UK Clean Energy Plan Estimates 400,000 Extra Jobs by 2030
(Bloomberg) -- The UK’s push to decarbonize its energy system by the end of the decade will give the biggest employment boost to the East of England and Scotland.
A government plan published Sunday projects these regions will benefit the most from the more than 400,000 new roles created to support the shift to low-carbon energy. Plumbers, electricians and welders are some of the occupations most in demand — with tasks ranging from building and running renewable installations to improving efficiency, managing smart grids and decarbonizing traditional industries.
In the East of England, construction of nuclear facility Sizewell C on the Suffolk coast is alone expected to create 10,000 jobs at peak construction. Carbon capture and storage plans in Scotland and the North East of England are also due to support 35,000 jobs, according to the UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
London could have 25,000 employees working directly in clean energy by 2030, more than double 2023 levels.
The government said it’s putting an emphasis on funding for training workers in clean energy fields as the industry has often said the skills are lacking. The report estimated the number of plumbers and carpenters would have to double by 2030 compared to 2023 levels. For welders, one of the most in demand professions, triple the numbers of skilled workers will be needed.
Critics have expressed doubt that the plan will bring the jobs boost the Labour government claims, arguing that it will require an influx of workers with the necessary skills from abroad and add to costs for employers.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the government will do “everything we can to make sure that these jobs go to workers from Britain,” in an interview with Trevor Phillips on Sky News on Sunday. He refuted suggestions that the plan would increase employment costs, and said the government wants to train about 20,000 workers for the new roles.
“Where are the good jobs of the future going to come from? What’s the job my son or daughter can do in the future?” Milliband said. “This is the answer: clean energy jobs, working on nuclear power stations, working on offshore wind, working on carbon capture.”
(Adds UK energy secretary’s comment from seventh paragraph)
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