3 Emerging Trends in Renewable Energy

The world is increasingly acknowledging the urgent need to transition towards sustainable practices and renewable energy with $495 Billion Invested in Renewable Energy in 2022. The rapid advancements and substantial investments in renewable power technologies have forged a path towards a cleaner, more resilient, and sustainable future – making the renewable energy industry an immensely valuable and multifaceted career opportunity.

Soaring Growth in Solar Power

Solar energy investments have been skyrocketing at a remarkable annual rate of 36% as it takes the lead in the renewable power revolution. This surge is fuelled by the combination of decreasing costs and enhanced efficiency of solar panels. The momentum of large-scale solar installations, including utility-scale solar farms and parks, shows no signs of slowing down. Moreover, the integration of solar power in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors is witnessing a steady rise. Notably, the residential solar segment in the US witnessed an impressive growth of 40% in 2021, driven by the escalating energy prices and cost of living. The advancements in solar technology, such as solar paint and flexible panels, open exciting prospects for expanding the applications of solar power in renewable energy jobs. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) Renewables 2022 report, renewables, specifically solar PV and onshore wind, are projected to contribute to a staggering 90% of the global electricity capacity increase by 2027. This significant growth is anticipated to generate numerous renewable energy job opportunities, including the UK.

Accelerated Wind Energy Development

Wind power has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years and is poised to play a pivotal role in the renewable energy career landscape. Advances in wind turbine technology include larger and more efficient turbines, layout, and landscape optimisation. Offshore wind farms are gaining traction due to their higher energy yield and greater availability of space. Floating wind farms, situated in deeper waters, offer the potential to unlock vast wind energy resources in previously inaccessible areas. The OWIC's UK Offshore Wind Skills Intelligence Report 2022 shows that offshore wind alone currently supports over 31,000 direct and indirect renewable energy jobs across the UK with most (19,600) working solely in this subsector. This is set to rise to over 97,000 jobs by 2030.

Transformational Energy Storage Solutions

Energy storage is vital for maximising renewable power. As solar and wind grow, innovative technologies store excess energy for low generation periods. Lithium-ion batteries are effective but advanced batteries with higher energy density and lower costs are being developed. Hydrogen, compressed air, and thermal storage gain attention. These transformative technologies enable reliable, flexible energy supply for a net-zero future.

Let Quanta Help You Find Your Next Renewable Energy Job

Are you searching for a career in the thriving renewable energy industry? Look no further than Quanta. We’ve been providing an innovative recruitment service since 1992. Not long after, we established our renewable energy team and since then we’ve expanded to service more than 25 countries across 6 continents.

We’re passionate about linking brilliant people with brilliant organisations, and we’re committed to helping you advance your career in renewables. Don’t wait any longer to kickstart your renewable energy career. Head to our renewable energy hub to check out a range of renewable energy job opportunities and learn more about how Quanta can help you take your next career step, or contact us here to start a conversation.