THE UK’s push to decarbonise its energy system by the end of the decade will give the biggest employment boost to the East of England and Scotland.
A government plan published on Sunday (Oct 19) projects these regions will benefit the most from the more than 400,000 new roles created to support the shift to low-carbon energy. Plumbers, electricians and welders are some of the occupations most in demand – with tasks ranging from building and running renewable installations to improving efficiency, managing smart grids and decarbonising traditional industries.
In the East of England, construction of nuclear facility Sizewell C on the Suffolk coast is alone expected to create 10,000 jobs at peak construction. Carbon capture and storage plans in Scotland and the North East of England are also due to support 35,000 jobs, according to the UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
London could have 25,000 employees working directly in clean energy by 2030, more than double 2023 levels.
The government said it’s putting an emphasis on funding for training workers in clean energy fields as the industry has often said the skills are lacking. The report estimated the number of plumbers and carpenters would have to double by 2030 compared to 2023 levels. For welders, one of the most in demand professions, triple the numbers of skilled workers will be needed. BLOOMBERG
