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As the UK and European nations move steadily towards a greener future, the priority to upgrade the energy grid to accommodate renewable sources has never been more pressing.
In the latest data released by the UK Government, the final quarter of 2023 saw more than half of our energy generation driven by renewables. Representing 51.5% of our energy mix, this marks the highest ever share of electricity generated from renewables - further demonstrating the expressed need for grid transformation.
This necessity not only represents a monumental shift in how we generate, distribute, and consume energy but also heralds a new era of job opportunities and skills development. The continued transition to renewables, including wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, will require a robust, flexible energy grid capable of handling the variable nature of these sources. What’s more it will require a growing list of skills and expertise needed to support this transformation, which is something we’re passionate about here at NRL.
The skills revolution
The upgrade of the energy grid will need a diverse set of skills, ranging from electrical engineering expertise for the design and implementation of grid infrastructure to data analysis capabilities for managing the unpredictable supply of renewable energy. Gaining knowledge in renewable energy technologies, alongside skills in project management, is critical for overseeing the development and integration of new systems – but are we already in a position to have this expertise to hand? Or will organisations need to start looking now for transferable skills to attract new candidates into their sectors and start the knowledge transfer?
Creating employment opportunities
The transformation of the energy grid is expected to help support significant job creation across the UK and Europe.
A recent report from Staffing Industry Analysts, says that employment in the renewable energy sector will expect to generate almost 10 million new jobs in the next seven years – from design roles for new renewable energy sites, to ongoing maintenance jobs.
Turning our focus to the energy grid, operators are likely to need a range of skills including engineers and technicians specialised in renewable energy systems, and construction professionals tasked with building and upgrading infrastructure - the opportunities are expected to be vast.
Furthermore, the expansion of renewable energy sources is fostering new roles in research and development, aiming to innovate and enhance the efficiency and integration of these systems into the grid. The push towards digitalisation of the grid is also creating roles in IT and cybersecurity, essential for the safe and efficient management of energy flows.
Did you know?
The biggest electricity grid update of its kind is now underway to help support the energy transition to net zero.
The UK’s electricity network has supported our homes and businesses for almost 90 years, but now significant new infrastructure is needed to connect the network to new low carbon plants and renewable energy plants – such as the offshore wind turbine farms being added to the shorelines of the UK.
National Grid spoke to The Guardian about their plans to add five times more transmission infrastructure across the UK to support this, in a programme it calls The Great Grid Update.
Creating careers for the next generation
The upgrade of the energy grid to accommodate renewables is more than a technical challenge; it is a pivotal opportunity to drive economic growth, create long-term employment, and foster a sustainable future.
As the UK and Europe embark on this journey, the focus on developing the requisite skills and opening up job opportunities will be crucial.
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