The Impacts of Skills Shortages on Global Power Sector Emissions

This research paper by the NewClimate Institute examines how skilled labor shortages in the energy transition could delay renewable energy deployment and increase global power sector emissions, potentially shifting the warming pathway from 1.7°C to 2.4°C.

• Tripling global renewable power capacity by 2030 may require the power generation workforce to grow from 12.5 million workers in 2021 to 47 million by 2030, with a focus on manufacturing, installation, and operation.
• If only 20% to 60% of new labor demand is met, a shortfall of up to 6 million workers by 2030 could leave global renewable generation capacity nearly 10% below pledged targets.
• A slower rollout of renewables due to labor shortages would extend fossil fuel reliance, causing power sector emissions to be 12% above 2030 pledges and more than double by 2045, potentially increasing the warming pathway from 1.7°C to 2.4°C.
• The study identifies several constraints to the workforce transition, including ageing populations, low labor force participation, limited inward migration, and education and training systems that fail to keep pace with demand, especially in developing countries.

APA

NewClimate Institute (2025). The Impacts of Skills Shortages on Global Power Sector Emissions. http://www.newclimate.org/resources/publications/the-impacts-of-skills-shortages-on-global-power-sector-emissions

Chicago

NewClimate Institute. The Impacts of Skills Shortages on Global Power Sector Emissions. 2025. http://www.newclimate.org/resources/publications/the-impacts-of-skills-shortages-on-global-power-sector-emissions.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=NewClimate Institute |title=The Impacts of Skills Shortages on Global Power Sector Emissions |date=9 October 2025 |url=http://www.newclimate.org/resources/publications/the-impacts-of-skills-shortages-on-global-power-sector-emissions |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{newclimateinstitute2025impacts, author = {{NewClimate Institute}}, title = {{The Impacts of Skills Shortages on Global Power Sector Emissions}}, institution = {NewClimate Institute}, year = {2025}, month = oct, url = {http://www.newclimate.org/resources/publications/the-impacts-of-skills-shortages-on-global-power-sector-emissions}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }