A new report reveals that Australia’s electricity sector is set for significant job growth, but warns of potential skills shortages that could hinder the nation’s transition to clean energy.
The study, conducted by the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) at the University of Technology Sydney in collaboration with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), forecasts a doubling of electricity sector jobs by 2029.
The report projects an increase of 33,000 jobs in just five years under the most likely scenario of the 2024 Integrated System Plan (ISP).
The majority of these new positions will be in renewable energy, particularly in wind, solar, and battery storage projects.
Operations and maintenance roles are expected to become increasingly crucial, accounting for 65 per cent of the electricity sector workforce by 2033.
The rapid expansion of the renewable energy sector is expected to place significant pressure on Australia’s labour market.
The report identifies several critical challenges:
- Skills Shortages: There will be a surge in demand for skilled workers, including electricians, mechanical trades, and engineers.
- Boom-Bust Cycles: The construction-heavy nature of renewable energy projects may lead to workforce instability.
- Regional Competition: Remote locations of many renewable projects will compete with urban infrastructure developments for skilled workers.
To address these challenges, the report suggests several strategies:
- Smoothing the development pipeline for a more predictable project flow
- Extending the Australian Skills Guarantee to energy infrastructure projects
- Promoting diversity in the energy workforce, including more women and First Nations people
Jay Rutovitz, chief investigator for the project, emphasised the urgency of action, stating: “We need to act now to address the potential skills shortages to make sure we can deliver this transition and realise the benefits.”
The report also highlights the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the ‘behind the meter’ workforce, which could contribute hundreds of thousands of additional jobs by 2030.
Genevieve Simpson, Program Leader at RACE for 2030, stressed the importance of collaboration: “The findings highlight the critical need for a proactive approach to workforce development in the renewable energy sector.”
As Australia aims to achieve its clean energy goals, addressing these workforce challenges will be crucial for the successful implementation of its ambitious energy transition plans.
