Bridging the Wind Energy Workforce Gap: 532,000 New Technicians Needed by 2028 to Accelerate the Global Transition to Renewable Power

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The global wind energy sector will need 532,000 new wind technicians by 2028 to meet growing onshore and offshore demand, according to the Global Wind Workforce Outlook, a joint report from the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) and Global Wind Organisation (GWO). Notably, 40% of these roles will require new entrants, emphasizing the importance of a robust pipeline of skilled workers to build and maintain wind energy infrastructure.

A Workforce Crucial to Net-Zero Goals

To achieve global renewable energy targets and accelerate the transition to net-zero emissions, governments and industry leaders must collaborate to expand the wind energy workforce. Investing in vocational training and standardizing international training programs are among the recommended strategies to ensure a sustainable and equitable shift away from fossil fuels.

Nine Steps to Address Workforce Challenges

The report outlines nine key actions for policymakers to address workforce shortages and ensure long-term growth:

1. Set workforce targets aligned with national energy policies and renewable installation goals.
2. Introduce STEM-based education to prepare students for entry-level roles in the wind sector.
3. Invest in workforce training programs, apprenticeships, and upskilling initiatives, particularly for offshore wind.
4. Promote local job creation through industrial policies and tendering criteria.
5. Facilitate retraining pathways for workers transitioning from carbon-intensive industries.
6. Enhance diversity and inclusion to attract and retain talent.
7. Refine policies on workforce imports, exports, and dislocation to address global mobility challenges.
8. Strengthen health and safety standards for onshore and offshore wind operations.
9. Adopt global training standards tailored to local needs.

Leadership Insights on Building the Future Workforce

Ben Backwell, CEO of GWEC, highlighted the urgency of action, stating:
“Deployment must accelerate to meet net-zero and renewable targets. The nine steps in this report provide a roadmap to build a workforce capable of delivering onshore and offshore wind projects.”

Jakob Lau Holst, CEO of GWO, emphasized the people-centric approach needed to achieve sector goals:
“A resilient supply chain of skilled personnel is critical for maintaining wind infrastructure. Governments must invest in vocational training, remove regulatory barriers, and support international training standards to achieve this.”

Training Needs in Key Markets

The report examines workforce training requirements in ten key countries—Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, India, the Philippines, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the U.S.—which collectively account for 73% of the global demand for wind energy technicians by 2028.

By addressing these workforce gaps, the wind industry aims to ensure it plays a pivotal role in combating climate change while fostering socio-economic opportunities worldwide.