Energy sector needs 400,000 recruits by 2050 to hit net-zero target

National Grid estimates 117,000 more people are needed in the energy sector in the next decade and 400,000 by 2050 to hit the net-zero target.

Currently there are around 144,000 people directly employed in the energy sector and 20 per cent are set to retire by 2030.

According to the Building the Net Zero Energy Workforce report published today (28 January) in order to hit the 2050 goal, 260,000 new roles will need to be created while 140,000 will need to replace those expected to leave the workforce.

By decade, this means that in addition to the 117,000 needed by 2030, 152,000 will be needed between 2031 and 2040 and 131,000 roles between 2041-2050.

In the North East, for example, more than 21,000 new recruits will be needed to deliver projects such as offshore wind and the interconnector off the coast of Blyth, Northumberland.

Almost 28,000 roles will be needed to work on projects including the further development of offshore wind farms in the East of England, while the development of carbon capture and storage in the Yorkshire and Humber region is projected to support the creation of more than 17,000 jobs.

Meanwhile in Scotland, workers with net zero-related skills will be needed to fill over 48,000 jobs by 2050.

The report lists a number of challenges faced by the industry in terms of its workforce, such as the loss of existing talent due to a “baby boomer retirement crunch” and competition from other sectors, with 40 per cent of physics graduates opting for careers in banking and finance over anything else.

In addition, there is a limited pipeline of young people choosing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) qualifications.

Writing in a foreward to the report Nicola Shaw, executive director of National Grid, said: “I’m proud of all the work National Grid has done, and is doing, to help tackle climate change and enable the transition to cleaner, greener energy in the UK.

“We know collaboration is key to reducing emissions as quickly as possible – so we are partnering with industry, academics, and policymakers.

“As we begin this crucial decade for climate action,  we need to put people, energy and action at the  heart of the solution. This is the job that can’t wait.”

Furthermore, research for the report conducted by YouGov found 83 per cent of women say they are keen to play their part in tackling climate change as are 73 per cent of men.

Meanwhile more than half of adults (57 per cent) say they are specifically looking to work for an organisation that is helping the UK to deliver its net zero goals.

Nick Ellins, chief executive of the Energy and Utility Skills Group, said: “As a vital enabler of the UK transition to a zero carbon future, National Grid has set out clearly the critical role of the workforce in achieving that ambition and the change needed to build the necessary human capital for the future.”