What is Energy Generation?

Energy that is generated from both renewable and non-renewable sources.

Energy generation is a term used to describe the production of energy that is generated from both renewable and non-renewable sources. For hundreds of years, fossil fuels have dominated the global power supply, but in recent times, there has been a shift towards cleaner energy solutions. This increased demand for renewables has been driven by global warming, rapidly depleting fossil fuels, and steep increases in oil and gas prices. Climate-friendly energy sources have become the answer to creating a more sustainable future for all.

With an inexhaustible supply of energy and less expensive than gas, oil, and coal, renewables are the answer to the challenges we’re facing. They also emit little to no greenhouse gases, which are by far the largest contributor to global climate change.

Generating energy from renewable sources is reaching new heights, with no signs of the movement slowing down. In fact, it’s been predicted that by as soon as 2030, renewables could provide 65% of the world's total electricity supply.

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So which energy trends are shaping the future?

Below are some of the main technologies that are changing our energy systems for the better.

Green hydrogen:
Green hydrogen is often labelled as the ‘fuel of the future’ because it offers a clean energy alternative to parts of the economy that are hard to decarbonise. It is generated through a process called electrolysis. Instead of using fossil fuels, electrolysis plants use electricity to break down water molecules (H2O) into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2). These plants can help tackle many of our critical energy challenges as they are powered entirely by renewable energies. The future of green hydrogen is bright, with the IEA noting that the global demand for hydrogen for use as a fuel has tripled since 1975.

Hydropower:
Hydropower, or hydroelectric power, is generated by converting kinetic energy from running water into electrical energy. It is one of the largest and most flexible renewable energy sources as it can provide flood control and safe drinking water as well as electricity.

Solar energy:
Solar energy is power generated directly from the sun’s energy. It is the most abundant energy source on Earth and can be converted into both thermal and electrical energy. Solar energy was found to be the fastest-growing renewable sector, with it currently representing over a third of the entire renewable energy workforce.

Wind power:
Wind power is generated by transforming the kinetic energy of wind into electrical energy. It is considered to be one of the most important renewable energy sources that will help decarbonise the energy system and the industry.

There are two types of ways to harness wind power: offshore and onshore.

Onshore wind Energy
Onshore wind power simply refers to wind turbines that are located on land. The infrastructure for onshore wind power is far easier to install and significantly less expensive than that of offshore wind. However, it can be harder to achieve consistent energy generation as wind speeds can be somewhat unpredictable on land.

Offshore wind energy
Offshore wind energy is the generation of electricity from wind farms located in bodies of water (typically the ocean). Offshore wind farms tend to have more of a minimal impact on local communities but can present some maintenance challenges.

With Gibson Watts’ new office in Providence, Rhode Island, we can fully commit to delivering our clients the best talent in the offshore wind industry.

Jobs in renewable energy - a future-proofed industry

Mitigating climate change requires drawing together a diverse pool of green talent who will help create new solutions. The renewable energy sector is a fast-paced and exciting industry offering a breadth of opportunities and diverse career paths.

As the demand for cleaner energy sources increases, the renewable energy job market is poised for major growth. Reportedly, 25 million green jobs are to be expected by 2030.

There is not only an increase in talent demand for renewable energy companies. Traditional energy companies are also looking at ways to offset their carbon footprint. But for many candidates, the renewable energy sector offers securer career prospects as there is already a clear expansion plan laid out for the future.

Bridging the green skills gap

Whilst green skills are increasingly sought after, the pool of green talent is not keeping up with these demands, making it increasingly hard to find candidates within the industry. At Gibson Watts, we are striving to bridge this skills gap to help push the green revolution forward. We are actively involved in all aspects of executive search across the energy sector, specifically energy generation, energy infrastructure, and energy efficiency. We find our clients candidates for roles that are at the forefront of offsetting the impact of climate change.

Global energy demands are only set to increase in the coming decades, meaning the energy generation industry is going to see exponential growth as the world switches to greener energy solutions. Gibson Watts has the credentials and expertise to advise and support your business to help build the world’s future energy system.

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