Research by Development Economics and YouGov suggests there could be potential talent in waiting, with a survey finding 78% of UK adults would want to play a part in helping the country reach its net zero goal and 57% wanting to work for an organisation that plays a key role in this transition. To succeed in the goal of building a suitable workforce, National Grid said the industry must retain and retrain existing employees, reframe energy jobs as being a part of the “net zero energy workforce” and inspire the next generation to choose STEM qualifications. How to build the net zero energy workforce Regionally, there would be almost 100,000 jobs created in northern England, more than 50,000 in the Midlands, and nearly 90,000 across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The total number has been broken down into three decade targets – suggesting 117,000 roles should be filled between 20, 152,000 between 20, and 131,000 between 20. Of the 400,000 positions that must be filled in the “net zero energy workforce”, 260,000 of these would be new jobs, with 140,000 roles replacing people who have left the workforce. National Grid says clean energy jobs need to be created across the UK’s regions (Credit: National Grid/Jason Alden) There would also be roles created in the supply chain for building, upgrading, maintaining and operating infrastructure required to reach net zero, as well as new jobs linked to electric vehicles, hydrogen and carbon capture technology. Suggested positions include civil, mechanical and electrical engineers, data analysts, machine learning experts and skilled tradespeople. Jobs to be created under National Grid’s proposal – developed after working with independent research partners Development Economics and YouGov – would be involved in the operation, generation, transmission, distribution and retail of energy in the UK. The energy industry faces challenges from issues such as the loss of existing talent due to a “baby boomer retirement crunch”, competition for skilled workers from other industries like finance and technology, a limited pipeline of young people choosing STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) qualifications, and a lack of diversity. The 400,000 clean energy jobs National Grid wants to fill “But we must also harness the invaluable experience and knowledge of our current teams.” “We need to encourage the best and brightest minds, equipped with technological expertise and a passion to address climate change, into the industry. “People are the real catalyst for change, because it’s people who will develop, build and operate the infrastructure we need to deliver cleaner energy,” she said. Writing in the report published today (28 January), titled Building the Net Zero Energy Workforce, National Grid’s UK executive director Nicola Shaw said the distributor was prepared to work with the energy industry, policymakers and academics to help the UK reach its net zero emissions target. The privately-owned company, which also operates in north-eastern United States, recommends installing low-carbon heating in 2.8 million UK homes and about 60,000 charging points to power 11 million electric vehicles, while developing new technologies for carbon capture and storage alongside new hydrogen networks. It also believes the energy industry needs to increase low-carbon electricity generation by 50% using sources like solar and wind if Britain is to achieve its stated net zero target by 2050. Opportunities could range from scientists and data specialists to engineers and communications professionals, according to the country’s electricity and gas system operator. Some 400,000 clean energy jobs must be filled in the next 30 years if the UK is going to meet binding climate targets, says the National Grid in a new report. The National Grid's workforce analysis would create clean energy jobs for skilled tradespeople, engineers and other specialists (Credit: Pxfuel) But the GMB trade union has asked who will pay for the new workforce - suggesting it should be funded by the taxpayer
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