400,000 job opportunities for UK's net zero energy workforce

The employment and skills impact of the 2050 target is explored in a new report from National Grid: Building the Net Zero Energy Workforce, which looks at the implications of the Committee on Climate Change’s advice that net zero will require fundamental changes to how energy is generated, distributed and used. 

In the North East, for example, the research suggests that more than 21,000 new recruits will be needed to deliver projects such as offshore wind and the interconnector off the coast of Blyth in 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 over 17,000 jobs. 

In Scotland, workers with net zero-related skills will be needed to fill over 48,000 jobs by 2050 with a further 25,000 roles expected in Wales. 

The report adds that of the 400,000 roles that need to be filled over the next 30 years, the sector needs to recruit 117,000 this decade if it is to meet key milestones up to 2050. It also identifies four challenges – warning of a looming retirement crunch, stiff competition for talent with other sectors, a pipeline of young people pursuing STEM qualifications that is still too narrow, and an ongoing lack of women in the sector. 

Research, conducted by YouGov for National Grid’s report, found that people of all ages, and from all regions across the UK are looking for a job with environmental purpose. Over eight in ten women say they are keen to play their part in tackling climate change, as are 73% of men. Just over half of adults are specifically looking to work for an organisation that is helping the UK to deliver its net zero goals.