Our energy future
Sam Knox Chairman of the Northern Ireland branch of the Energy Institute discusses the importance of attracting a young and skilled workforce to the energy sector.
The Energy Institute is the professional body for the energy industry and it celebrated its centenary last year, highlighting the positive impact its members contributed to the energy industry over this period and how it will continue to provide leadership going forward as we face new challenges.
Internationally, the Energy Institute has 21,000 members and is licensed by the Engineering Council (UK) to offer Chartered, Incorporated and Engineering Technician status to engineers. It is also licensed by the Science Council to award Chartered Scientist status, and by the Society for the Environment to award Chartered Environmentalist status.
Looking to the future of the energy sector, it is important to take on board the views contained in our recently published Energy Barometer report that provides the insights of energy professionals and informs the energy debate as a tool for policymakers, influencers, the industry, and the public.
The results focus on the challenges facing the sector and society over the next few years, the most important of which is the retention of a skilled workforce.
A large number of experienced members are due to retire over the next 10 years and there is an increasing demand across all energy technology sectors both new and emerging. The only sector that has identified a skills surplus to 2020 is North Sea oil and gas. The Energy Institute highlighted in the September edition of its Energy World publication the main areas that will drive future investment in the sector. These include;
• global expansion in the use of renewable energy technologies;
• continued development of energy efficient technologies;
• availability of cost effective battery energy storage for domestic and commercial installations;
• the use of gas and coal as transition fuels in association with renewable technologies and;
• the upgrading of electricity infrastructure to replace ageing assets.
Overall the energy sector offers increased employment opportunities and we must showcase the benefits if we are to attract the talent necessary to help it grow now and in the future. Going forward, we need to keep up with the pace of change within the energy industry and the diversity of skill needed (not just in engineering disciplines but also legal, financial, Information technology, environmental and associated business support services) across all disciplines.
The local branch of the Energy Institute embraced the need for change and laid the necessary foundations to promote employment opportunities by launching a branch of the Young Professional Network at our careers fair in February this year.
Activities of the Energy Institute at branch level are supported by a dedicated committee who organise a comprehensive programme of events throughout the year. These include technical visits for professional development, a symposium to debate current issues and an Annual Dinner. Next year this dinner will be held at the Merchant Hotel on 10 March 2016.
Additional information regarding local branch activities can be found on our website and visitors are welcome to attend the events.
Sam Knox
Chairperson Energy Institute
Northern Ireland Branch
Email: northernireland@energyinst.org
Membership: www.energyinst.org
