In a proactive attempt to meet the ambitious renewable energy target of 42.5% by 2030, the European Commission has unveiled a comprehensive European Wind Power Action Plan.
One of the key elements of this initiative is the development of skills and job creation in the wind energy sector, which coincides with the expected increase in demand for renewable energy.
The wind sector alone is projected to demand an additional 100,000 jobs by 2030, necessitating an investment of around EUR 850 million in skills development. To address this, a large-scale skill partnership was established between March 2021 and March 2023 under the Pact for Skills. This collaboration involves renewable energy trade associations, education and training providers, research centers, and regional networks, backed by the European Commission.
The partnership has initiated action to develop projects supporting skill development in the renewable energy sector, including wind. This venture aims to identify EU programmes and skills initiatives expeditiously to frame a robust plan for skill mapping, job profile reviewing, and creating new labor-market relevant training modules. A special emphasis is being placed on including women, young individuals not currently in education, employment, or training, and older individuals, aligning with sustainability and circular economy practices.
Furthermore, the Net-Zero Industry Act will catalyze the establishment of European net-zero industry skills academies, each focusing on a different net-zero industry technology. One such academy will be dedicated to the wind sector, with a lofty goal of training 100,000 learners within three years of establishment. These academies will generate learning content and materials, making them available to education and training providers across Member States, to fulfill the rising demand for skilled workers in net-zero industries.
This Action Plan also outlines steps for accelerated deployment, improved auction design for projects, enhanced access to finance, and fostering a fair and competitive international environment. This structured approach is expected to not only maintain a healthy and competitive wind energy supply chain but also to ensure a smooth transition to cleaner energy alternatives, keeping Europe on track to hit its 2030 renewable energy targets.
For an in-depth understanding of the European Wind Power Action Plan and its envisaged immediate actions to support the European wind power industry, readers are encouraged to visit the detailed article on BalticWind.EU
Source: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_5185 and www.BalticWind.EU
