Darren Davidson, UK and Ireland chief of Siemens Energy, has raised concerns about a critical shortage of skilled workers needed to drive the UK’s clean energy transition. Speaking from Siemens’ Hull-based wind turbine blade factory, Davidson warned that the country would need up to 500,000 additional workers to meet its net zero emissions by 2050 target and plans to decarbonize the power grid by 2030.
“There’s never been a better time to be in the energy sector,” Davidson said, adding that the industry is undergoing a period of “unprecedented growth.” However, he cautioned that the skills gap is a major hurdle that must be addressed to meet clean energy goals.
Siemens Energy operates the UK's largest wind turbine blade factory, employing 1,300 people in Hull. The plant has rapidly scaled up since opening in 2016, reflecting the growing demand for offshore wind power. Davidson noted that while the factory has been successful in recruiting locally, meeting future labor needs will require a broader strategy.
“It’s getting tough,” Davidson said. “Creating a workforce with the right skills is probably one of the challenges [Britain] needs to get right as we move forward.”
Beyond wind power, Davidson stressed the importance of developing hydrogen technologies and long-duration energy storage to ensure the UK’s energy transition is balanced and resilient. Siemens’ gas turbine factory in Lincoln, employing 1,500 people, is being considered for adaptation to support hydrogen gas operations, contingent on market conditions.
The UK government emphasized its commitment to supporting clean energy jobs through the Office for Clean Energy Jobs, part of its strategy to achieve clean power by 2030. A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said the office would work with Skills England, trade unions, and industry experts to address the workforce challenges.
“Our transition to clean, homegrown power will create a new generation of good jobs across the country,” the spokesperson said.
While wind and solar dominate the UK’s clean energy roadmap, Davidson warned against over-reliance on these technologies at the expense of emerging solutions like hydrogen. He called for a more diversified approach to energy transition, ensuring long-term resilience and security.
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