According to a new joint report by the Global Wind Organization (GWO) and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), the global wind industry will require nearly 600,000 technicians over the next five years to keep pace with its growth. Notably, over 240,000 of these positions will be filled by newcomers to the wind energy sector.
The study, titled “Global Wind Workforce Outlook 2023-2027”, delves into the number of wind technicians needed to construct, install, operate, and maintain the anticipated global wind fleet up until 2027. It emphasizes the potential for governments worldwide to utilize the renewable energy boom to drive employment, training, and reskilling, thus fostering a workforce adept at handling the energy transition.
The report outlines a pressing demand, projecting that by 2027, over 574,000 technicians will be needed for construction, installation, and operation & maintenance tasks. Significantly, to match the rate of industry growth, almost 43% of these technicians will be industry newcomers, with many potentially transitioning from sectors like offshore oil and gas.
By 2027, the world's annual wind energy installations are predicted to double, jumping from 78GW in 2022 to a staggering 155GW. This growth translates to a global wind capacity surpassing 1500GW within the next five years. The report anticipates a 17% increase in the demand for wind technicians due to technological advancements and the booming offshore wind market.
Jakob Lau Holst, GWO's CEO, commented on the findings, saying, “The Global Wind Workforce Outlook highlights not only the magnitude of people required but also the significant influx of newcomers to the industry. This underscores the importance of ensuring that the incoming workforce possesses the requisite entry-level skills that align with employers' needs.”
Ben Backwell, GWEC's CEO, emphasized the importance of a robust workforce for the sector's expansive growth. He stated, “Ensuring that the rapidly expanding workforce is equipped with proper training, especially with a focus on health and safety, is paramount for the industry's sustainable growth.”
The report also sheds light on the workforce demands in specific nations, spotlighting growth in onshore and offshore wind in countries like Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Egypt, India, Japan, Kenya, South Korea, and the USA.
