TLDR: A new collaborative study by Kearney and the IEEE Power and Energy Society reveals a significant and growing shortage of engineers with the specialized skills required to drive the global shift towards sustainable energy. The report, ‘The Future of the Energy Workforce,’ projects a need for up to 1.5 million more power engineers by 2030, more than double the current workforce, while highlighting a critical gap in multidisciplinary expertise, including in emerging technologies like AI and machine learning.
The global power industry is facing a severe and escalating shortage of engineering talent, a critical impediment to the worldwide transition to sustainable energy, according to a comprehensive new study titled ‘The Future of the Energy Workforce.’ Released by global management consultancy Kearney in collaboration with the IEEE Power and Energy Society (IEEE PES), the report underscores an urgent need for a workforce equipped with advanced technical and multidisciplinary skills.
The study, which incorporates industry data, surveys of nearly 200 senior executives and engineers, and insights from over 770 engineering experts across 37 countries, paints a stark picture of the challenges ahead. By 2030, the world will require an additional 450,000 to 1.5 million power engineers—a potential doubling of the current workforce—to design, implement, and operate the new infrastructure necessary for the energy transition. This comes as electrical energy demand is projected to surge by more than 50% by 2040, with significant increases anticipated in regions like India (239%), Mexico (99%), and China (97%). Key drivers for this escalating demand include the proliferation of data centers, the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, industrial electrification, and increased heating and cooling needs due to more frequent severe weather events.
Andre Begosso, a partner in Kearney’s energy, power, and utilities practice, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Leaders in the global power industry must understand the scope of their looming talent shortfall. There are simply not enough engineers with the skills needed to implement the changes required this decade—and the gap is growing.”
The report highlights a critical skills mismatch. While the industry needs more engineers, it specifically requires professionals proficient in emerging technologies such as generative artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, drones, robotics, advanced analytics, and database management. Furthermore, engineers will need a deeper understanding of economic, sustainability, and social implications. The study points out that current university curricula and training programs are not adequately preparing engineers for the demands of a rapidly evolving grid, failing to keep pace with these technological advancements.
Compounding the recruitment challenge is a significant retention problem. The survey data reveals that nearly half of all power engineers have either changed jobs within their company, moved to another employer, or exited the industry entirely since 2021. The primary reasons cited for this exodus include burnout, a perceived lack of stimulating work, and limited career mobility within the energy sector. Industries like IT and technology, often offering higher compensation and perceived prestige, are actively drawing both seasoned engineers and new graduates away from the power industry.
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Begosso stressed the importance of a compelling employee value proposition to attract the next generation of talent. “The energy transition is the biggest challenge facing the power industry, and that will create tremendous opportunities and innovation,” he noted. “This message must be part of the employee value proposition that power companies use to recruit the next generation of power engineers: ‘We’re solving a massive problem for the planet, and we need your help.’” The study calls for industry-wide collaboration, urging universities to broaden their curricula and industry associations to expand their offerings to foster a more diverse and skilled workforce capable of navigating the complexities of the future energy landscape.
