Alternative Energy Technology

Diploma

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Explore new and non-traditional energy sources and set yourself up to begin a career in the exciting and growing alternative energy sector.

NAIT's Alternative Energy Technology diploma program will provide you with both the theoretical and practical skills needed to design, integrate and maintain systems that utilize major alternative energy sources such as solar, geothermal, wind, biofuels, hydro, fuel cell and co-generation.

You'll also enhance your understanding of the industry through studies in project management, economics, business and energy management.

Upcoming Intakes

Select your preferred intake to see relevant program information. Program details, including tuition and course information, may vary by intake.

Selection Start Date Delivery Mode Time Campus Length Domestic Status International Status
Sep. 02, 2025 (Fall) In-person Weekdays - Daytime Main 2 Years (Full-time) Open Open
 
             
 

Swipe table to view more information for each intake.

Delivery Mode

  • In-person - All your class activity will be delivered in person, on campus.
  • Online - All your class activity will be delivered online.
  • Hybrid - Your classes will be a mixture of in person and online learning. You must be able to come to campus and participate remotely online.
  • Your choice - Your program offers a variety of class delivery options (in person, online, or a mixture of both) and you can select which type of classes to take. If you wish, you can complete your entire program either in-person or online.
  • HyFlex - All your classes are delivered for simultaneous participation in person and online. You can choose daily to attend your classes in person or join remotely online.

Time

  • Your choice - You can select class times and days that fit your schedule. There are a variety of class options for you to choose from including daytime, evening, weekdays or weekends.
  • No set time - No set class days or times, content is access on-demand. You can complete your studies on your own schedule within the scheduled class dates; may have set due dates and deadlines.
  • Evenings & Weekends - Classes are scheduled after 5 p.m. on weekdays or anytime on weekends.
  • Weekdays - Daytime - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start before 6 p.m.
  • Weekdays - Evening - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start after 6 p.m.
  • Weekends - Classes are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays.

Campus

Any in-person components of your courses will be delivered at this campus location.

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Length

  • Full-Time - This is the standard length to complete the program, with a full course load per term.
  • Part-Time - Students follow a structured schedule of classes so they can progress in their studies part-time while balancing everyday life.

Domestic Status

The program availability status for domestic applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

International Status

The program availability status for international applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Limited - For international applicants, the program intake is now only available if you already have a valid study permit.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

Credit programs that accept international applicants also meet the eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, including programs with a Hybrid delivery mode. Each student is responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.

Hands-on, industry-relevant training

Through a combination of classroom education and hands-on learning in our state-of-the-art Alternative Energy Centre, you can expect to become familiar with system design, how to integrate multiple energy sources and system life cycle analyses. 

Alternative Energy Technology

Concept breakdown

The program is broken up into 4 semesters, each focusing on a particular angle of study:

Semester 1 - Introduction

In the first semester, you'll gain an introduction to the underlying chemical, thermodynamic and physical principles of energy generation and storage. You'll also work on professionalism skills and gain familiarity with common software applications used in the energy sector. 

Semester 2 - Foundations

Explore the major types of alternative energy and interact with solar modules, geothermal systems, fuel cells and wind turbines among other equipment.

Semester 3 - Analysis and Design

With a focus on analysis and design, integrate the materials covered in the first year and study the economics of alternative energy systems. You'll also begin to prepare for your capstone project. 

Semester 4 - Application

Concentrate on the practical application of energy technology, with courses, regulations, energy management and a final capstone project that will challenge you to apply your knowledge and skills to a related technology problem. 

Alumni Showcase

Want to learn more about this program?

Request more information or get answers to a specific question. Send us an email, and we'll put you in touch with the program advisors directly.




The personal information on this form is being collected under the authority of the Post-secondary Learning Act and section 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP). The information will be protected by the provisions of FOIP, and will be used for the purpose of registration and administration of the event. If you have any questions or concerns about the collection, use, security or disclosure of the personal information, please contact General Council at 780.471.7664 or legal@nait.ca.

For General NAIT Information

Phone: 780.471.6248
Toll-free: 1.877.333.6248

Contact Student Service Centre

Solar student

Career Outcomes

As green technologies continue to emerge, evolve and decrease in cost, people with sound technical knowledge and practical expertise are increasingly in demand. Consumers, commercial businesses and utilities are turning to alternative energy products and services to help them increase efficiency and sustainability.

Student Success

NAIT students help bring solar power to school in remote Peruvian village

Alternative Energy Technology partnership with Light up the World changes lives in North and South America

Courses and Advanced Credit

Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.

Advanced Credit

You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).

Transfer Credit

In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:

  • You must have completed the course or program no more than 3 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
  • You must have a minimum mark of C in the course(s) or program

Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.

Scholarships & Awards

Want to learn more about this program?

Thank you for your interest! We want to get you in contact with the right person to answer your questions. If you are a current or recently admitted student you can find program and course information as well as contact details for your program on the My Program page on the MyNAIT Portal.








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