Governments and companies worldwide are racing to hit green energy targets. That means cutting carbon, investing in clean power, and shifting away from fossil fuels. But these goals don’t just change how energy is made. They also change who’s hired, what skills are needed, and how industries operate.
Here’s how green energy targets reshape the workforce across different sectors.
Energy Jobs Are Growing Fast
The shift to green energy is already creating millions of jobs. According to recent global data, renewable energy will support over 13.7 million jobs in 2022, up from 12 million just two years ago. That number is expected to reach 38 million by 2030 if net-zero targets stay on track.
These jobs include:
- Wind and solar technicians.
- Battery storage engineers.
- Grid modernisation specialists.
- Electric vehicle (EV) service and manufacturing roles.
But these aren’t only “energy sector” jobs. They touch everything from construction to tech.
Traditional Sectors Are Being Pulled In
As clean energy projects expand, industries not traditionally linked to energy are now part of the mix. Here’s how:
- Construction: There’s a sharp rise in demand for workers to build solar farms, wind plants, and EV charging stations.
- Manufacturing: Companies are shifting from fuel-based engines to electric ones. EV battery production is expected to support 10 million jobs globally by 2030.
- IT and Data: Smart grids, AI for energy management, and predictive systems are all on the rise, attracting software developers, cybersecurity experts, and data analysts.
- Finance: Green investments now drive fund allocation. ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting creates demand for sustainability analysts and risk managers.
Green energy goals don’t just grow the energy sector; they ripple across the entire economy.
Skills Gaps Are Widening
With new demand comes a new problem: not enough skilled workers.
The International Energy Agency reports that over 50% of clean energy companies face hiring delays because of talent shortages. The gap is widest in roles like:
- High-voltage electricians.
- Solar PV installers.
- Grid technicians.
- Environmental engineers.
Retraining workers from other sectors is now a top priority. Oil and gas engineers, for example, often have transferable skills, but many still need upskilling to transition.
Workforce Mobility Is Increasing
People are moving between sectors more than ever. Someone with logistics experience in shipping might now work on solar panel supply chains, or a gas turbine technician may retrain for wind turbines.
Green targets encourage governments to support this shift. Countries like Germany and Australia have funded national reskilling programs, while the EU launched the Green Deal Industrial Plan to attract talent into low-carbon sectors. Mobility isn’t just possible, it’s necessary.
Conclusion
Green energy targets aren’t just environmental goals. They’re workforce game-changers. They affect how industries recruit, train, and compete for talent. Whether it’s IT, finance, logistics, or construction, everyone’s in the race.
The future of work isn’t just digital, it’s low-carbon. And it’s already here.
We can help your business navigate green workforce shifts! Whether you need to hire renewable energy experts, engineers, IT specialists, or sustainability analysts, our team connects you with candidates who have both technical expertise and a passion for driving positive change. From targeted recruitment campaigns to tailored talent pipeline development, Sperton is your partner in building a workforce fit for a low-carbon economy.
Ready to future-proof your hiring strategy? Contact us today to discuss how Sperton can help you find, engage, and retain the talent your business needs to thrive in the green economy.