy consumption

Evaluate and analyse the total amount of energy used by a company or an institution by assessing the needs linked to the operative processes and by identifying the causes of superfluous consumption.

green
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approve engineering design

Give consent to the finished engineering design to go over to the actual manufacturing and assembly of the product.

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design electrical systems

Draft sketches and design electrical systems, products, and components using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software and equipment. Draw panel arrangement layouts, electrical schematics, electrical wiring diagrams, and other assembly details.

digital
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develop energy saving concepts

Use current research results and collaborate with experts to optimise or develop concepts, equipment, and production processes which require a lesser amount of energy such as new insulation practices and materials.

green
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dispose of hazardous waste

Dispose of dangerous materials such as chemical or radioactive substances according to environmental and to health and safety regulations.

green
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ensure compliance with environmental legislation

Monitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation. Ensure that the processes are compliant with environment regulations and best practices.

green
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ensure compliance with safety legislation

Implement safety programmes to comply with national laws and legislation. Ensure that equipment and processes are compliant with safety regulations.

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perform scientific research

Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

research
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plan maintenance activities

Plan and organise the process aimed at preserving equipment or systems in good working condition by inspecting the installation, resolving malfunctions, replacing worn parts and performing other maintenance tasks.

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use sustainable materials and components

Identify, select environmentally friendly materials and components. Decide on the substitution of certain materials by the one that are environmentally friendly, maintaining the same level of functionality and other characteristics of the product.

green
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use technical drawing software

Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.

digital
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use testing equipment

Use equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.

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Optional knowledge 12 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
rail design engineering

The subfield of rail engineering dealing with the design of rail systems including electrical, civil and mechanical components, and the role of innovation and digital technologies to improve design experience and solutions.

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Sector-specific

5 competences
aviation standards and recommended practices

The official Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) of ICAO, designed to assist in the management of aviation safety risks in order to reduce the number of aviation accidents and incidents.

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mechanics of vessels

The mechanical aspects and principles of vessels operations, and the technicalities and mechanical composition of boats and ships.

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rail construction engineering

Thoroughly understand the nature of rail construction engineering; understand safety requirements and related security standards and procedures, to ensure that designs optimise constructability and maintainability.

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rail infrastructure

Thoroughly understand the characteristics of railway infrastructure: rail technologies, track gauges, rail signalling, rail junctions, etc.

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vessel fuels

The characteristics and properties of vessel fuels and lubricants, and the fuel loading specifications of various types of vessels.

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Cross-sector

6 competences
aerospace engineering

The engineering discipline that combines various technologies and engineering disciplines such as avionics, materials science and aerodynamics in order to design, develop and manufacture aircraft, spacecraft, missiles and satillites.

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aviation English

The de facto international language of civil aviation in English, used in actual situations on board aircraft, in airports, and elsewhere in the aviation chain.

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battery chemistry

The different battery types according to the representative chemical components used in the anode or the cathode such as zinc-carbon, nickel-metal hydride, lead-acid, or lithium-ion.

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battery components

The physical components, such as wiring, electronics and voltaic cells that can be found in batteries. The components vary according to size and type of battery.

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battery fluids

The characteristics and properties of battery fluids.

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marine technology

Technologies for the safe use, exploitation, protection of, and intervention in the marine environment.

green
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Optional skills and competences 19 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

5 competences
control compliance of railway vehicles regulations

Inspect rolling stock, components and systems to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.

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disassemble engines

Disassemble internal combustion engines, generators, pumps, transmissions and other components of mechanical equipment.

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ensure aircraft compliance with regulation

Ensure that every aircraft complies with applicable regulation and all components and equipment have officially valid components.

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ensure vessel compliance with regulations

Inspect vessels, vessel components, and equipment; ensure compliance with standards and specifications.

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prevent sea pollution

Organize and monitor environment protection applying the regulations for pollution prevention at sea.

green
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Cross-sector

14 competences
analyse production processes for improvement

Analyse production processes leading toward improvement. Analyse in order to reduce production losses and overall manufacturing costs.

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analyse stress resistance of materials

Analyse the ability of materials to endure stress imposed by temperature, loads, motion, vibration, and other factors using mathematical formulae and computer simulations.

digital
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assess financial viability

Revise and analyse financial information and requirements of projects such as their budget appraisal, expected turnover, and risk assessment for determining the benefits and costs of the project. Assess if the agreement or project will redeem its investment, and whether the potential profit is worth the financial risk.

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conduct performance tests

Conduct experimental, environmental and operational tests on models, prototypes or on the systems and equipment itself in order to test their strength and capabilities under normal and extreme conditions.

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control production

Plan, coordinate, and direct all production activities to insure the goods are made on time, in correct order, of adequate quality and composition, starting from intake goods up to shipping.

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create technical plans

Create detailed technical plans of machinery, equipment, tools and other products.

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design prototypes

Design prototypes of products or components of products by applying design and engineering principles.

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draft design specifications

List the design specifications such as materials and parts to be used and a cost estimate.

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execute feasibility study

Perform the evaluation and assessment of the potential of a project, plan, proposition or new idea. Realise a standardised study which is based on extensive investigation and research to support the process of decision making.

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inspect engine rooms

Inspect engine rooms to detect the presence of any hazardous materials, and to ensure legal compliance. Inspect the construction of the rooms, the functionality of equipment, the adequacy of room ventilation, and the frequency of maintenance activities.

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operate battery test equipment

Operate equipment used for battery testing, such as a soldering iron, a battery tester, or a multimeter. Detect flaws affecting the battery's performance, test the battery's capacity for accumulating charge, or test its voltage output.

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record test data

Record data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptional or unusual input.

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train employees

Lead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the performance of individuals and groups in organisational settings.

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use maritime English

Communicate in English employing language used in actual situations on board ships, in ports and elsewhere in the shipping chain.

Scope note
Interpret information received in English by any means to perform technical functions on board or respond to contingencies: written and oral information (face to face or radio among others). Complete writen information in English for the release of the vessel and the management of vessel activity. Express in English to steer the boat, transmit orders safely and to solve relief and emergency situations. Use seaspeak according to the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases.
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