A new Power Generation Group within the National Skills Academy for Power (NSAP) has been launched by Energy & Utility Skills
The power generation sector is advancing rapidly with technologies such as carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS), energy from waste, wind, and other renewable sources.
These advancements are creating numerous job opportunities, with further anticipated industry growth indicating a requirement for an additional 70,000 skilled professionals within the offshore wind sector alone by 2030.
In October 2023, the world’s largest offshore wind farm, Dogger Bank, produced power for the first time
Upon full operation, it will provide power equivalent to the needs of 6m homes.
In addition to this, more than 15m tonnes of residual waste is converted annually by the UK’s Energy Recovery Facilities (ERFs), enough to supply half the homes in London for an entire year.
The Power Generation Group will identify skills gaps and shortages in the sector
Despite these positive developments, many employers express concerns about finding and securing the right talent.
The Power Generation Group has recognised the need for a targeted approach in crucial areas within energy from waste, such as carbon capture, utilisation, and storage.
Specialised skills such as electrical and mechanical engineering, planning and connecting, and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), among others, are foreseen as essential to meet the evolving demands of the renewables industry.
Contributing to the UK’s training infrastructure and upskilling demand
Stephen Barrett, director of membership and strategic engagement at Energy & Utility Skills said: “A focus on renewables within the Power Generation Group allows us to support industry by establishing and upholding the necessary training standards, contributing to the UK’s training infrastructure, and addressing the growing demand for upskilling.”
