Renewables industry ahead of the curve on AI adoption - report

According to the eighth annual Global Energy Talent Index (GETI) report, the renewable energy industry is ahead of the curve on AI adoption, optimistic for the future and conscious of developing AI-related skills.

According to the report produced by Airswift, 32% of renewables professionals already use AI – somewhat ahead of the industry average of 27%. A further 13% are expecting to adopt AI within six months.

Nearly all respondents to the GETI 2024 report say AI will increase demand for skills, with two thirds (66%) of renewables professionals expecting AI to increase pressure on them personally to acquire new skills.

Most (87%) renewable energy professionals express optimism about the future impact of AI, with many anticipating an uplift in their personal productivity (78%), improved career progression opportunities (62%) and increased salaries (49%).

They see the highest demand in technical areas like IT, programming, software engineering, machine learning and cybersecurity. When exploring the relationship between potential skills development opportunities and perceived future demand, initial findings highlight robotics and cybersecurity as areas the industry may need to proactively develop to shore up skills.

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Janette Marx, CEO of Airswift, commented in a release: "By its nature, the renewables industry is at the cutting edge of AI with many companies exploring use cases and improving performance that will inspire others to take the leap.

“In this fast-paced sector, professionals are unafraid to vote with their feet to unlock AI-related career progression, job satisfaction and work-life balance; renewables companies will need to stay on the front foot with AI to retain talent. In parallel, those professionals who spend time learning new skills stand to improve their career prospects by differentiating themselves from other candidates.”

The report also found the need for soft skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative thinking, which are expected to increase, highlighting the unique human capabilities that complement AI technologies.

While concerns exist about a lack of human touch, insufficient training, and cybersecurity risks, each challenge that arises presents an even bigger opportunity for companies.

Salaries and global mobility

According to GETI, salaries in the renewables sector have rebounded above pre-pandemic figures, with 51% of professionals reporting a pay increase - a notable rise from 47% last year.

This upward trajectory in compensation aligns with the accelerating clean energy transition. Moreover, amidst the global push for decarbonisation, companies are increasingly offering overseas job transfers, now at 58% compared to 52% in 2022.

Continuing a trend identified last year, the report reveals an intense competition for talent in renewables. Approximately 32% of workers have been headhunted six or more times, with many receiving offers from outside the industry.

This is reciprocated by 88% of workers considering job switches, driven by career progression opportunities and broader industry interest.

Added Marx: “AI will create new challenges around data security and ownership, and questions remain over who owns the outputs. This is an opportunity for companies to reduce risks by harnessing AI’s predictive capabilities to boost cybersecurity.”