What do you do if new industry trends in Renewable Energy are leaving you behind?

The greatest threat of being left behind technically comes from the rapidly improving AI/machine learning space, although renewables are far from unique here. We are only taking our first steps in understanding the potential however it is clear eg that AI will be key to unlocking peer to peer distributed generation and consumption. Treat AI as a new discipline. Embracing AI in renewable energy is a continuous process of learning, adapting, and innovating. Things will change quickly, much of the development process will be automated, renewable source mix will be optimized, R&D cycles will shorten. Train your team and stay informed about the latest AI developments and be ready to pivot strategies as needed.

In marketing terms we should conduct "environmental scanning" to stay up to date with the latest trends and developments. Don't just think in a silo, whether that is technically, commercially, socially, or relevant to one specific feature in the renewable energy sector. Having breadth of understanding of the wider factors affecting the market will enable you to understand where to position your learning initiatives in the future.

To be updated in the Industry one should: Subscribe to newsletters, journals, and research reports from reputable renewable energy organizations. Attend conferences, workshops, and webinars related to your specific area or emerging trends. Research areas like energy storage, smart grids, green hydrogen, or offshore wind development. Enhance your technical skills in areas like data analysis, modeling, and project management relevant to renewable energy.

...You plan to retire or change professional markets.... I first gained significant market involvement in renewables in the early 2000's when wind was a "new" technology. Utility scale solar was not far behind. Today we have advanced to a diversified renewables' space which includes CCS, clean and green hydrogen, syn fuels, etc. It seems to me the very nature of our renewables' space calls for us to maintain a strong skill set oriented on advancing technology and industry trends. Our clients not only depend on us but expect us to be on the cutting edge and to provide valuable counsel to get across the finish line. If we are not keeping up, we are truly being "left behind" and it is time to find a slower and safer market to work in.

Unfortunately the ever dynamic Renewable Energy trend is highly demanding in case of upskilling. No forts can be built overnight, an analogy for motivating ourselves to push aside the guilt of not doing more or not feeling sufficient. It is easy to get carried away by the curiosity to embark on learning,while it's damn difficult to maintain focus and avoid distractions to continue finishing what we have started. Actions that foster completion of what is embarked and self appreciation for achieving milestones shall reduce the pain point of feeling lesser in the Renewable Energy domain.

Continuous learning is crucial for keeping up with constantly changing renewable energy sector developments. The firm foundation of a robust workforce will be critical in the current energy transition and transformation. The renewable energy sector is growing fast as new versions of technologies are deployed worldwide. Yet, more diverse, skilled personnel are still needed. Only proactive lifetime students who are humble and brave enough to acquire new skills and knowledge through various avenues and experiences will demonstrate commitment to their careers and the renewable energy sector.

Opt for online courses or workshops to refine your skills. This commitment not only bridges gaps with current trends but also prepares you for future innovations, demonstrating a proactive stance towards professional development. While it demands time and possibly financial investment, the payoff in staying relevant and contributing significantly to the field outweighs the initial cost.

Networking plays a pivotal role here. Through active engagement at conferences and memberships in professional bodies, one gains not just foresight into emerging trends but also access to collective wisdom on tackling them. Online platforms offer a vast array of perspectives, fostering collaboration. This doesn't merely broaden one's understanding; it also carves out avenues for career advancement that resonate with current shifts. Embrace networking not as a task but as an ongoing strategy for growth and adaptability in the dynamic field of renewable energy.

Diving into data analytics and AI tools not only enhances our ability to manage and optimize energy systems but also opens up new avenues for innovation. While the learning curve might be steep, the payoff in terms of efficiency and new opportunities cannot be overstated. However, it's important to balance enthusiasm for new tools with a practical assessment of their impact on current operations, ensuring that technology adoption drives tangible improvements.

The feeling of being left behind is enough to set in motion a process of skills enhancement. The main focus is new industry trends. Key questions: 1. Who is riding the wave of innovation in the renewable energy industry? 2. How do they assess the market demand for new technologies? 3. How quickly do they turn the experimental products into marketable products? Based on this information, a strategy is designed to speed up the catching-up process. Bring forth new technologies that have the potential to become industrial trends.

I reach out to connect with other professionals and companies in the sector to share knowledge and resources. By partnering with those who are at the forefront of these trends, I gain insights into emerging technologies and best practices. These alliances offer mutual benefits, as we can collaborate on projects, share research, and learn from each other's experiences. This approach not only keeps me updated on the latest developments but also enhances my ability to adapt and innovate within my own work in Renewable Energy.