The wind power industry will need nearly 600,000 technicians in the next five years. Over 240,000 of these positions will be filled by new recruits, highlighting the pressing need for skilled workforce expansion, according to the latest joint report by the Global Wind Organization (GWO) and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC).
The report, titled “Global Wind Workforce Outlook 2023-2027,” forecasts the increasing demand for wind technicians to construct, install, operate, and maintain the anticipated global wind fleet up to 2027. It underscores the opportunities for governments to leverage renewable energy expansion for job creation, training, and reskilling, ultimately fostering a skilled workforce for the energy transition.
By 2027, a staggering 574,000 technicians will be needed for construction, installation, operation, and maintenance. Of these, approximately 43 percent will be new to the wind industry, entering through education and recruitment pipelines or transitioning from other sectors like offshore oil and gas.
The wind energy sector is poised for substantial growth, with annual installations expected to double from 78 GW in 2022 to 155 GW in 2027. This growth, driven by technology innovation and the burgeoning offshore wind market, necessitates a 17 percent rise in wind technicians for construction, installation, operation, and maintenance over the next five years.
To accommodate this growth, an additional 84,600 technicians will be required. However, considering a 6 percent attrition rate, the industry will need to recruit a total of 159,200 technicians to replace those exiting the industry between 2023 to 2027.
The report emphasizes the opportunities for new talent to enter the industry and stresses the wind sector’s role in supporting an equitable energy transition away from fossil fuels. It calls for accelerated growth in safety and technical training capacity to bridge anticipated supply chain gaps.
Jakob Lau Holst, CEO of Global Wind Organisation, emphasized the need for matching entry-level skills with employer needs, highlighting the influx of new talent into the sector. Ben Backwell, CEO of GWEC, stressed the importance of a well-trained workforce and a robust supply chain to support the massive growth in wind capacity.
The report also highlights wind growth and workforce needs in 10 key countries, underscoring the necessity of a strong safety culture and a trained workforce to meet climate and energy targets globally.
Key Insights from the Report:
The worldwide wind fleet is projected to reach approximately 1,581 GW by the end of 2027, more than double the pre-pandemic level.
The number of wind technicians requiring industry training is expected to increase by 17 percent, reaching 574,200 in 2027.
Offshore wind will see the most rapid workforce growth, with a 79 percent increase in technicians by 2027 compared to 2022.
The report focuses on the construction, installation, operation, and maintenance segments of wind farms.
This urgent need for a skilled and sustainable workforce underscores the critical role the wind industry will play in driving the energy transition to renewable sources.