Fostering students' critical thinking skills is an urgent issue that requires immediate attention. One viable solution to address this is the implementation of project-oriented problem-based learning (POPBL) through the SR-STEM project. This research aims to describe the implementation, effectiveness, and student perception of the POPBL model through the SR-STEM project in enhancing critical thinking skills in renewable energy materials. The study adopts a quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent control group. The participants are 74 senior high school students in the academic year 2022/2023. Data collection employs observation sheets, written tests, and questionnaires. The data are analyzed descriptively and inferentially and using confirmatory factor analysis. The key findings of the study are as follows: (1) the model demonstrates a high level of feasibility; (2) the learning model effectively improves students' critical thinking skills; and (3) the learning model exhibits a positive correlation with student achievement, perceived control, and affective perception. This research suggests introducing innovative learning approaches to enhance students' critical thinking skills, particularly in renewable energy materials, to promote Education for Sustainable Development. Moreover, it highlights the significance of considering factors that influence the effective implementation of lessons.