Netherlands needs thousands of workers for energy transition

The Netherlands needs many additional professional workers in order to achieve its climate goals. Benefits agency UWV said this week that there are currently 48,000 vacancies for professions that are necessary for the energy transition.

This includes designers, architects, IT systems analysts, electricians, solar panel installation technicians, and also electric car charging station installers. Accountants, administrators, and project leaders will also be needed in the construction sector as well as installation businesses. Since 2016, the number of vacancies for these specific professions has increased by 31,000.

In order to reduce the emission of harmful substances such as carbon dioxide, the Netherlands is committed to the generation of energy from more sustainable sources, including solar power and wind power. To get these systems working, the cabling, piping and tubing that makes up part of the energy infrastructure must be adapted and expanded.

Due to the upcoming changes, the demand for technical professionals remains high, according to the UWV. Most vacancies are open for designers, architects and IT systems analysts. According to the benefits institute, in order to attract enough people, efforts should also be made to include retraining.

Earlier, Techniek Nederland also stated that there is a major shortage of technical personnel. According to the trade association, there are 20,000 vacancies in installation technology alone. That is expected to increase to 40,000 in the coming years.

ABN AMRO also concluded earlier this year that a shortage on the labor market is a stumbling block to the energy challenge facing the Netherlands. According to the bank, the shortage on the labor market has never been as extensive as it is now.

Climate scientists previously stated that greenhouse gas emissions must be "immediately and firmly" reduced to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees by 2050, compared to the second half of the 19th century. Measures are needed in several sectors to prevent the "damaging effects" of global warming, such as extreme heat, flooding and prolonged periods of drought.