Women can and should, address the skills gap problem in the rapidly growing clean energy sector – globally. That is the bold declaration from Dr. Nina Skorupska CBE, Chief Executive of the Renewable Energy Association (REA); who addressed a significant consequence of the pace of the global energy transition upon the release of Global Energy Talent Index (GETI), the world’s largest global energy sector skills, recruitment, and employment trends report, released by Energyjobline and Airswift.
It states that renewable energy is a rapidly growing field globally, offering huge opportunities. Yet, the report also indicates a potential problem that significantly more skilled workers are needed to match growth in the renewable energy sector. The report offers an insight into an industry that is already rising to the challenge, as despite the skills gap, more women can be found in senior positions compared to in other industries.
Commenting on the release of the GETI Report this week, Dr Skorupska said: “This report is a welcome statement that there is a bright future for young people working in renewable energy and smart technologies globally. UK students and existing energy professionals should consider a career in this rapidly growing field that will be critical in mitigating climate change and creating a sustainable world in the coming decades.
The REA Chief calls on women and young people in the UK to take courses and train in renewables and sustainability in order to help build the low-carbon energy system that’s needed. “The data shows that there are more women in senior positions in renewables than in other energy sectors, but 13 percent isn’t enough! This is a dynamic, exciting, and rapidly shifting industry and I encourage women and men of all backgrounds to become involved.” The GETI survey can be found here.
Dr Skorupska was the first women to run a power station for RWE in the UK. She has held senior positions in global energy companies in the past, including for Essent NV. She was awarded a CBE in 2016 for her service in renewables and for encouraging women to work in the sciences and in engineering. Dr Skorupska is also a Board member of the WISE campaign.
The Renewable Energy Association represents renewable energy producers and promotes the use of all forms of renewable energy in the UK across power, heat, transport and recycling. It is the largest renewable energy and clean technology trade association in the UK, with approximately 700 members, ranging from major multinationals to sole traders.