Martijn Gerlag, Application Engineer at Fluke EMEA, warns that the clean-energy shift will be throttled by a skills shortage unless industry and government invest in training, tools and standards.
Electricity is the backbone of the 21st century, but for many businesses it is time for an upgrade. Organisations across the globe are redefining how their energy is generated, distributed, and consumed.
On top of this, change is being championed at a national level, with world governments setting out ambitious targets to phase out fossil fuels, reduce carbon emissions, and prioritise cleaner, more sustainable energy sources such as solar and wind.
In 2023, the UK Government introduced the Energy Act, aiming to reduce energy costs, promote investment in the industry and support the drive to meet net zero goals by 2050.
Progress has since been made to strengthen cleaner infrastructure across the UK, however this commitment to renewable energy is facing some recent pushback. But we have the opportunity and responsibility to keep this momentum going.
By investing in workforce development, expanding infrastructure, and equipping professionals with the right tools and training, we can drive progress – regardless of shifting policies or government support.
Re-skilling for renewables
The surge in electrification is driving an equally urgent demand for skilled workers capable of installing, maintaining, and optimising increasingly complex energy systems. The current workforce is not equipped to meet this challenge. For example, recent Fluke research found that 55% of companies surveyed outsource the majority of their solar maintenance due to insufficient in-house expertise.
Currently, only one in eight individuals today possess the skills needed to address the climate crisis. Without strategic and coordinated investments in training programs, this skills gap could become a critical bottleneck and significantly hinder the clean energy transition.
This situation is reminiscent of the internet boom in the mid-2000s when the demand for software engineers skyrocketed. Companies responded by investing heavily in training initiatives, mentorships, and apprenticeship programs.
Governments and private sector leaders must prioritise workforce development to address electrification demands. This includes creating robust upskilling initiatives such as apprenticeships, trade programs, and advanced certifications focused on emerging technologies like solar energy, battery storage, and electric vehicles. These programs should focus not only on building technical expertise but also on equipping workers with the foundational knowledge needed to thrive in this rapidly evolving sector.
Empowering workers through comprehensive training will be critical for advancing the electrified economy. These skilled professionals will play a pivotal role in developing and maintaining the infrastructure necessary to meet future energy demands, driving job growth and fostering long-term economic resilience.
The importance of effective legislation
The passing of the UK’s Energy Act two years ago marked a significant transition in the country’s regulatory framework. The act aimed to deliver a more efficient energy system across the country whilst keeping energy costs low. As well as reducing the financial cost of energy to consumers, the act also laid out plans to reduce the environmental costs incurred by non-sustainable energy use.
Its main goal is to lower carbon emissions – either through alternate energy sources or through carbon capture sites. One of the key points of the Energy Act focuses on a licensed framework for CO2 transport and storage – providing support for the development of the UK’s first carbon capture sites. There is also an emphasis on increasing investment in the country’s onshore electricity, with a particular focus on wind power to provide cleaner energy.
Furthermore, as the Government looks to increase the UK’s low-carbon energy sector, there has also been greater support for the country’s nuclear power options. In order to meet the growing electricity demands whilst also keeping carbon costs low, the UK is implementing small modular reactors to provide nuclear energy to smaller, targeted regions and businesses.
Introducing this legislation not only demonstrates the commitment the government has to achieving a cleaner energy infrastructure but also serves as a clear standard for companies to follow. As more government initiatives make cleaner energy more accessible to businesses, renewable energy will become more prevalent, and a sustainable future will become even more attainable.
Championing cleaner infrastructure
The electrification of the world represents an opportunity to redefine our energy systems and protect energy security. To fully realise the benefits of clean energy, we must encourage investment, workforce development, and infrastructure expansion.
Policymakers, industry leaders, and communities must work together to ensure that electrification efforts continue to be prioritised. With strategic investments in people, tools, and systems we can build a cleaner, more resilient energy future that benefits generations to come.
