The renewable energy sector has emerged as a frontrunner in the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), the Global Energy Talent Index (GETI) report said.
Produced by Airswift, a leading workforce solutions provider, the report underscores key trends shaping the global energy workforce.
According to the GETI 2024 report, 32 percent of professionals in the renewables industry are already leveraging AI, outpacing the industry average of 27 percent. An additional 13 percent anticipate adopting AI within the next six months.
The majority of respondents (87 percent) express optimism regarding AI’s future impact, foreseeing benefits such as enhanced personal productivity (78 percent), improved career advancement prospects (62 percent), and increased salaries (49 percent).
Moreover, the report highlights a consensus among respondents regarding the increased demand for skills driven by AI adoption. Sixty-six percent of renewables professionals anticipate AI to exert pressure on them to acquire new skills, particularly in technical domains such as IT, programming, software engineering, machine learning, and cybersecurity. The report suggests that robotics and cybersecurity are areas requiring proactive development to meet future industry demands.
In addition to technical skills, the report emphasizes the growing importance of soft skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, which complement AI technologies and are expected to be in high demand.
Janette Marx, CEO of Airswift, notes the renewables industry’s pioneering role in AI adoption and urges companies to stay ahead in integrating AI to retain talent. She emphasizes the significance of professionals investing in skill development to enhance their career prospects in a rapidly evolving sector.
While acknowledging concerns such as the potential loss of human touch, inadequate training, and cybersecurity risks associated with AI, Marx views these challenges as opportunities for companies to enhance data security and ownership through AI’s predictive capabilities.
The report also reveals positive trends in salaries and global mobility within the renewables sector. Salaries have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with 51 percent of professionals reporting pay increases. Moreover, amid the global push for decarbonization, companies are increasingly offering overseas job transfers, now standing at 58 percent compared to 52 percent in 2022.
However, the report highlights intensified competition for talent within the renewables industry, with approximately 32 percent of workers receiving six or more headhunting attempts, indicating strong external interest. This is reflected in 88 percent of workers considering job switches, driven by opportunities for career advancement and broader industry appeal.
In conclusion, the GETI 2024 report underscores the renewable energy sector’s embrace of AI, the imperative for skill development, and the evolving landscape of global mobility and talent competition, signaling both opportunities and challenges for industry stakeholders.