talento en energías renovables - panorama internacional

The Renewable Energy Talent Outlook – 1st Half 2023

Renewable Energy Industry Overview and Recruitment - Summer 2023

In the dynamic environment of the renewable energy talent industry, we are witnessing a significant transformation that completely redefines the energy landscape.

As leaders and executives of companies in this sector, it is essential to stay informed about the trends and changes that are shaping our path towards a more sustainable and clean future.

Through the analysis of experts in the field, we can discern both the opportunities and challenges we face in terms of talent attraction and the ongoing evolution of this industry.

International Outlook

Talent Attraction in Renewables

Héctor Latorre - Business Development- energías renovables

Héctor Latorre, partner and global director of business development for Worldwide Recruitment Energy (WRE), shares his insights into talent attraction in the field of renewable energies.

He emphasizes how the sector is transitioning from being simply solar-focused to a broader phase of energy transition.

Emerging new technologies are shaping a reality where flexible and adaptable skills are crucial.

Whether in development, operations, maintenance, or M&A financing, companies are seeking professionals with the versatility to embrace constant evolution.

European Outlook

Profiles and the European Market

rafalopez-energías renovables

The perspective on Europe, offered by Rafael López, partner and Talent Acquisition director at WRE, sheds light on the development landscape in the sector.

Europe has experienced a phase of maturity, with construction and project financing on the rise.

On the other hand, Portugal is reactivating its development thanks to proactive governmental policies.

In Italy, a growth stage is characterized by a growing demand for financial and legal profiles that will drive the construction of robust structures.

Conclusion

In this environment, it is vital for executives of renewable energy companies to stay informed and adapt. Talent attraction becomes a crucial tool for ongoing success.

Companies must seek professionals who not only possess technical skills but also embrace a mindset of change and continuous learning.

With the world observing and supporting the transition to clean energy sources, our industry has the opportunity to lead and pave the way towards a more sustainable and promising future.

Learn more about renewable energy talent at https://energy.worldwiderecruitment.org/

Encouraging Women to Apply – Boosting Gender Diversity

Gender diversity is essential for any organization that wants to thrive in today’s competitive business environment. Yet, many companies struggle to attract a diverse pool of candidates, particularly when it comes to women. Research has shown that women are often discouraged from applying due to a variety of factors. In this article, we’ll explore some strategies to incentivize women to apply for job vacancies and help close the gender gap.

The Importance of Gender Diversity in Recruitment

Gender diversity is not only a matter of social justice but also a business imperative. Studies have shown that companies with a diverse workforce are more innovative, better at problem-solving, and more profitable. Gender-diverse companies are also more likely to attract top talent and retain employees, leading to a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

The Challenges Women Face

Despite the many benefits of gender diversity, women continue to face significant barriers when it comes to applying for jobs. According to a survey conducted by Tara Mohr, women typically apply only when they meet 100% of the qualifications, while men apply even if they meet only 60% of the qualifications. Many attribute this phenomenon to a lack of confidence among women, but it has more to do with the fact that hiring processes are not seen as an approach to framing one’s expertise, but as one defining it.

Incentivizing Women to Apply: Strategies for Employers

To address these challenges and encourage more women to apply for job vacancies in the renewable energy sector, employers can take a two-pronged approach. The first is to provide better information about how the hiring process really works. Providing information on how to navigate the hiring process will help women understand that the qualifications listed in a job description are not necessarily requirements, but rather a guideline for what the employer is looking for.

The second approach is to purposely create a more inclusive environment. This can be achieved by actively seeking out female candidates, having female employees refer other women, advertising vacancies on women-focused job boards, or partnering with women’s organizations. Employers can also create mentoring programs from women in the company to help potential women applicants develop the skills needed to succeed in male-dominated industries.

In addition to the two-pronged approach outlined above, renewable energy companies can also offer incentives to women who apply for job vacancies. For example, they can offer a bonus to women who refer other women for job openings or offer a women-focused interview prep program. Additionally, companies can conduct blind resume screenings and gender-neutral job interviews to reduce unconscious bias in the recruitment process.

Creating a More Inclusive Recruitment Process

As the renewable energy sector continues to flourish, it becomes increasingly crucial for renewable energy recruitment companies to play a pivotal role in fostering gender diversity. Embracing these strategies not only enhances the workforce but also positions renewable energy companies as pioneers in promoting diversity and inclusivity in the industry.

At Worldwide Recruitment Energy, we are dedicated to bridging the gender gap by identifying and attracting top female talent to drive innovation and success. Our tailored recruitment strategies, inclusive hiring practices, and extensive network ensure that women are empowered to apply for job vacancies and thrive in their careers.  Contact us today to learn how we can support your talent acquisition efforts.

Sources

Chat GPT

Harvard Business Review

The Role of Women in the Transition to Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is becoming an increasingly important part of our world, as we seek to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and transition to more sustainable sources of power. Women play an essential role in this transition, bringing their unique perspectives and talents to help build a more sustainable future. Let’s explore the many ways in which women are driving the transition to renewables and helping to create a more sustainable world for us all.

A Growing Presence

The industry is rapidly expanding, and so is the presence of women in the field. According to a report by IRENA, women account for 40% of the PV workforce worldwide. While this is an improvement from past years, there is still a way to go to achieve gender parity in the industry as a whole.

Src: IRENA

Women in Engineering & Research and Development

Women are making their mark in engineering, design, and research and development roles in the renewable energy industry. In fact, women hold 34% of research positions in the ndustry, according to IRENA. From designing solar panels to developing new wind turbine technologies, women are playing a key role in the development and implementation of renewable energy solutions. For instance, General Motor’s battery lab and their development and implementation of the lithium-ion battery system in the Chevrolet Bolt hybrid was thanks to Denise Gray,

Women in Leadership

Women are also making strides in leadership positions in the renewable energy industry. They are taking on key roles in companies that are driving the transition to renewables, helping to shape the direction of the industry and ensuring that sustainability remains at the forefront of decision-making. For instance, Lisa Davis, the former CEO, and member of the board of Siemens Energy led the company’s shift toward renewable energy and sustainability.

Women are also making important contributions to the renewable energy industry through policy and advocacy work. They are pushing for policies that support renewable energy development and advocating for greater investment in sustainable energy solutions. Women are also raising awareness about the importance of renewable energy and the impact that it can have on our environment and our communities. A great example of women in policy is Damilola Ogunbiy Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Energy for All, Co-Chair in UN-Energy, and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All in the United Nations.

Breaking Barriers and Advancing Equality

There are several initiatives within the renewable energy industry that look towards advancing equality and breaking barriers. For example, the Women in Wind Global Leadership Program, launched by the Global Wind Energy Council, is helping to increase gender diversity in the wind energy sector. Similarly, the Clean Energy, Education, and Empowerment (C3E) initiative is working to promote gender diversity and equality in the renewable energy industry.

Despite the many advances that the renewable energy industry has made, there are still barriers to be overcome. Women continue to face discrimination and bias in many areas of the industry, and there is a need for greater representation and support for women in leadership roles. However, by working together and supporting one another, women in renewable energy are making progress and paving the way for future generations. Worldwide Recruitment Energy can help you find the talent you need while incorporating gender equality policies. What is your company doing to advance the role of women in renewable energies?

Sources

Tech Talent: Powering the Future of Renewable Energies

Renewable energies and technology are becoming increasingly important in our world as we strive to create a more sustainable future. One key factor driving progress in renewable energy is the use of technology. From software development to data analysis, tech talent is playing a vital role in advancing the development and implementation of renewable energies.

Technology and Renewables

As we have mentioned before, renewable energies rely heavily on technology to operate efficiently and effectively. From wind turbines and solar panels to geothermal power and hydropower systems, technology plays a key role in the generation and distribution of renewable energy. As renewable energies continue to evolve, new technologies are being developed to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Tech talent is needed to design and implement these technologies, bringing new ideas and innovations to the renewable energy industry. According to the GETI report, one of the top technical skills hiring managers desires that professionals have are IT Solutions, and working with tools & technology.

renewable-energy-skills

Data Science and Renewale Energy

Playing an essential role in the renewable energy industry is data science. Along with data analysis, it can help identify patterns and trends in energy consumption, leading to more efficient and effective use of renewable energy sources. By analyzing data on weather patterns and energy demand, data scientists can help optimize the performance of renewable energy systems, reducing waste and improving overall efficiency. In fact, the GETI report also demonstrated that 19% of hiring managers desire Data Analysis as one of the technical skills possessed by professionals in the industry.

Software Development and Renewable Energies

Another key area where tech talent is driving progress in renewable energy is software development. Often, the software is used to control and monitor renewable energy systems, providing real-time data on performance and efficiency. By developing new software solutions, tech talent can help improve the reliability and effectiveness of renewable energy systems, leading to greater adoption of renewable energies worldwide.

The Future of Renewable Energies

As renewable energies continue to grow in importance, the role of tech talent will become increasingly crucial. From designing new technologies to analyzing data and developing software solutions, tech talent will be needed to drive progress and innovation in the renewable energy industry. A network of tech professionals with expertise in the renewable energy sector can create a more sustainable future for our planet. This will not only ensure that you have the right team in your organization, but that your investment develops seamlessly. Worldwide Recruitment Energy can help you find the tech talent you need to meet your hiring needs and succeed in this booming market.

Renewable Energy in Brazil: A Booming Market for Investment

The renewable energy market in Brazil has become a trendy market for investment in recent years. Private generation of electricity and surplus supply to the grid from renewable energy sources have made the market attractive for investors. In fact, Bloomberg’s New Energy Finance expected Brazil to attract $300 billion USD in infrastructure investment in the next 17 years.

The Renewable Energy Market in Brazil Today

Brazil has already achieved a total installed capacity of over 180 thousand MW in renewable sources, and it continues to expand its renewable energy market. In 2022, hydropower plants produced around 48 thousand MW, while solar and wind sources produced about 10,000 MW combined, from 3,900 solar power plants, and 726 wind farms. Last year, the country was also able to connect 6.5 GW of non-hydro renewable sources.

Investment Opportunities in Brazil's Renewable Energy Market

Investments in Brazil’s renewable energy market are expected to continue growing, with an expected expansion of solar capacity by 10GW and wind energy sector growth of around 30 GW, according to contracts in the final stages. The renewables market is expected to register a CAGR of over 3.8% in the next 4 years.

For instance, this year one of the biggest renewable energy players was able to secure a loan of 210 million USD from the BNDES. This sets a precedent for USD-denominated PPAs. The loan will finance renewable energy projects while reducing the risk of exchange rate fluctuations.

Investment Challenges

As the renewable energy market in Brazil continues to grow, so does the demand for top talent. Executives and project managers are faced with the challenge of finding sustainable energy talent to capitalize on the growth opportunities in the market. Foreign investment in solar, wind, or hydropower projects will require top talent that understands the Brazilian energy market. Whether it’s contractors, a legal team, project managers, or technicians, finding the right talent in a foreign market can be a challenge.

A network of professionals with expertise in the renewable energy sector and an understanding of the local market can help you solve this challenge. This will not only ensure that you have the right team in your organization, but that your investment develops seamlessly. Worldwide Recruitment Energy can help you find the energy talent you need to meet your hiring needs and succeed in this booming market.

Take the first step

Brazil’s renewable energy market is expected to continue growing, with an expected expansion of solar and wind capacity. The Brazilian government, as well as private financing entities, are promoting innovation in the renewable energy sector. As the market grows, the demand for sustainable energy talent grows. Make sure you have the right talent before investing in this booming market.

transicion-energetica

Energy Transition – 3 Ways to Accelerate it

To accelerate the energy transition, companies such as Schneider Electric have made an urgent call to governments and companies. They also recommend increasing their investments in technologies and specialized personnel that help them reduce their carbon emissions. All this is because the environmental, macroeconomic, and geopolitical crises have put the global energy transition under pressure in the last three years.

Jean-Pascal Tricoire , Schneider Electric's Chairman and CEO
“The current climate and energy crises are an economic reality for an increasing number of people”

Focus on feasible and attractive electrification

Purchasing electric vehicles, opting to deploy solar energy such as solar panels, and digitizing energy use through the integration of smart technologies to manage grids could raise electricity’s share in the energy mix from around 20% to 50% and the share of natural gas and oil would be reduced by around 50%.

Betting on and empowering personnel specialized in clean energy

Clean energy industries would require another 16 million workers. Which is equivalent to more than 30 million jobs in the sector of clean energy, efficiency, and low-emission technologies by 2030. Therefore, starting to manage your own energy portfolio by seeking personnel specialized in renewable energy will help accelerate the energy transition. Since these new jobs could address persistent challenges around environmental safety. It will also help create sustainable projects with equity and inclusion at work.

Drive for decarbonization

This is achieved by promoting technological developments related to carbon capture, use, and storage. For example, the insulation system whereby stopping the leakage of heat from a building, you will burn less fuel to heat or cool the space, replace inefficient air conditioning systems, switch to energy-efficient lighting, and develop R&D projects by professionals specialized, focused on the creation of new low carbon businesses.

Ensuring that the world of energy benefits all people can help advance human and economic development goals, and acceleration towards renewables to achieve a global balance.

cibersecurity-renewable-energy

Cybersecurity and Renewable Energies

While only some industries and companies take cybersecurity seriously, the energy sector must recognize its importance. The industry has been facing increased cyber attacks, especially toward the supply chain. With renewables growing faster, there is an increased digitalization of the sector. It is of the utmost importance that renewable energy companies have the right team to face these challenges.

High Risk Attacks

The most high-risk attacks involve those to power plants or those that interrupt the energy supply to citizens. However, data breaches of management, process, operations, clients, and more, represent a risk too. In fact, every time the industry grows, new cybersecurity challenges unfold. For instance, an increase in two-way communication smart inverters in the solar industry represents a risk if there are no communication standards set.

The issues

In addition, most of the assets in the renewable industry are unmanned and are often managed at a distance or in a remote location. This can pose a threat by exposing weak security links to attackers. Good communication standards are set and the security tools implemented are not always enough. The renewable energy industry generates a lot of data and evolves too quickly, making maintenance time-consuming, and complex.

Adressing Challenges

In order to address the several cybersecurity challenges that the renewable energy sector faces, several legal frameworks have been stated. For a renewable company to be cyber resilient, it requires talent that understands the regulatory requirements and can help reach compliance and develop other controls. It is not always easy to recruit in cybersecurity for renewables, but it’s a crucial aspect of the industry.

Another important aspect is the team that handles communication with the suppliers, as they must have the skills to build trust and a sense of responsibility. In addition, a solid IT and OT security team is needed. OT teams are crucial within operations, as they make sure all control and automation technologies enable a seamless operation. Because of this, it is also important he operations team has individuals that can understand and build synergy with the IT and OT department.

With the proper talent in cyber security within your renewable company, a solid strategy can be created. It is essential that you first understand how your company might be at risk. Once you discover what devices connect to your renewables processes, you can assess the risks. After understanding the risks, start a method to control what, how and who uses the technologies in your operations. The last steps are to implement security checklists and have a dedicated team to detect breaches so they can optimize constantly.

energy-transition

Accelerating transition within companies

Accelerating the energy transition to a green economy is becoming increasingly important and a high priority for companies, since to the significant impact of energy as responsible for 60% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This requires identifying strategies that companies can adopt to become more sustainable:

1.- Invest in their own renewable energy generators:

Different companies have opted to move towards a sustainable production model, using solar energy through panels to produce their own power. Also, the use of biomass as renewable energy comes from organic matter.

Likewise, governmental financial support programs are beginning to exist in some countries so companies can invest in energy independence through sustainable energies.

2.-Acquiring contracts and green certifications for energy efficiency:

Currently, there are models such as the PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) which is a long-term power purchase agreement or contract between a renewable developer and a consumer, it could be understood as the sale of a project and its environmental attributes. This helps large energy-consuming companies to supply clean and traceable energy from a specific asset such as a wind farm or photovoltaic installation.

Others companies are committed to achieving certifications to optimize their energy efficiency. There are certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification that provides a framework for healthy, efficient, and cost-saving energy-efficient green buildings, HQE (High-Quality Environmental) certification that aims to pursue sustainable building performance, and ISO 50001 certification that is designed to manage energy use and consumption.

3.-Strengthening the integration of talent specialized in sustainability.

Talent is required to carry out this energy transition. Therefore, it is necessary and essential to have a team of professionals with the skills and knowledge to generate this change.

Nowadays, employment is increasing in the renewable energy sector, estimating that there will be 43 million jobs by 2030 and 122 million by 2050. Creating 700,000 jobs, and in countries such as Mexico, only 22% of the energy engineers needed by the country are currently being trained. This is why the occupation is growing and the necessity of recruiting specialized talent is becoming essential.

Part of the essential competencies that professionals must have is participative leadership, the ability to inspire, the search for consensus, sacrifice, and resilience, problem-solving with critical reasoning, initiative decision-making, working in multidisciplinary teams, and assuming different roles.

Climate Adaptation – Leap into this 2 trillion dollar industry

Most funding going towards reducing climate change is going towards climate mitigation, not climate adaptation. This means the world’s heading towards a point where natural disasters might prevail, and we have no way to adapt to them. Overall, this represents a great opportunity for companies and professionals to invest and develop adaptation solutions.

The climate adaptation market is expanding since it will impact almost every single industry. This means that by 2026, the market could be worth $2 trillion per year, yielding up to 7 trillion in net benefits. It is also worth mentioning that the average funding per project is $8 million, and private companies that take advantage of this could be launching or expanding their ventures.

renewable-energy-investment-talent

Source: OECD in WEF

Climate finance provided and mobilized for adaptation amounted to $16.8 billion dollars in 2018. The amazing thing about this kind of financing is that private projects can benefit from public adaptation funds such as the GCF, the GEF, and the Adaptation Fund. A mandate was imposed on the former one since 2014 to deliver half of its portfolio to adaptation projects.

The renewables industry can be directly linked to climate adaptation, which makes it a perfect path for adaptation investments. In fact, many companies of different industries are increasingly concerned with protecting their operations from risks presented by climate change. The renewable energy sector can propel the flow of private finance into investment opportunities that address these concerns. In addition, climate adaptation financing through renewables can make projects more attractive for investors, as energy production yields more visible results than alternative projects.

Source: Revego in WEF

Entering Climate Adaptation Financing

To successfully enter the adaptation financing market, your venture will require talent that understands risks, finances, and their relationship more than anything else. You will also need a team that is able to link different industries with climate adaptation along with the solutions you provide with your venture or with partners. Furthermore, this trillion-dollar market will require a team with experience of working with both the private and the public sectors, as many of the projects end up being Private-Public Partnerships.

Additionally, your venture must have talent that understands the regions where your project will operate. You will need profiles that can do a great ESG analysis and that can understand the public policies and political climate. Innovative employees will also be indispensable, as many of the climate-adaptation financings require talent that understands diverse technologies such as solar irrigation or solar cooling.

A changing climate landscape is inevitable. As much as the renewables industry helps mitigate the risk, our future includes several climate-related disasters. Nonetheless, we have the opportunity to create the infrastructure that allows us to adapt. Is your company up for the challenge? And if so, do you have the right talent?

renewable-capacity-additions

Top 3 renewable additions to watch in 2023

2022 is coming to an end, which means that we’re about to hear a new boom of renewable additions in 2023. After the energy crisis we have faced in the previous years, it is not only start-ups in developed countries that are betting on clean energy but governments in developing countries too. Countries outside of the global north and the BRICS seem to be stepping up their game when it comes to renewables. Here are some of their projects to watch for the upcoming year.

15+ Renewable Projects in Central America

According to the EOR, Central America will have several projects that will expand electrical generation through renewable resources. Honduras will have 4 new hydroelectric projects and El Salvador 1. Panama will also have new generation projects, 3 hydroelectric and 9 PV ones.

Middle East and Africa will expand more than Brazil

According to the IEA, the Middle East and Africa will also expand their renewable capacity, primarily through solar PV. Capacity will also be expanded through eolic and hydroelectric projects in the sub-Saharan Africa region. The region’s capacity expansion will be greater than Brazil’s additions, as can be seen in the IEA’s graph below.

renewable-capacity-additions-2023

Malaysia will foster renewables' growth

Even though ASEAN’s addition does not appear significant in the graph above, Malaysia will foster renewables growth in 2023. Its 2023 budget will have plenty of sustainable financing. According to their budget speech, there are several economic projects to boost renewables such as sustainability sukuks; a Venture Capital Fund; the Tanjung Manis Halal Hub Center Development Project; and an extension of the GITA & GITE incentives, among others.

Don’t forget to keep an eye on these countries and the implementation of these renewable additions. A great way to do that and expand your network and investment portfolios or projects could be by attending energy summits in these regions. For instance, don’t miss the EES, AREEE, and WFES.