On October 11, the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) and Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) have released a joint report highlighting the workforce challenge facing the global wind industry. The report states that nearly 600,000 technicians will be needed in the next five years, with over 240,000 of these roles being new recruits to the industry.
According to the report titled “Global Wind Workforce Outlook 2023-2027“, the rapid growth of the wind industry will require a skilled workforce to construct, install, operate, and maintain wind farms. The report forecasts that over 574,000 technicians will be required by 2027 for construction, installation, operation, and maintenance activities. However, 43% of these technicians will be new to the industry, joining from education and recruitment pipelines or transitioning from other sectors like offshore oil and gas.
The report predicts that annual wind energy installations will double from 78 GW in 2022 to 155 GW in 2027, leading to a total wind capacity worldwide of over 1,500 GW in just five years. As a result, there will be a 17% increase in the demand for wind technicians for construction, installation, operation, and maintenance over the forecast period.
The need to recruit new technicians in the next five years presents a range of opportunities for new talent to enter the industry. CEO of Global Wind Organisation, Jakob Lau Holst, underscores the importance of focusing on entry-level skills that match the needs of employers and complement existing capabilities from other sectors and education systems. He states that workforce development is a priority for policymakers, industry associations, and employers.
In conclusion, the report highlights the growing demand for wind technicians and underscores the need for increased training capacity to meet the supply chain gaps. It presents opportunities for new talent to enter the industry and emphasises the importance of safety and proper training to support the growth of wind capacity in the coming years.
The increase in demand for a new workforce in the renewable energy sector signals positive developments for the WIMBY project. WIMBY’s mission is pivotal in addressing the NIMBY (Not In My BackYard) effect, focusing on dispelling misconceptions surrounding wind energy. Rather than solely highlighting job opportunities, WIMBY emphasises the broader impact — increased employment rates in a sector more sustainable than traditional sources like oil and gas. Projects like WIMBY play an important role in fostering citizen awareness of the trade-offs involved, empowering them to make informed decisions. By bridging the gap between communities and the renewable energy sector, WIMBY strives to create a positive environment where citizens actively contribute to sustainable solutions across various aspects, including employment.
Written by: Marta Cecconi, Deep Blue s.r.l.
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