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Decarbonization Internship Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Decarbonization Internship information

What is a decarbonization internship?

A Decarbonization Internship is a temporary position, often for students or recent graduates, focused on supporting projects and initiatives that reduce carbon emissions in industries, organizations, or communities. Interns in this role typically assist with research, data analysis, and the implementation of sustainability strategies aimed at achieving net-zero or low-carbon goals. This internship provides hands-on experience in environmental science, engineering, or policy, and helps interns develop skills relevant to the growing field of climate action and sustainable development.

What types of projects does a decarbonization intern typically work on, and how do they contribute to the team's sustainability goals?

Decarbonization Interns often assist in projects like analyzing energy consumption data, researching low-carbon technologies, and supporting the implementation of emission reduction strategies. They collaborate closely with sustainability managers, engineers, and data analysts to identify areas for improvement and track progress toward carbon neutrality. Interns may also help prepare reports and presentations that communicate findings to stakeholders, providing valuable support to the organization's broader environmental objectives. This hands-on experience enables interns to see the direct impact of their work on real-world sustainability initiatives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a decarbonization intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Decarbonization Intern, you need a solid background in environmental science, engineering, or sustainability, often supported by coursework or experience in climate policy and carbon management. Familiarity with data analysis tools (such as Excel or Python), environmental modeling software, and greenhouse gas accounting frameworks is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills help you stand out by enabling effective collaboration and clear reporting of technical findings. These abilities are crucial for supporting impactful sustainability initiatives and contributing to organizational climate goals.

What is the difference between Decarbonization Internship vs Sustainability Analyst?

AspectDecarbonization InternshipSustainability Analyst
CredentialsRelevant coursework, basic understanding of environmental scienceDegree in environmental science, sustainability, or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in renewable energy or environmental firmsFull-time role in corporate, consulting, or government organizations
Industry UsageCommon in renewable energy, environmental NGOs, and consulting firmsWidely used across industries focusing on sustainability and corporate responsibility

The Decarbonization Internship provides hands-on experience in reducing carbon emissions, often suitable for students or early-career individuals. In contrast, a Sustainability Analyst is a full-time professional role focusing on broader sustainability strategies, including decarbonization efforts. While both roles focus on environmental impact, internships are more educational and entry-level, whereas analysts have more responsibilities and require relevant credentials.

What are popular job titles related to Decarbonization Internship jobs in Rhode Island? For Decarbonization Internship jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Decarbonization Internship jobs? Cities in Rhode Island with the most Decarbonization Internship job openings:
Infographic showing various Decarbonization Internship job openings in Rhode Island as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 36% Internship, 51% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution.

Research & Development - PhD Engineering Intern

PPL Corporation

Providence, RI

$17 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


PPL rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 53 rated energy and utility


Job description

Company Summary Statement

As one of the largest investor-owned utility companies in the United States, PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), is committed to creating long-term, sustainable value for our 3.5 million customers, our shareowners and the communities we serve. Our high-performing regulated utilities - PPL Electric Utilities, Louisville Gas and Electric, Kentucky Utilities and Rhode Island Energy - provide an outstanding experience for our customers, consistently ranking among the best utilities in the nation. PPL's companies are also addressing challenges head-on by investing in new infrastructure and technology that is creating a smarter, more reliable and resilient energy grid. We are committed to doing our part to advance a cleaner energy future and drive innovation that enables us to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 while maintaining energy reliability and affordability for the customers and communities we serve. PPL is a positive force in the cities and towns where we do business, providing support for programs and organizations that empower the success of future generations by helping to build and maintain strong, diverse communities today.

Overview

The PPL R&D Department is looking for PhD Engineering students from all engineering disciplines to begin in May 2026. We are looking for interns who are passionate about renewable energy, including wind and solar, energy storage, green hydrogen, sustainability, carbon capture and other decarbonization technologies.

Ideal candidates will be based in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, or Kentucky and would be interested in the potential of transitioning to full-time employment with PPL upon graduation. During the school year, students will work part time, but during the summer, the position will work on-site and may include travel to work on clean energy R&D projects at numerous locations across PPL Corporation including Allentown, Pennsylvania, Providence, Rhode Island, as well as Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky. While traveling, all expenses will be paid.

Responsibilities

  • Plans and controls all activities so as to provide an accident-free work place.
  • Uses engineering and scientific principles to plan projects, collect and analyze data, and create professional reports.
  • Gathers, correlates, and analyzes data using established procedures.
  • Coordinates and communicates results and participation in research projects within applicable business units and prepares summaries of value and results to management.
  • Identifies opportunities for improvement and/or suggests improved methods.
  • Performs detailed and/or engineering assignments involving established calculations, tests and analysis.
  • Performs other duties as directed by management.

Qualifications

Requirements

  • Available part time during the semester and full time during the Summer 2026 semester
  • Pursuing a PhD in Engineering from an ABET Accredited program.
  • Minimum 3.00 GPA

What PPL employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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