Making our way towards a greener future

Last week, the UK reached a monumental milestone, achieving two months’ of coal-free energy consumption.

This record-breaking and historic moment for the UK energy market highlights the significant impact of the renewable energy network, its necessity, and the dramatic upturn in green power generation. 

The renewables market has enjoyed perfect weather conditions for clean energy production - sunny spells in the spring, combined with blustery winds to generate and store high amounts of wind and solar energy. 

The conditions of lockdown in the UK and the combined impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on manufacturing and production facilities has meant that demand for energy has been at an all-time low, allowing for renewable energy to take centre stage. 

Last year, the UK was the first major economy to pass the net-zero emissions law; this was a monumental move forward, with many countries creating similar pledges. 

The 2050 net-zero target, is likely to be achieved by a grid dominated by renewable energy generation.Over the last decade, the UK has invested heavily in renewable energy infrastructure, setting the country in good stead for the increasing demand and need to go ‘green’. 

The dramatic transformation of our energy system is happening at an astonishing rate, renewable energy investment, globally is on the up, and the UK now boasts the largest offshore industry in the world. 

The rapidly evolving rate of renewable energy production will support and enable the UK’s green recovery, but what must be considered is the longevity of investment in all areas of renewables. 

The UK government is deliberately phasing out coal power, and the first coal-free months are forecast to be a long term trend as the country gears up to radically reduce carbon emissions and work towards the net-zero target. 

At Samuel Knight, we have noticed a sharp upturn in renewable energy manpower requirements, and the battle for renewable energy talent is increasingly on the rise. 

To grow at the rate required, the renewable energy industry requires access to quality talent, and a workforce they can tap into quickly, to facilitate project demands. 

As we make the shift to a low carbon economy and scale up to support this change, we must have the correct skills to educate, train and up-skill individuals to be equipped with the right skills and expertise to drive forward this innovative, carbon-friendly industry. 

Working closely with renewable energy employers, we are listening and responding to the growing needs of the industry. 

Our renewables team work exclusively with the market, we understand the importance of safeguarding and developing talent within the industry now and in the future.

If you’re part of the renewable energy community, or you are interested in finding out more about opportunities in the region, or further afield, please contact Samuel Knight’s Head of UK Renewables , Craig Charlton, email [email protected] or call 07583 605 276.