Energy Research Partnership launches report to drive focus on skills shortages in the Energy sector
7th March 2007
The Energy Research Partnership today launched a report highlighting the critical need for a focus on attracting talented resource into the sector, or otherwise risk a future where the UK is unable to meet the challenges of climate change and national energy policy goals.
There is a growing body of evidence about the progressive, long term decline in the numbers of “next generation” scientists and engineers to support UK industry and academia. At the same time there are highly material challenges inherent in meeting national energy policy goals and for climate change mitigation and adaption. Technology innovation and commercialisation are the key to achieving both sets of inter-twined goals. These in turn are dependent upon having a cadre of high calibre, committed and practicing scientists and engineers.
Against this background the Energy Research Partnership undertook a study of skills shortages in the sector. The focus is on ‘High-level’ skills – taken to mean those required to contribute to the research and development chain that provides innovative new solutions to the challenges the UK energy industry faces - and to deploy them effectively. The report makes use of the substantial research already done by various bodies, and presents a level of support with these conclusions based on interviews with the Energy Research Membership and their experience within their own organisations.
The report concludes that action does need to be taken to ensure the security of RDD&D within the sector, and therefore the UK’s ability to respond to the significant challenges that are imminent – and this report is to be used to engage with stakeholders to discuss next steps and ownership of specific actions.
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