LONDON, UK, 22 January 2025 – RS, a global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, recently hosted a roundtable event, Powering Possibilities, to explore the opportunities and challenges in the renewable energy sector. Participants included representatives from RS Group, Phoenix Contact, Vårgrønn, James Fisher Renewables and RenewableUK.
RS calls for action to tackle the skills gap and boost offshore wind efficiency
The offshore wind sector is on the cusp of unprecedented growth, with projections of over 100,000 new jobs needed in the UK by 2030. However, the industry faces significant challenges that threaten to stall progress – including a widening skills gap and inefficiencies that hinder productivity. RS is calling on industry leaders to address these pressing issues by prioritising skills development, diversifying supply chains, and bridging critical funding gaps. These actions are essential to unlocking the full potential of offshore wind and driving the transition to renewable energy. At the event, RS brought together key stakeholders to explore these challenges and outline practical solutions to propel the sector forward.
Highlights of the conversation included:
Taking action to address the skills gap
The renewable energy sector is confronting a significant skills gap, with an urgent demand for STEM qualifications and leadership expertise to support its rapid growth. Solutions are already taking shape, with Nathan Bennett, Head of Strategic Communications, RenewableUK highlighting the launch of the new Energy Skills Passport in January 2025, to streamline pathways into the sector by aligning individuals’ skills and experience with industry needs.
Wider panellists agreed:
- “It’s about solving the problem now, not ten years from now,” stressed Suzanne Proctor, Supply Chain Manager, James Fisher Renewables.
- Veronica Maxted, Director of Renewables, RS Group underscored the breadth of opportunities, dispelling misconceptions about industry roles:
- “Around 60% of future positions will require STEM qualifications, but there’s also a pressing need for leadership, project management, and other specialised skills.” With reskilling initiatives and increased awareness of available roles, the sector is poised for transformative growth.
Challenges facing the renewable energy supply chain
Industry experts urged for a balanced approach to growth in offshore wind, citing long lead times for key components like turbine blades.
- Suzanne noted, “Everyone wants to make a bigger blade, but a blade has at least a five-year lead time because of how long it takes to make i.e. to grow the tree, to harvest it.” Diversifying supply chains and addressing the sector's relative immaturity are critical to sustaining progress. “We must ensure we don’t run before we walk,” Suzanne emphasised, highlighting the need to align innovation with practical realities.
Bridging the funding gap and boosting offshore wind investment - The discussion underscored the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades, streamlined regulatory frameworks, and efficient due diligence processes to accelerate investment in offshore wind projects.
- Christer Af Geijerstam, SVP Projects, Vårgrønn emphasised the challenges of securing funding and gaining investor confidence. “Developing the technology is one thing, but getting banks and lenders comfortable with it is a major effort.”
- Long-term government partnerships were also emphasised as essential, given the multi-year timelines of offshore projects that extend beyond typical political cycles. “A successful industry is an attractive industry—when it thrives, it draws in talent, investment, and momentum to close the skills gap organically,” Christer added, pointing to the broader benefits of a robust offshore wind sector.
Digitalisation will advance the offshore sector
The shift to digitalisation will transform the offshore industry, improving both efficiency and quality of life for workers.
- Amy Quinn, Head of Offshore Wind, RS Group highlighted the impact of enhanced connectivity, stating, “From a logistics perspective, crew typically operate on two-week offshore rotations, with limited supplies stored on each vessel. For regular maintenance, they can now place orders directly from the vessel while offshore. This process is crucial, especially if there are any delays. If parts do not arrive on time, it can disrupt the maintenance schedule, and the vessel could face penalties. Therefore, investing in advanced technology is essential to ensure smooth operations and minimize potential issues." As the offshore industry embraces digitalisation, its impact will position the sector as a competitive force in the rapidly evolving energy landscape.
Powering Possibilities
The future of renewables is a great one. Around the table, there was a lot of optimism about the potential of the renewable landscape.
- Farrukh Quraishi, International Business Development Manager, Phoenix Contact pointed to the growing adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles, stating, “Buses and refuse trucks powered by hydrogen are already operating in cities like Aberdeen, and this trend will only expand. There’s no reason why London’s buses couldn’t be hydrogen-powered.”
- While hydrogen cars remain a longer-term prospect, its immediate value lies in sectors like haulage and public transport. However, the roundtable participants also underscored the need for substantial investment in hydrogen infrastructure to unlock its full potential. There is a tremendous opportunity for growth in renewables, which can all be unlocked with the right skills, investment, balance of innovation, and partnerships.
Debbie Lentz, Chief of Solutions & Services, RS Group commented: “RS Group is proud to bring together leaders from across the renewable energy sector. This session highlighted the importance of collaboration and proactive action—whether it's bridging funding gaps, tackling the critical skills shortage or strengthening supply chains. There are huge opportunities for the future of renewables. By working together, we can unlock the full potential of renewable energy and drive meaningful progress toward a sustainable future.”
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