Towards attractive workplaces and a Just Transition in the European electricity sector

The electricity sector is central in European decarbonisation efforts to achieve net zero by 2050. This is linked to both the necessity to achieve net zero emissions in electricity production as well as the necessary sector coupling and electrification of e.g. heat and transport. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and security of supply concerns further reinforce the urgency of a net zero economy and a decarbonised electricity sector that does not depend on fossil fuel imports. Besides massive investment, there is a need for trained and qualified workers to carry out the energy transition. Addressing shortages of workers present and future is a missing piece in EU decarbonisation efforts such as the RePower EU plan. Even if targets and investment are present, a lack of anticipation of change and potential skills gaps risks to create real bottlenecks in the transition towards decarbonised energy. The aim of this project will be to arrive at a shared diagnosis of the most pressing challenges and develop recommendations to decision makers. 

The method will be data collection and analysis (via desk research and interviews) and a series of workshops which will gather European and national social partners and key stakeholders.

The report should be structured around three priorities:

• Just Transition and mobility
• Attract and retain qualified workforce, with a specific focus on attracting more women into the sector
• Education / Training