By
Ryan Carroll
March 13, 2025
Updated
March 13, 2025
Renewables insights from the 2025 GETI Report
Since its inception in 2017, the Global Energy Talent Index (GETI) Report has shared insights from thousands of professionals to create a comprehensive map of the energy landscape, providing companies with the knowledge to innovate their skill sets and secure top talent.
This year’s GETI report analyses data from the past five years to create a trends report that examines the key challenges, opportunities and shifts shaping energy businesses, professionals and hiring managers.
We have restructured this year's report into three chapters to better align with industry developments. The former renewables chapter has evolved into The Future of Energy.
The clean energy transition has led to salary increases for the renewables sector
Renewables sector salaries are rising amidst the clean energy transition. 48% of professionals reported a pay rise in 2025 compared to 35% five years ago. Of those employees, 21% received a salary increase of 5% or more. Only 4% report a pay decrease.
Hiring managers report a similar trend, with 61 per cent saying pay has increased on average every year since 2023. That said, those reporting that pay has risen by more than 5% fell slightly this year, to 32%, down from 34% in 2024.
Workers in the renewables industry are optimistic about their salaries, with 73% anticipating a raise this year.
This optimism is shared by hiring managers, with around three-quarters projecting pay to rise every year post-COVID. This year, 76% expect pay to rise
These increases in pay could in part be due to increasing inflation and high interest rates. However, there is also something to be said about the growing green skills gap, which has increased competition for talent in the renewable energy sector, thus leading to a rise in salary offerings.
The interest in relocation is shifting for renewables professionals
While the percentage of employers offering cross-regional transfers has risen from 48% in 2022 to 58% in 2025, the percentage of professionals who would consider relocating has fallen sharply. Now, only 73% would consider relocating, a decrease of 12% since 2021.
Leanne Halliday, Global Head of Energy and Renewables and Hydrogen, Subject Matter Expert at LRQA explains :
The prevalence of solar and wind projects is uncoupling us from the need to work in specific locations like we once did to exploit fossil fuel deposits. With renewables growing at pace in most regions, professionals will no longer feel so compelled to look abroad for career development opportunities.
Europe remains the world’s hub for renewables, offering exciting project opportunities in hydrogen, solar, and offshore wind. However, interest in relocating to the region has dropped to 33% this year, down from its peak of 39% in 2023. Meanwhile, interest in North America has steadily risen from 16% in 2021 to 22% this year, while interest in Australasia has also climbed.
Janette Marx, Chief Executive Officer, Airswift observes:
These shifts could be an early sign that relocation interests will change in the mid-to-long-term as countries across the Americas and Australasia begin to build on their renewable energy potential. However, uncertainties around political direction could still influence professionals’ attraction.
Career progression is the top reason renewables talent would consider switching jobs
Opportunities for career progression have remained the number one reason for switching roles over the past five years, hovering between 28% and 34%. Interest in the wider sector, the second most popular reason, has been static since 2022.
Conversely, while ESG was a factor for many in 2022 and 2023, it has since declined, while interest in remuneration and benefits has increased.
37% of respondents said they would move to another sector within the green energy sector, with 16% considering a switch to the transport sector. Technology has also seen a surge in interest since last year’s GETI report, with 31% of respondents considering a switch to that sector.
In order to retain their talented workforce, renewables firms must continue to foster a culture of innovation, sustainability and professional development.
Renewables is attracting the next generation
Echoing other findings within the report, when asked what businesses could do better to attract the next generation of talent, 47% of respondents first and foremost identified providing clear pathways to help candidates understand the long-term opportunities ahead.
This was followed by developing accessible industry-specific training programmes to equip candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge before joining the workforce (38 per cent). A focus on entry-level positions is also highlighted by respondents, with over 35% saying that pay and benefits should be improved for those at the beginning of their careers.
Janette Marx, Chief Executive Officer, Airswift notes:
The energy transition requires a massive amount of infrastructure and with it the workforce that can make it a reality. Renewables is considered a highly innovative sector, and this should be reflected in its approach to attracting and retaining talent. Hiring managers should ensure their strategies are multi dimensional to accommodate the factors highlighted.
Download the full GETI report
Would you like to learn more about the trends expected to shape the renewable energy industry in 2025? Get all the latest insights and information on trends across the rest of the energy industry in the 2025 GETI report. Download it today.
