Planning for the Energy of Tomorrow
When envisioning the energy infrastructure of the future, the images that come to mind might be shimmering solar farms or elegant wind turbines stretching into the horizon. But behind these landmarks of clean energy lies a labyrinth of planning, calculations, and approvals. Simon Peinhaupt is one of the people who make it all happen. Whether in front of a computer screen or standing in the middle of a potential wind farm, he is immersed in the nuanced world of renewable energy planning. How does a physicist find himself at the forefront of shaping tomorrow’s energy landscape?
For Simon, the best part of the job is the fieldwork. “Driving along quiet back roads, discovering new landscapes—it’s the part of my work I enjoy the most,” he says. These visits, however, are just one element of a complex process that begins long before he steps foot on a site. As an employee at F&P Netzwerk Umwelt, Simon runs simulations to assess the potential impacts of new solar and wind farms. Shadow flicker patterns, sound levels, and even the effect on local wildlife must be calculated, modeled, and optimized. These analyses not only determine the feasibility of a project but also shape its design, ensuring that the clean energy of the future harmonizes with its surroundings.
Simon’s technical expertise extends beyond environmental assessments. He models wind conditions to predict power output, calculates the structural integrity of wind park layouts, and simulates how they will endure turbulence over time. His work weaves together data analysis, engineering, and on-site evaluation—culminating in reports that steer the approval process for new energy projects. But how did someone trained in the intricate world of nanomagnetism and magnonics end up at the cutting edge of renewable energy?
Simon’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree in physics, specializing in solid-state physics. His thesis explored nanomagnetism, but along the way, he dabbled in courses on atmospheric and aerosol physics, laying a foundation for his current work. Yet Simon is quick to point out that it wasn’t any single course or specialization that prepared him for this career—it was the adaptability he gained as a physicist.
Three Tips from Simon (F&P Netzwerk Umwelt) for Physics Students
- Get Familiar with GIS and CAD Tools: Simon emphasizes the value of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) experience. “There are plenty of free courses out there—don’t wait until you’re in a job to learn these,” he advises. These tools are widely used in industries like renewable energy and environmental planning, where understanding terrain, designing layouts, or mapping data is crucial.
- Have a driver’s license: A practical but often overlooked tip: get your driver’s license. Field visits to planned sites are an essential part of many technical roles, especially when evaluating landscapes, topology, or other on-the-ground factors. “You can’t always rely on public transport to reach remote project locations,” Simon warns.
- Apply even if you don’t check every box:“Don’t be discouraged if you don’t match the job description perfectly. Many technical roles require problem-solving skills and adaptability—qualities physicists excel in. The worst thing that can happen is a rejection.
“Physics taught me how to dive into new problems quickly, to learn concepts on the fly,” Simon reflects. This ability to synthesize and apply knowledge has proven invaluable in an industry where no specific university program exists to teach the specifics of renewable energy planning. From honing his organizational skills to juggling complex datasets, Simon’s academic training gave him a versatile toolkit—but he’s clear that transitioning from academia to industry required some recalibration.
“A job is far less forgiving than university,” he notes. His current role demanded practical skills he had to acquire along the way, including Python programming, data management, and advanced Excel techniques. He jokes about how underappreciated Excel is until you find yourself automating workflows with VBA—a skill he now considers essential for anyone aspiring to a similar role.
Simon acknowledges that the renewable energy sector is vast and multidisciplinary. While physics-heavy roles exist in technology development, his niche in the project approval process is less defined. Passion, curiosity, and a willingness to learn are key.
His advice for students or recent graduates? Take every opportunity to broaden your skill set. For Simon, an internship designing experimental setups introduced him to Autodesk tools, while self-teaching Blender opened doors to 3D modeling. In hindsight, he wishes he had learned CAD and GIS during his studies, both of which are highly relevant to his current work.
Simon wraps up our conversation with a thoughtful reflection on what it means to be a physicist in the job market. “Physicists aren’t programmers, but many of us know how to code. We have strong mathematical skills, but we’re not mathematicians,” he muses. This versatility, he believes, is one of the greatest strengths of a physics education.
“What makes being a physicist valuable is that we know a little bit of everything,” he says. “Unlike some other fields of study, it doesn’t lock you into a narrow range of career paths.” For Simon, this broad foundation has allowed him to navigate from the intricacies of nanomagnetism to the wide-open landscapes of renewable energy planning.
This flexibility, he argues, is more than just an advantage—it’s a mindset. Physicists are trained to approach problems from first principles, to adapt, and to innovate. Whether they’re designing cutting-edge technologies or ensuring that a wind turbine casts its shadow in just the right way, they bring a unique ability to see the bigger picture while mastering the details. For Simon, that balance is what makes the journey from physics to the forefront of clean energy planning not just possible, but deeply rewarding.