The challenge of the wind industry: training 600 technicians by 2027
The wind industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world, driven by the search for clean and sustainable energy sources. However, this exponential growth brings with it a significant challenge: the need for 600 qualified technicians by 2027. Check below about the growing demand for professionals in the wind sector and the implications of this for training and the job market.
Wind market on the rise: the awakening of the industry
The study annual “Wind Workforce Outlook,” conducted by GWEC and Global Wind Organization (GWO), projects the wind industry will require more than 240.000 new hires by 2027. However, this number is only partially aligned with the actual global need. According to the report, the sector will need a staggering 600 technicians to build, install, operate and maintain wind projects around the world by 2027.
This scenario offers exceptional opportunities for local and national governments, which can take advantage of the expansion of renewable energy, with a focus on wind energy, to direct investments in the training of specialized labor, according to portal-energia. The energy transition depends on highly qualified technicians to drive sustainable industry growth.
Wind industry numbers and projections
The Global Wind Workforce Outlook 2023-2027 highlights the need for 574 technicians for construction, installation, operation and maintenance. However, about 43% of that number will represent new technicians in the industry. They will need to go through a rigorous training and qualification process or migrate from other industrial sectors, such as offshore oil or gas.
The explosive growth of the sector is remarkable, with an expected jump from 78 GW in 2022 to 155 GW in 2027, surpassing 1.500 GW of wind capacity worldwide. The growth of the offshore wind sector will increase the demand for technicians by 17%.
The challenge of renewal and the ongoing need
Growth is not the only challenge facing the wind industry. With a technician exit rate of 6% per year, more than 159 thousand new professionals need to be hired between 2023-2027 to replace those who will naturally leave the sector. This will add another 85 technicians to meet the increase in wind capacity.
These projections point to numerous opportunities for integrating talent from full-time education and other sectors, including conventional ones. The wind industry must adapt quickly to ensure its labor needs are met.
The future of the wind industry and the energy transition
The need to hire 243 new technicians over the next five years highlights the urgency faster growth in technical training and security measures. This evolution is crucial to filling anticipated gaps in the supply chain and supporting the energy transition away from fossil fuels.
The Global Wind Workforce Outlook 2023-2027 identifies the importance of both onshore and offshore wind energy and the need for skilled labor in ten countries, including:
- Australia
- Brazil
- China
- Colombia
- EgyptIndia
- Japan
- Quênia
- South Korea
- United States
The growth of professional needs in these countries is evident, but it also requires a solid health and safety culture, in addition to investments in technical training. This is essential to ensure the wind industry continues to play a key role in achieving climate and energy objectives, contributing to modern and sustainable economies around the world.
