Reflecting on the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum

Earlier in April, Jakob Lau Holst, CEO of GWO, attended the UNIDO International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum (IVECF). Guided by the theme “Powering Prosperity, Security and Stability”, the IVECF saw leaders from across the energy ecosystem gather to discuss inclusive solutions for accelerating the global energy transition, while linking renewable energy to shared prosperity and security.

Looking back on the discussions, Jakob offered three main points of reflection:

• In the face of ongoing global energy uncertainty, the urgency of the energy transition is growing for everyone. With renewables offering a cheaper energy source with more predictable costs, they can shield economies from price hikes to fossil fuels, increasing energy autonomy.
• Those economies that move fastest to adopt wind and solar PV will be better positioned to build more resilient and competitive energy systems. However, access to finance and technology remains uneven across regions. Ensuring that all countries can secure the investment and tools needed to develop energy strategies will be key to ensure that they have the assets needed for the energy transition.
• While there is strong alignment on the urgency of the transition, a lack of clearly defined training pathways, as well as a shortage of workforce with recognisable skills, both remain major obstacles for delivering at speed and scale.

One Key Question Stands Out: Who Will Do the Work? 

GWO believes that training and skills must be treated as critical infrastructure. In our latest Annual Report, Skills at Scale for the Energy Transition, we highlight that the industry will need to employ more than 2 million wind and solar installers and maintenance technicians by 2030 - delivering at this scale requires collaboration.

We call on governments, industry players and all interested stakeholders to leverage existing best practices and standards to accelerate workforce readiness.

Read more insights from our recent Annual Report below.