The Renewable Energy ecosystem includes:
- Electric motors, engines and turbines
- Electric power generation
- Manufacturing and distribution of gas
Find out more about the LSP(s) in this ecosystem and their commitments below:
Challenges
The EU has set ambitious targets for increasing offshore renewable energy (ORE) production until 2050. These will require a long-term strategy to ensure that the sector can meet the growing market demand through the investment in emerging technologies and highly qualified labour force. Furthermore, COVID-19 has slowed down the supply chain and hampered mobility. This systemic impact and ongoing uncertainty are an added obstacle to investment in skills within the sector.
Size of the labour market
The sector is estimated at 79,600 jobs in Europe (2020): 77,356 jobs supported by offshore wind and 2,250 jobs supported by the ocean energy.
Commitments made under the Pact for Skills
The Partnership for offshore renewable energy, represented by the industry, trade union, education, training and research organisations, has committed to support the qualification process for the new jobs in the sector (estimated between 20,000 and 54,000 new workers in the next five years) and contribute to improved upskilling opportunities for the current ORE workforce.
For further information please refer to:
Challenges
Focus on renewable energy sector has been at the forefront of the European political agenda in the past year. However, the sector experiences a general shortage of professionals with background in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The gender imbalance in the renewables sector is also high with women accounting only for 32 % of the workforce. The Renewable Energy Skills Partnership brings together leaders from the entire spectrum of the Renewable Energy value chain. It will ensure sustainable and systematic sectoral cooperation to have a well-trained and sufficient renewable energy workforce. This a major factor of competitiveness for the renewable energy ecosystem and a decisive condition for the manufacturing, deployment and management of Renewable energy technologies needed to achieve the EU energy and climate objectives.
Size of the labour market
According to the EurObserv'ER report, the total direct and indirect employment from the renewable sectors is estimated at 1.47 million full-time equivalents by 2021, 12% higher than in 2020. This number is set to increase following the accelerated deployment of clean energy solutions. Accounting for all renewable energy sectors, achieving our REPowerEU targets will require the creation of over 3.5 million jobs by 2030. This challenge is of gigantic scale and requires urgent action from all stakeholders and policymakers across the continent.
Commitments made under the Pact for Skills
The Partnership supports the exchange of best practices and data on skills gaps and skills needs in this sector. It also aims to ensure that people entering the renewable energy workforce are equipped with appropriate skills, all while following the values of gender equality and equal opportunities. Apart from providing guidance to public authorities and shaping policy recommendations, the partnership also creates synergies with all other relevant large partnerships for skills. Another important priority for the partnership is to promote innovation in the sector and make it more attractive to workers.
