Renewable Energy is undeniably one of the most important industries of our future. Our national commitments to net zero and reducing carbon emissions are all dependent on the development and success of the Renewable Energy industry. There are many factors that need consideration to ensure we are capable of making the transition towards renewables.
Technology
Technology will play a critical role in accelerating this transformative stage and the overall success of many renewable energy projects. The second important factor is talent and ensuring we have an industry supported by the best people available. This talent change requires a shift in recruitment focus and ensuring future businesses receive support from the best recruiters on the market.
The rise of big tech is one of the most important financial developments of the last few years. Many big tech businesses have committed to achieving net zero emissions. The work in digitalisation, AI, and other innovative systems could be pivotal in developing intelligent and more flexible energy systems required to achieve net-zero emissions.
Traditionally, new energy technologies have taken years to mature and significantly impact an industry. Existing technologies will not be enough to deliver a net zero energy system, and we don’t have the time for these technologies to develop further. The development and deployment of new energy systems will have to expand considerably to achieve our net zero goals by 2050. One of the most critical roles big technology could play is accelerating the pace of innovation. Many projects involving AI and other technologies are capable of driving energy systems forward.
Net zero economy
Combining financial backing and knowledge of AI and machine learning, technology businesses and their associated employees are in a strong position to drive these much-needed technological breakthroughs. Climate change represents probably one of the biggest challenges of our generation. Achieving a net zero economy requires collaborative efforts from government, society, and business. Technology companies and their employees are well-positioned to bridge technology gaps and deliver the skills and information needed to tackle global challenges.
The talent gap
Today, some of our most creative and intelligent minds are working for big tech companies, whose underlying goals are engagement, increasing traffic and boosting website conversions.
However, people are becoming more aware and interested in working in an industry that directly impacts our planet and focuses on some of the biggest challenges we are facing. Many technology professionals are actively interested in working in Renewables and clean energy but are often unsure how their skills fit or how to make the transition. It’s important to highlight that many clean energy businesses are looking for talent from multiple industries and often ensure job descriptions remain open to people from non-traditional sectors. The Renewables industry is still expanding, and as a result, there is no defined pathway to transition from tech to renewables. Renewable energy requires talent from multiple industries and various backgrounds. It’s up to each individual to determine how their skills can contribute to the market.
From a recruitment perspective, there is a growing wealth of opportunities for recruiters to capitalise on the Renewable Energy industry. The renewables market showed consistent resilience throughout the pandemic and continued to expand. The industry experienced an increased demand from individuals looking to work in more impactful roles, as well as the attraction of higher salaries and significant career opportunities available within the industry.
The future of renewable talent
The resilience of Renewable Energy over the last few years has proven critical for providing reliable power and a stable source of income for many people. Despite the impact of the pandemic, renewables were the only energy source without a decline in demand. Clean energy jobs decreased slightly during the pandemic but have since recovered considerably, offering some of the most progressive and well-paid opportunities nationwide. Prospects for clean energy growth are rising rapidly, thanks to mandatory government-enforced climate measures and environmental policies. These plans have accelerated the development of new jobs and the continued shift towards a net zero economy, which will continue to drive further opportunities for job seekers across the country.
For many Energy industry professionals, a clean energy industry represents the future and translates into a dominant renewable energy market. A career in clean energy represents opportunity, great benefits, and the ability to work in a progressive industry. Businesses are recognising this shift and are conscious that candidates are more interested in working in influential positions and roles that positively impact our planet. The focus of recruitment is shifting towards finding the best talent available to support this transition. This movement will encourage a mass skills migration from traditional energy to predominantly Renewable Energy sectors.
A large part of this movement is based on technology talent and applying the latest tech skills to the clean energy industry. Data and data management systems, for example, are essential to integrate renewable energy within power systems. Real-time data analytics enables efficient management of distributed energy resources and balancing of the system. Technology skills will prove vital in supporting the accelerated uptake of renewable energy and will become a critical area for future recruiters.
Government targets, investment plans and a shift in social trends suggest which direction our world must be moving and how industries will change in the future. Recent reports and associated data clearly show that the Renewable Energy industry represents a reliable way of futureproofing your career, and technology talent will be vital in securing the future growth and success of the sector.