A new study from X-Academy has forecast a growth of 73,000 jobs in the UK energy sector by 2030, if governments and industry collaborate to accelerate the energy transition.
More than 70 workforce forecasts from across the energy industry were used to inform this single, unified energy jobs forecast, called Seize the Opportunity.
The median of all combined forecasts suggests a growth of 22% by 2030 will be required, but this is still dependent on the extent to which government and industry collaborate.
The research shows grid-related employment could see a further 50,000 new jobs by 2030 but the current pace of development risks not only new grid-related jobs, but new jobs right across the energy transition. In even the most pessimistic combination of all forecast scenarios, biomass/bioenergy, CCUS, wind and hydrogen will grow, it said.
Within the report, eight steps are recommended to enable the acceleration of new energy jobs, including the creation of more visible jobs now, showcasing the sector as an attractive and diverse place to work, and amplifying regional contexts with life-long careers.
In 2024, X-Academy will be actively targeting projects and initiatives with the potential to unlock the talent, capability or infrastructure of UK regions, where accelerating employment has the potential to increase the pace of achieving energy security and net zero.
Peter Tipler, managing director of X-Academy, said: “Seizing the jobs opportunity in the global energy sector to create experienced capability and capacity in low carbon and renewables will ensure energy security, tackle climate change and power a new net zero economy.
“Irrespective of future policy, more people are needed to support our energy system. To secure that future and have the capacity in place, we need to employ more people now. The risk of not moving fast enough is likely to stall projects and investments.
X-Academy strategic advisor, Andy Samuel said: “The Energy Transition is a massive investment opportunity and challenge. Pace is required, more than ever, as the climate crisis deepens. Consistent policies with the right incentives and measures to remove barriers such as planning, and grid connections are vital.
Equally great people and innovation are essential to progress projects to investment decisions. Now is the time to seize the energy jobs opportunity.”
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