Mixed methods study of the ‘green skills gap’ in the UK and its effect on the UK’s hydropower sector

Publication type

Report

Series

MiSoC Policy Fellowship Reports

Author

Publication date

September 15, 2024

Summary:

This research paper explores the impacts of the UK’s ‘green skills gap’ on the country’s hydropower sector. This mixed-methods study draws on evidence from 17 semi-structured interviews with experts from across the UK hydropower sector, as well as from national and international organisations involved in hydropower or renewable energy more broadly. Qualitative findings from these interviews are supported by quantitative analysis of 1,144 hydropower jobs postings listed in the period January to December 2023. There is widespread recognition within academic research (i.e. from universities, consultancies, government etcetera) that there is a green skills gap in the UK across most sectors. Whilst this body of research addresses the green skills gap within the renewables sector, there is little or no mention of the impacts on the UK’s hydropower sector specifically. Given hydropower’s critical role in the clean energy transition – notably through energy storage provided by pumped storage hydropower – this study argues that it is critical to consider possible workforce challenges that the sector faces. This study finds that there is a green skills gap in the UK, particularly in the field of engineering, which has implications for the hydropower sector. These implications include a reliance on international talent and a drive from the industry to increase the pipeline of young talent. This report attests to the challenges the hydropower sector faces in accessing the skilled workforce it needs to meet industry demands and calls for greater collaboration between industry and government actors to work through these issues.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.5526/misoc-2024-003

Subjects

#588525

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