The renewable energy sector has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, driven by increasing demand for clean energy, technological advancements, and supportive government policies. This growth has not only transformed the energy landscape but also created a wealth of job opportunities across various disciplines.

A Booming UK Renewable Energy Industry

The UK renewable energy market, which as recently as 2022 was valued at approximately £23 billion, has seen significant and continued investment and growth in recent years. The development of renewable and green energy has contributed to a substantial decrease in fossil fuel production, with the use of fossil fuels for power consumption dropping by nearly 40% since 2010.

Offshore wind has already emerged as the most dominant contributor to the UK's renewable energy production, providing nearly 60% of the country's renewable energy. Other sectors, such as biomass and solar, are also growing rapidly and are expected to become major contributors to the UK's energy mix.

This growth is expected to increase, and at pace too; since winning the General Election in 2024, the Labour Government has outlined a ‘Clean Energy by 2030’ mission, with plans to double onshore wind, triple solar power, and quadruple offshore wind by the end of the decade.

Renewables Job Market Expansion

The rapid growth of the renewables sector has led to a surge in job opportunities. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the renewable energy industry employed over 12 million people worldwide in 2023. This number is expected to continue rising as the sector expands and new projects come online – the new Labour Government has already pledged that their renewable energy drive would see the creation of 650,000 new high-quality jobs.

In the UK, the renewables job market has seen significant growth, with roles spanning various disciplines, including engineering, project management, and operations, and the demand for skilled professionals is higher than ever.

At Carbon60, we are proud to help connect top talent with leaders within the industry and contribute to shaping a highly-skilled workforce that will drive forward renewable energy projects as we strive for a cleaner, greener future.

Key Job Roles in the Renewables Sector

With the renewables sector and the demands on it growing, the variety of projects being planned and implemented offer a wide range of job opportunities, including:

Project Planners: Responsible for developing and managing project schedules, ensuring that all project activities are completed on time and within budget.

Project Managers: Overseeing the execution of projects, coordinating with different teams, and ensuring that project goals are met.

Project Developers: Responsible for identifying future projects and suitable locations for them and dealing with land acquisition.

Site Agents and Engineers: Supervising construction sites, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and managing on-site activities.

Mechanical and Electrical Project Engineers: Designing and implementing mechanical and electrical systems for renewable energy projects.

Commissioning Engineers: Ensuring that all systems and components of a project are designed, installed, tested, and maintained according to the operational requirements.

Operation and Maintenance Management: Responsible for plant maintenance and ensuring efficiency throughout the lifespan of the operation.

Predictions for the Renewables sector in 2025 (and beyond)

Having just kickstarted the new year, there is much to look forward to for the future of the renewable energy sector – throughout 2025 and beyond.

With a vast number of major, industry-changing plans in place, and projects planned to change the way the UK generates and distributes its energy, there are several key predictions being made, including:

Increased Renewable Energy Capacity: The UK is projected to reach 141.10 billion kWh in electricity generation within the renewable energy market by 2025. This growth is driven by the government's ambitious decarbonisation targets and the implementation of the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan.

Expansion of Offshore Wind: Offshore wind will continue to be a major contributor to the UK's renewable energy production. The UK aims to achieve 43-50GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, which will require significant investment and development in the coming years.

Growth in Solar and Biomass: Solar and biomass sectors are expected to see substantial growth, with policies supporting the immediate permitting of 1.3GW of solar and energy storage. These sectors will play a crucial role in diversifying the UK's renewable energy mix.

Job Creation: The renewable energy sector is expected to generate a significant number of new jobs. Employment in the renewable energy industry is projected to expand by 9% in 2025 and continue growing through 2030. This growth will create opportunities across various disciplines, including engineering, project management, and operations.

The future of the Renewable Energy Job Market

The growth of the renewables sector has not only transformed the energy landscape but also created a wealth of job opportunities. With continued investment and innovation, the sector is poised for further expansion, driving sustainability and economic growth. For professionals looking to make a difference and be part of a dynamic and rapidly evolving industry, the renewables sector offers a promising and rewarding career path – one that Carbon60 will continue to help guide talented professionals along.