The Energy Transition: Geopolitics and the Race for 30 Million Jobs

Over the past decade, the global energy landscape has drastically evolved due to geopolitical events. Between 2011 and 2022, more than 70% of global energy supply disruptions were linked to crises such as terrorist attacks, escalating military tensions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and most recently, the Russia–Ukraine war.

Traditional energy supply chains have become highly susceptible to disruption. For example, before 2022, Europe relied on Russia for 40% of its gas supply. Fossil fuels continue to be used for political leverage. Therefore, as solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage scale faster than ever, in contemporary society, the greatest limitation is securing skilled talent to support this transition.

Energy Security Is Now a Battle for Talent:

By 2030, the renewable energy sector is predicted to become a $2 trillion industry, with clean hydrogen alone attracting $240 billion across 680 announced projects worldwide. By 2050, up to 95% of energy demand growth is expected to come for ASEAN, India, and the Middle East, transforming global trade patterns.

However, the demand for qualified professionals doesn’t correlate with our current workforce. Older workers are retiring, while younger talent is increasingly drawn to tech and non-traditional industries.

People Driving the Energy Transition:

Even with new technology, the renewable energy sector faces challenges in securing skilled talent. For example:

• Slow adoption in Europe: Uncertainty around EV sales, heat pump installations, and industrial electrification is limiting electricity demand growth. Weak demand slows investment in clean projects and reduces the need to train and hire new talent.
• The hydrogen expansion: Clean hydrogen could account for 18% of global energy demand and create 30 million jobs by 2050. But without skilled professionals in hydrogen production, transport, and industrial integration, many projects risk stalling before reaching final investment.
• Storage and grid integration: Long-duration energy storage (LDES) and battery systems are essential for balancing renewable energy. Success depends not only on strategic policies and incentives but also on a skilled workforce of engineers, operators, and safety managers.

To succeed firms must focus on:

• Speed: Top renewable energy candidates can leave the market in under two weeks. Taking too long to hire risks falling behind competitors.
  Employer Value Proposition: Beyond salary, professionals are looking for companies with a strong climate purpose, credible ESG practices, and a wide global reach.
  Key enablers include:
• Reskilling Pathways: Initiatives such as the Energy Skills Passport support the transition from oil & gas, utilities, and heavy industry talent to move into renewables.
• Mobility and Flexibility: Relocation support, hybrid work options, and cross-border career pathways are essential in a globalised market.

Why Recruitment Companies are Key to Success:

At Experts Group International (EGI), we specialise in supporting the growth of sustainability-focused enterprises across Europe and North America. Our talent acquisition team is trained to identify and hire the best experts in cleantech.

Some roles we are currently hiring for are:

• Senior Business Development & Transaction Managers: Navigating cross-border dealmaking and policy-driven incentives.
• Senior Investment Managers: Allocating capital in dynamic markets where project economics and regulations can shift overnight.
• Heads of Power Module Development: Leading the innovation arms race in solar, wind, and energy storage hardware.
• Operations & Maintenance Supervisors and Managers: Ensuring turbines spin and storage systems perform reliably day after day.

Experts Group International: Your Partner in Renewable Energy Talent:

With the skills gap widening and competition for top talent intensifying, renewable energy firms are increasingly partnering with specialist recruiters. Our hands-on, human-first approach helps both organisations and professionals navigate this fast-changing environment, where top talent is often passive.

Whether you’re an employer or candidate in the renewable energy sector facing a dynamic market, we offer expert guidance and consultation to help you thrive.

Hiring Renewable Energy Talent:

• Targeted Talent Access: Over 9 years of cross-sector experience has allowed us to build one of the most extensive networks of specialists across solar, wind, hydropower, and energy storage industries.
• Specialist Expertise: We understand the diverse leadership and technical skills needed for critical roles such as senior business development managers, investment managers, heads of power module development, and operations & maintenance managers.
• End-to-End Recruitment Management: Our dedicated team sources, prepares, and manages top talent full-time, giving you a clear advantage in securing candidates within a competitive market.

For Renewable Energy Professionals:

• Strategic Representation: Gain access to top companies, competitive salaries, and comprehensive benefits.
• CV and Application Support: Work with specialists who tailor your CV to highlight your most relevant experience for the renewable energy market.
• Personalised Support: Benefit from recruiters who have placed hundreds of candidates in renewable energy organisations, providing insights from application through to salary negotiations.
• Exclusive Opportunities: Many of the best roles are not advertised publicly; we connect you directly through our trusted industry relationships.
• Career Alignment: Our consultants take time to understand your goals and strengths, matching you only with roles that truly fit your expertise and ambitions.

Join Our Network, Explore New Opportunities:

As a trusted partner across Europe and North America for value chain talent, Experts Group International supports key industries including:

• Renewable Energy: specialists driving innovation, operations, and mission-critical projects in solar, wind, hydropower, energy storage, and hydrogen.
• Automotive: leaders in engineering, manufacturing, and sustainable mobility solutions.
• Data Centres: professionals in project management, product development, and operational optimisation.

We don’t just fill roles, we build long-term partnerships by placing talent that fuels growth and innovation. Our network is full of qualified professionals aligned with your strategic vision.

If you’re recruiting in the renewable energy sector, our consulting team can help you develop a talent strategy perfectly aligned with your operational goals.

And if you’re exploring new career opportunities in renewable energy, click here to see our current openings.