Recruitment Trends in Renewable Energy: A Perspective from Farrell Associates

1. Developers & Independent Power Producers (IPPs)

Key Hiring Trends:

  • Hybrid Technical-Commercial Profiles: Developers seek engineers and asset managers who understand financing models, PPAs, and M&A.

  • Storage & Grid Expertise: Battery storage and grid stabilisation are top priorities, leading to high demand for specialists in these areas.

  • Development & Land Roles Still in High Demand: These remain critical but are increasingly difficult to fill internally.

  • Same Candidates in Multiple Processes

  • High Expectations for Mid-Senior Level Hires: Employers are demanding extensive experience, making it difficult to find candidates who meet all requirements.

  • Good News – Projects Moving Forward: Despite some delays in 2024, many projects are now advancing into construction phases, increasing hiring activity.

Challenges & Opportunities:

  • Shortage of professionals with permitting & regulatory experience, especially in offshore wind and hydrogen.

  • Need for localised talent as projects expand into emerging markets.

2. Investment Funds & Asset Managers

Key Hiring Trends:

  • Financial Modelers & Investment Professionals: High demand for professionals who can structure and assess renewable energy investments.

  • ESG & Impact Investment Specialists: Growing focus on sustainable finance and compliance with regulatory frameworks.

  • Operations & Asset Management: As funds hold assets for longer, there’s increased hiring in portfolio management and technical advisory.

  • Low Volume of Senior Roles: There are fewer senior opportunities available, making competition for leadership positions tougher.

Challenges & Opportunities:

  • Candidate Frustration is High: Many professionals are struggling to find roles as hiring remains slow.

  • Salary inflation, making it harder for smaller funds to compete with infrastructure giants.

  • Need for regulatory expertise to navigate evolving market and uncertainty at the government and policy level

3. Banks & Financial Institutions

Key Hiring Trends:

  • Project Finance Specialists: Banks are expanding teams to support the financing of large-scale renewable projects.

  • Debt Structuring & Risk Management: Demand for professionals who understand green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, and climate risk assessment.

  • Hydrogen & New Energy Expertise: Institutions are hiring specialists to evaluate emerging technologies and new business models.

Challenges & Opportunities:

  • High demand for professionals with technical backgrounds who understand both engineering and finance.

  • Increased regulatory scrutiny requires compliance teams with deep knowledge of sustainability reporting standards.

  • Shifts in deal-making due to interest rate volatility, requiring more strategic financial structuring skills.

4. Consultancies & Advisory Firms

Key Hiring Trends:

  • Regulatory & Policy Experts: Growing demand for specialists who can advise on permitting, subsidies, and regulatory changes with a very well connected network and commercial approach

  • Energy Market Analysts & Digital Transformation Experts: Increasing need for professionals with expertise in data analytics, PPAs, and market forecasting.

Challenges & Opportunities:

  • War for talent with IPPs and funds offering more competitive salaries.

  • Global demand for expertise in new markets (e.g., emerging hydrogen economies, offshore wind expansion).

  • Need for interdisciplinary skills, blending technical, financial, and policy knowledge.

Across all segments of the renewable energy industry, the biggest challenges in recruitment stem from:

  • A shortage of specialised skills (especially in regulation, grid, and new technologies).

  • Competing salary expectations as renewables compete with traditional energy sectors.

  • Evolving regulatory and financial landscapes, requiring adaptable professionals with interdisciplinary expertise.

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