The Spanish wind energy sector is experiencing a surge in employment, making events like WindTalent crucial for connecting talent with industry opportunities. The seventh edition of #WindTalent, organized by the Spanish Wind Energy Association (AEE) and the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM), recently convened HR representatives, young professionals, and over 150 engineering students eager to launch their careers in wind energy.
The wind energy sector’s job creation potential is remarkable. In Spain, it employs over 35,000 people, generating five times more jobs than conventional technologies, with a 15% annual increase. To meet the goals outlined in the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC), this number needs to double by 2030. According to the PNIEC, approximately 5,000 new green jobs will be created each year, with a projection of 300,000 green jobs by 2030. Globally, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that the wind sector employs around 1.2 million people, a figure that could exceed 8 million by 2050. The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) projects a need for 532,000 new wind energy technicians by 2028 to meet the growing demand for onshore and offshore wind projects. “The energy revolution we are experiencing has brought with it a demand for specialized profiles in technologies such as hybridization, energy storage, digitization and O&M,” notes Juan Virgilio Márquez, general director of AEE. “However, the adaptation of educational programs remains a challenge and we have to consider how to improve training both at the university level and within companies to guarantee the necessary specialized talent.”
The event addressed critical questions such as: What are the most sought-after profiles? How can one become an attractive candidate in the renewable energy sector? What kind of training is essential? How can one adapt to industry demands? Collaborating companies like Siemens Gamesa, Opdenergy, and Iberdrola, among others, participated in a job fair, providing information on job opportunities and talent acquisition. Isabel Carrillo, Vice-Rector of the Polytechnic University of Madrid, highlighted “the important work of AEE, as well as the synergy between the Association and the Polytechnic University of Madrid. The training provided by UPM in all areas of engineering finds an important niche in the wind sector for the professional development of graduates in all teachings imparted.”
As the wind energy sector continues to expand, how can educational institutions and industry players better collaborate to ensure a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving energy landscape?