Renewable Futures
“Recognising nuclear’s role in the energy transition will help realise a clean future for all.”
Henry Preston, External Communication & Media Manager, World Nuclear Association Page 02
“Gender diversity is not just a moral imperative but a critical component of the renewable energy sector’s future success.”
Robson, Interim CEO, Women’s Engineering Society (WES) Page 06
Susan
Tripling global nuclear capacity essential for meeting energy security and climate goals
Energy is essential for survival, and nuclear energy offers abundant, clean and reliable power using fewer resources and land to meet global needs.
WRITTEN BY Henry Preston External Communication & Media Manager, World Nuclear Association
Like planting trees, the best time to build a nuclear power station was 20 years ago — the next best time is today. To do so requires getting supportive policies in place, alongside international collaboration. At the UN Climate Conference, COP29, in Baku, more than 30 countries have now joined the declaration to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050, and over 130 organisations have pledged to meet this goal. This coalition sees the essential role of nuclear in reaching both net zero and energy security targets.
Unlocking sustainable finance to enable nuclear energy
Fourteen major financial institutes and banks also support the goal of triple nuclear. The cost of borrowing capital is the largest cost of nuclear projects, so accessing preferable finance rates, like other clean energy projects, is vital for supporting emerging economies and nuclear newcomers.
The World Bank last financed a nuclear project in 1959; the world has changed since then. Over the past six decades, the nuclear energy sector has grown substantially, providing thousands of round-the-clock terawatthours of reliable, clean energy and preventing the release of billions of tonnes of Co2.1,2 Throughout this period, nuclear energy’s sustainability credentials have been repeatedly validated, by organisations such
as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the International Energy Agency and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.
Certainty for energy users and the supply chain
To accelerate and expand nuclear deployment, there must be certainty for end energy users and the supply chain. This includes clear regulatory frameworks, stable market conditions and predictable government policies, as well as the availability of a skilled workforce.
The emergence of AI and data centres as significant consumers of electricity has led technology giants to choose nuclear energy as a valuable partner. Recognising nuclear energy’s role in the energy transition will signal opportunities to both end users and the necessary supply chain.
The time is now
Global electricity demand is projected to rise dramatically in the coming decades, driven by the need to decarbonise, support economic development and provide regular access to nearly a billion people. Recognising nuclear’s role in the energy transition will help realise a clean future for all. References:
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The UK’s renewable energy boom: navigating the skills gap and future workforce challenges
The UK energy sector is expanding, driven by heavy investments in network infrastructure and renewable technologies like offshore wind, green hydrogen and carbon capture.
With an estimated £300 billion earmarked for clean energy by 2030, this growth is essential for achieving the UK’s ambitious sustainability goals. However, there’s a significant hurdle: a severe skills shortage that threatens to derail progress.
The future-focused energy challenge
The demand for skilled workers is skyrocketing, particularly in emerging fields such as hydrogen, carbon capture and AI-driven digital systems. These areas require specialised capabilities that are in short supply globally. The situation is critical in sectors like offshore wind and grid infrastructure, where the workforce is needed to install and maintain systems. As experienced workers retire from traditional energy sectors, the need for upskilling younger generations becomes urgent.
Holistic sector workforce planning
To tackle these challenges, a holistic and coordinated approach to workforce planning is essential. Historically, the UK’s energy sectors have operated in silos, treating each technology and network — wind, hydrogen, solar, transmission — as separate entities. This fragmented approach must change.
Bringing together stakeholders from across the sector to collaborate on common issues, including skills gaps, is key to meeting future demands. This will require new strategies, mechanisms to reduce friction and more efficient ways of working together.
Bringing in overseas workers may be a solution for the short term, but the UK will be competing globally for this talent. To
Data centres: the climate challenge no one talks about
Data centres keep the digital world running, but their soaring energy use raises a big question: can we meet net zero goals while powering AI and cloud storage?
The race is on for smarter, greener solutions — from advanced cooling to modular designs. But what’s actually working?
Cooling tech to the rescue
Data centres are projected to grow by up to 22% by 2030, according to McKinsey & Company. With that growth comes heat — a major energy drain if not managed efficiently. That’s why advanced cooling technologies are critical. Companies like Vertiv, Stulz GmbH and Schneider Electric are pioneering solutions, from liquid cooling to air recycling, helping data centres cut emissions while
ensure long-term success, the UK must cultivate homegrown talent. This means promoting energy sector careers to young people, particularly through apprenticeships, vocational training and STEM education. Integrating energy careers into schools and developing training pathways will help to create a sustainable pipeline of workers.
Public-private partnerships
Roles like grid infrastructure specialists, power systems engineers and heat pump installers are expected to see massive growth in the coming years. However, without enough qualified professionals, the UK risks missing its targets. Strategic partnerships, such as those seen in offshore wind, where industry collaborations have addressed skills shortages, are crucial for closing the gap. Public-private partnerships will also play a pivotal role in ensuring the country’s renewable energy goals are met.
The right mix of skills
Ultimately, overcoming the skills shortage will require a mindset shift. Energy companies must work with educational institutions to develop tailored programmes and make clean energy careers more attractive to diverse groups, especially women, who are underrepresented in sectors like offshore wind. With a focus on training, innovation and strategic collaboration, the UK’s energy sector can meet its green targets and lead the way in sustainable energy production.
maximising efficiency.
What if data centres could move? They can, and they do. Modular data centres are pre-built, scalable hubs that can be deployed anywhere, reducing construction emissions and improving efficiency. Placed near renewable energy sources, they offer a greener alternative to traditional facilities. According to Delta Power Solutions, they boost cooling efficiency by over 12% and push PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) closer to the ideal 1.0.
The edge computing advantage Large, centralised data centres are
energy-intensive and often located far from users. Edge computing changes the game by processing data closer to its source, improving speed, security and efficiency. Like modular data centres, edge facilities can be built near renewable power, reducing reliance on fossil fuels while keeping data secure and operations costeffective.
Join the energy conversation
Data centres are the backbone of our digital world, but their sustainability challenge is growing. How do we innovate to keep up?
That’s the conversation happening at Energy Tech Summit 2025. As Skaiste Knyzaite, Co-Founder and CEO, puts it: “Data centres don’t just support digitalisation; they unlock the next wave of innovation. The solutions we explore today will define the future of our energy systems.”
With thought-provoking discussions, networking side events and a startup pitch battle, the summit is the go-to space for innovators ready to drive change. Mark your calendar (April 9–10 in Bilbao, Spain), and join the conversation.
INSIGHT FROM Wafa Jafri Partner, Energy Deal Advisory and Co-Lead Energy and Natural Resources Strategy, KPMG
INSIGHT FROM Tom Clifton Director, Government and Infrastructure, KPMG
WRITTEN BY Skaiste Knyzaite CEO, Futurae Media
WRITTEN BY Tony Greenway
Why reducing the connections queue is central to reaching clean power by 2030
In my role, I meet energy consumers from all walks of life, so I’m acutely aware of the struggles people are facing with the cost of living, and energy bills make up a big part of that.
Ofgem’s primary focus is protecting energy consumers now and in the future. That can take many forms. Regulating suppliers is just one area of our work. Supporting the buildout of an energy system that is clean, affordable and secure is also central to our efforts.
New connections for clean energy
Reaching clean power by 2030 needs significant investment and reform — and nowhere is this more pressing than in the connections process. While Britain is rich in clean energy generation, especially via wind farms, all of these sites have to be connected to the grid so that carbon-free electricity can make it into homes and businesses across the country. At the moment, the queue to get these projects connected is simply not working. Based on analysis from the system operator, we need somewhere around 174GW of new connections to the grid in the next five years to reach the 2030 target. That’s around a quarter of what’s currently in the queue, and it’s still enough to bring clean power to every household and business in the country. Clearing the way for projects that are closer to being ready and are aligned with those clean power goals is what’s required.
Why helping businesses to decarbonise is good for growth
Decarbonising our economy is a huge undertaking but offers businesses the opportunity to future-proof operations and save on energy costs, driving economic growth.
The Government can play an important role in growing low-carbon sectors and the 2030 Clean Power target demonstrates huge ambition. Alongside this, it needs to support businesses in all sectors to decarbonise so they can remain competitive.
Gas price shocks and impact on businesses
First ready and needed, first connected
We’re planning to move from the old ‘first-come, firstserved’ queuing system to a ‘first ready and needed, first connected’ system to fast-track the projects that we need to end our dependency on fossil fuels and drive economic growth.
This isn’t simple, of course. We supported the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to introduce a temporary pause to new additions to the queue altogether while we both work to fundamentally reform the process to reduce the current backlog.
Facilitating energy investment and innovation
I believe that regulation does not need to mean red tape. Instead, as connections reform shows, it can mean facilitating investment. It can mean tearing down barriers to innovation in a way that protects and benefits the users of our energy system.
Getting clean energy into homes and businesses is a necessity for the environment, but it also unlocks huge opportunities for economic growth. Having a regulatory environment which encourages innovation and impactful projects will mean thousands of jobs and place GB at the forefront of global net zero efforts.
agree to expensive energy supply contracts.
The Government spent £20 billion to provide vital support to non-domestic energy customers. While welcome, none of this helped companies reduce energy use or move away from gas, which are the long-term solutions that would cut costs.
to help industry decarbonise has been paused and is being reviewed by the Government. There is also minimal support for small and medium-sized enterprises in England and Wales, which have struggled with energy bills and need more funding and technical advice.
Electricity costs hinder decarbonisation
As well as reducing energy use through investing in efficiency, businesses can move from gas to electric heating and processes, which is much more efficient. However, a key challenge is that electricity is five times more expensive than gas due to policy costs placed on electricity. This deters companies from investing in equipment that enables them to generate heat with low-carbon electricity.
The gas price shocks as Covid-19 lockdowns ended and Russia invaded Ukraine led to businesses passing costs down to consumers, while others reduced or ceased operations. Some energy-intensive businesses had long-term agreements in place, but in the
Limited decarbonisation support for SMEs
Government support for decarbonisation is currently focused on those close to emerging carbon capture and hydrogen clusters — and limited to large players. The funding available
It is vital that the upcoming Spending Review includes adequate support for businesses to decarbonise and addresses the electricity-to-gas price gap. This will make businesses more productive and attract investment — the key ingredients for growth.
WRITTEN BY Rachel Cary Head of Business Decarbonisation, Energy UK
WRITTEN BY Eleanor Warburton Director for Energy Systems Design & Development, Ofgem
Green jobs start with opportunity and sustainability leadership training
The climate emergency is no longer a problem for the future but the defining challenge of our time. What we do today will determine the world we leave behind.
While policies, innovation and technology are critical, true transformation depends on people — leaders equipped with the skills, knowledge and ambition to drive change. That is why the University of Reading is investing up to £34 million over the next five years to support the next generation of sustainability pioneers.
Sustainability-focused undergraduate scholarships
For too long, narrow subject categories and a lack of ambition have limited talented students’ ability to fully engage with sustainability education. That’s why the University of Reading has launched the Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship, one of the UK’s most ambitious sustainabilityfocused undergraduate scholarship schemes.
Each year, we will recruit another 400 undergraduate students, each of whom will receive £6,000 for every year of their degree course towards living costs, for up to four years. This will provide them with some significant financial support, helping them to focus their energies on studying and tackling the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Empowering future green careers
Scholars will gain specialist sustainability leadership training; cross-disciplinary learning opportunities; handson experience through industry partnerships; and career mentorship to help secure future green jobs.
No matter their subject — from art to business, psychology to computer science or law to zoology — students will graduate equipped to embed sustainability into their fields and become the changemakers industry and society need.
Turning climate knowledge into action
Education is key to sustainability transformation, and we know universities must be at the vanguard of the changes. That’s why we have led the way in supporting climate education becoming part of the curriculum in schools and colleges across the country. Our Climate Education Framework has been adopted by the UK Government, shaping national climate education policy.
Meanwhile, our Climate Ambassadors Scheme mobilises scientists, industry leaders and educators to work directly with schools, ensuring young people develop sustainability skills before they even arrive at university.
More than a university
At Reading, we don’t just teach sustainability. We live it. Since 2008, we have cut carbon emissions on our UK campuses by 61%,1 dramatically reducing our footprint through investments in low-carbon heating systems and on-campus solar and energy-efficient infrastructure. We’ve shown that it’s possible to decarbonise large-scale estates while delivering world-class teaching and research.
However, our impact goes beyond our campuses. The world-renowned ‘climate stripes’ image, created by Professor Ed Hawkins has become a globally recognised symbol of global warming. It is used everywhere from classrooms to clifftops and climate conferences. This is not just about meeting sustainability targets. It’s about leading by example.
Building the future of energy and the built environment
Beyond cutting emissions, Reading is helping to shape the future of sustainable energy and infrastructure. Our School of Built Environment, led by Dr Emmanuel Essah, is pioneering low-carbon construction, renewable energy systems and climate-resilient planning.
With rising energy demands and the urgent transition to net zero, universities must develop not only the technologies but the people with the expertise to implement them. Ranked third in the UK for Building,2 our researchers are working on next generation energy-efficient materials for homes and offices, smart grids to improve energy distribution and green infrastructure projects to help cities adapt to climate change.
Call to the climate leaders of tomorrow
The climate crisis isn’t a challenge for one discipline, one sector or one country. It is a global responsibility. We need a new generation of leaders who can think differently, act boldly and drive meaningful impact.
The University of Reading is proud to be the UK’s Sustainable University of the Year 20253 but sustainability is not a race; it is a responsibility. Our greatest responsibility is to the students who will shape the future. References:
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WRITTEN BY
Professor Robert
Van de Noort CBE Vice Chancellor, University of Reading
The criticality of women in achieving net zero
The UK Government has set ambitious targets for green job growth as part of its commitment to achieving net zero by 2050.
The Government aims to leverage over a £100 million investment (source: Powering Up Britain) and create up to 2 million green jobs by 2030 (source: Green Jobs Taskforce). This includes roles in renewable energy, energy efficiency and other sectors that contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Renewable growth, gender decline
Growth is expected to be driven by investments in renewable energy projects, infrastructure upgrades and initiatives to improve energy efficiency in buildings and transportation. This looks exciting. However, the energy industry is only able to attract women to the tune of approximately 15% of its workforce. This is a decrease from last year, with women in leadership roles in engineering leaving.
Smart businesses are already acting We can comfort ourselves somewhat in having a plan, but hope lies in acting quickly and decisively. Forward-thinking energy businesses are reviewing their approach to attracting and retaining female talent given the urgency of the need to grow capability and capacity. These same businesses are creating networks internally, and joining networks externally to understand the barriers for women wanting to enter and stay in engineering and to share best practices to arrest and reverse the trend.
Smarter businesses are going beyond the basics
Forward-thinking organisations will move beyond the ‘EDI as an initiative’ model — a good start but not enough — and look to embed inclusion and sustainability into every aspect of their operating model so that it is geared to attract the type and volume of talent needed to fulfil their innovation and growth goals.
Far from being a new paradigm, this draws on age-old strategic thinking that draws a case for change by asking the fundamental business strategy questions of ‘What are the right things to do, and how will we deliver them well?’ Gender diversity is not just a moral imperative but a critical component of the renewable energy sector’s future success.
Accelerating the UK’s clean energy transition through government action and industry leadership
The UK Government’s actions will determine whether the country meets its clean energy targets, including a fully decarbonised power system by 2030.
While early steps have been welcome and promising, critical decisions remain on electricity market reform, financial support, planning and grid connections.
Scaling clean energy sources
The Government must prioritise heat and transport decarbonisation while advancing a circular economy. Policies should support bioenergy, green hydrogen and long-duration energy storage alongside renewables. The Renewable Energy Association (REA) welcomes progress but will hold the Government accountable to ensure commitments translate into action.
A fully decarbonised energy system will rely on clean electricity sources such as wind, solar, bioenergy and hydrogen, alongside energy storage and grid flexibility. Heat pumps, district heating and waste heat recovery must be scaled up to address heating demand. Stronger policies, including a ‘Heat’ Contract for Difference scheme and robust building standards, are essential.
Clean technology deployment and innovation
Despite progress in decarbonising electricity, major hurdles remain. Grid constraints, with some projects facing decade-long connection delays, pose a significant barrier. The REA is calling for annual parliamentary reporting on grid connection progress by network operators to ensure greater accountability and transparency, as well as advocates for prioritising flexible assets to maximise capacity and addressing planning bottlenecks to accelerate approvals for new projects. Industry plays a key role in deploying clean technology and investing in innovation. Businesses need clear policy direction to unlock capital and drive large-scale renewables.
Government and industry support
The REA works to ensure government policies support industry-led solutions, fostering collaboration between policymakers, businesses and communities. Its advocacy is vital in securing the right regulatory environment. It pushes for support for underutilised technologies like biomethane and geothermal, champions transitional support for bioenergy and ensures fair policies for energy producers. By representing businesses, the REA ensures the Government follows through on its promises.
From influencing UK Parliament to engaging global leaders, the association is at the forefront of the energy transition. By shaping policy, championing business needs and promoting practical solutions, it remains a powerful voice in delivering a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Advancing renewable energy integration with the EU
The Energy Community Contracting Parties are undergoing a major energy transition as they aspire to join the European Union (EU) and its structures.
The Energy Community Contracting parties (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo*, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Ukraine) face shared challenges in modernising energy systems and reducing fossil fuel dependence.
With abundant solar, wind, hydro and biomass resources, they have the potential to lead the renewable energy shift in Europe. This requires stable regulations, market integration and investment incentives.
EU energy market integration
The alignment of national energy legislation with EU energy laws offers the Contracting Parties a unique opportunity to join the EU energy market ahead of their formal accession. The Energy Community Treaty provides a crucial foundation for integrating these markets with the EU.
Accelerating integration with the EU’s internal energy market will enable more efficient electricity trading, optimise renewable energy use across borders and foster competitive pricing through increased market liquidity. Market coupling will also improve supply stability and attract much-needed investments in renewables.
Renewable energy expansion
To support this transition, the Energy Community Secretariat has recently implemented projects to facilitate the use of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and Guarantees of Origin (GOs). These instruments can further accelerate renewable energy deployment by providing long-term price stability, reducing investment risks and enhancing transparency. PPAs make renewable projects more bankable while GOs certify the origin of green electricity, increasing market confidence.
By leveraging these tools, our Contracting Parties can attract private capital, expand crossborder electricity trade and support corporate renewable procurement, driving faster market integration and clean energy growth. With 2030 targets and National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) in place, they have a clear roadmap for scaling up clean energy investment.
Investment opportunities
For investors eyeing growth opportunities, our region offers a promising landscape brimming with early-market advantages, strategic positioning and a commitment to sustainable development. The Energy Community Secretariat is thrilled to be part of this journey, supporting our Contracting Parties as they chart a course toward a resilient renewable energy market and more sustainable future.
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.
WRITTEN BY Susan Robson Interim CEO, Women’s Engineering Society (WES)
WRITTEN BY Rollo Maschietto
Why global talent is the key to unlocking the UK’s green energy future
The UK’s clean power targets need to be met cost effectively and efficiently. This means recruiting specialists from overseas while developing and upskilling home-grown talent.
The Government has big renewables ambitions for the UK, setting out plans for the country to generate at least 95% of its energy from clean sources by 2030. Naturally, this is imperative for the planet. Moreover, the idea is to promote energy security, drive down bills, create new jobs and generate growth.
Why UK needs faster renewables expansion
However, we’re going to need a lot more onshore and offshore wind, solar, green hydrogen infrastructure and battery storage — and quickly. Also, 2030 is just five years away, and there are still massive challenges to overcome in a great many areas.
Addressing lack of construction, technical and planning expertise
Crucially, there’s a shortage of renewables construction and technical know-how in the UK, admits Tumuluri. “Although there is no lack of talent globally,” he says. “For example, our specialised engineering and design teams — who have deployed renewable technology in many different environments and markets — are based in India where cost considerations reduced dramatically. The UK will need to bring in global delivery teams but also develop and upskill its own labour force.”
We need people with the right skills and expertise to rapidly deploy clean energy infrastructure at scale across the country.
Sid Tumuluri is Head of Operations at Tyler Hill Consulting, an energy infrastructure services platform. Its team of engineers, planners, designers, project managers and finance professionals support the development and asset management of renewable energy projects around the world. “Unfortunately, the scale of the undertaking in the UK doesn’t match its capacity,” he says. “For instance, planning needs reform so that it’s easier for renewable energy projects to be built. The grid needs to be massively upgraded so that these projects can connect to it, and we need people with the skills and knowledge to build and deploy different types of renewables infrastructure.”
Planning is another area of concern because it’s a profession which lacks renewables specialists. “The scale of renewables projects which need to be deployed in the UK is immense,” says Tumuluri. “As a result, lots of trained professionals with renewables planning skills are required both in the public and private sectors to get these projects through the planning process.”
Prompt action to expand specialist pool
Tumuluri is at least optimistic that the UK is now heading in the right direction. “We don’t really have the luxury of thinking: ‘Can we reach the 2030 clean power target?’,” he says. “Instead, we must do as much as we can over the next five years. We just have to go for it.”
INTERVIEW WITH Sid Tumuluri Head of Operations, Tyler Hill Consulting
WRITTEN BY Tony Greenway
Getting clean energy into homes and businesses is a necessity for the environment, but it also unlocks huge opportunities for economic growth.
~Eleanor Warburton, Director
for Energy Systems Design & Development, Ofgem
That’s Good Energy
