When engineers first started developing low-carbon energy technology, it was rightfully celebrated as a revolutionary discovery. 

The vast potential to generate large volumes of sustainable energy promised a solution that governments around the world had been searching for.

No longer did they have to rely on the rapidly decreasing supplies of oil and gas that produced tonnes of carbon emissions.

There was hope on the horizon.

The development of low-carbon technology

Today, low-carbon energy technology is being predominantly utilised in sectors like offshore wind, solar, and hydro power.

These are all sectors that have seen significant growth in recent years and, to further accelerate this, BloombergNEF recently announced that the global investment into low-carbon energy technology has reached a record level of $1.1 trillion - almost overtaking fossil fuels. 

This funding into the ongoing development of low-carbon technology is undoubtedly going to have multiple large impacts on the offshore industry as a whole, and all the people working within it.

(Source: We Forum)

7 impacts of low-carbon technology investment on jobs in the offshore industry

Whether you’re an employer in the space or a candidate deciding where your next placement should be, it seems like there’s a lot of change on the horizon. 

The surge in low-carbon technology investment is bringing more attention to the offshore industry, opening the door to multiple opportunities.

1. Job advancement

As low-carbon energy technology continues to fuel the development of more efficient and profitable offshore renewable projects, thousands of workers will be offered jobs in locations all around the world. These positions, like the rest in the sector, will be rewarding and engaging - creating ongoing careers in the offshore industry.

2. Sustainable shift

It’s a reasonable assumption to make that the employees currently operating on offshore oil and gas projects might feel pulled toward the new positions opening in renewable energy. With their existing working experience, they'll be in the perfect position to take advantage of the demand for qualified labour to land leadership positions with better pay.

3. Salary competition

Due to this anticipated move of employees to renewable energy, we can expect offshore salaries to increase across the entire industry. As start-ups enter the sector because of the advancements in low-carbon energy technology, they’ll have to compete with already established businesses for candidates. How? By offering more and more money, better benefits, an attractive working environment and values candidates can relate to.

4. Personal satisfaction

When making a commitment to working with low-carbon technology in an offshore renewable field, employees are going to be making a massive difference to the future of our world. They'll be contributing every single day to a brighter future with consistent energy sources (securing the population’s standard of living) and stabilised household prices (combating the cost of living crisis). 

5. Training opportunities

As additional investment goes into developing low-carbon energy technology, there’s going to be more of a demand for skilled employees to operate this equipment. In order to keep their team up-to-date with the evolving demands of offshore jobs, learning and development schemes will boom across the industry and so will training opportunities. Anyone who is willing to spend time picking up new skills should be supported in doing so.

6. Skill shortages

Every time new technology is adopted into the offshore industry, it becomes a priority for leaders to hire employees that can actually use it. With so much money going into low-carbon energy technology, it's likely going to make advancements at a faster rate than skill availability can grow - making existing specialists even more sought after and appreciated. 

7. Project approvals

For years, the offshore energy industry as a whole has struggled to encourage governments to accept their plans for projects. That is slowly starting to change. Thanks to low-carbon technology, governments can support a sustainable and ethical solution to their growing energy problem, launching more projects for employees and contractors to choose between. This variety promises to intrigue candidates and generate more interest in working in the sector.

Embracing low-carbon energy technology investment as a leader

Without a doubt, the growing investment into low-carbon energy technology is an asset to offshore leaders. It looks like it will “underpin the rapid acceleration of energy transitions” across the world, and encourage faster and more efficient project review processes. 

With this in mind, you need to prepare your business to take advantage of the opportunities that are about to flood your way - ensuring that you have the best teams in place to follow through on your commitments. Without them, you’ll struggle to scale your organisation and achieve your business goals. 

Finding renewable energy candidates through Select Offshore

Select Offshore is a team of specialist recruiters that deliver reliable, communicative, and enthusiastic maritime professionals.

Is that you?

If you’re looking for exciting and competitive placements across any of our sectors, speak to us.

We can connect you with a company that cares for its human resources and recognises the importance of adhering to your rights.

Our team strongly believes in celebrating each of the individuals we work with, dedicating time to find them desirable offshore placements. 

Contact us today to find out more.