There’s more support than ever before from consumers for environmentally-friendly policy. This can be seen simply from the ever-growing number of news articles about global warming to the amount of advertising promoting green products. From this, one would think that the market itself would be enough to change the current standards to ones with higher-efficiency.

However, in a a 2011 report from Bloomberg Businessweek Research Services funded by ABB, a power and automation technologies corporation, they found that, “Only 14% of energy industry stakeholders indicate that governments should leave development of alternative energy sources to market forces.” ¹

The research from Bloomberg Businessweek is based on a survey of over 450 energy industry leaders and stakeholders, focusing the questions on all areas of the energy industry, from generation to distribution to policy. The following chart from their study is an extremely informative look into the mindset of the energy industry.

All policies related to improving environmental standards and renewable energy easily had the majority in favor of implementing them. The only policy that did not have majority support was for relaxed environmental standards.

Based on this chart, the first things to happen are grid improvement programs. After that, support fell mostly for implementing standards for both the industry and consumer’s energy use. This also follows later evidence from the ABB funded report that 80% of energy experts believe both consumers and the energy industry are responsible for improving and reducing their energy use. ²

Bloomfield Businessweek also reports that, “when it comes to adopting energy efficient practices the energy industry stakeholders believe they need to be incentivized to change their behavior.”³

With a predicted 30% increase in energy use over the next 20 years, ⁴ policies are sure to come into play to ensure that this energy is available. The groundwork is already being laid in countries around the world, and, as energy industry leaders think that it shouldn’t be left up to market forces, new and improved energy policy is sure to come.

To learn more about the future of the energy industry and policy, visit ABB’s research site and watch the video below.

Citations

1, 2, 3. Bloomberg Businessweek Research Services (2011). “Lowering Emissions (or Minimizing Climate Impact): Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy” p.5

4. International Energy Agency (2010). “World Energy Outlook 2010 Factsheet: What will the global energy outlook to 2035 look like?” p. 1

Bio

Jeremy Jones is a eco web designer and committed activist for environmental change. He is the cofounder of the nonprofit The Kirksville Permaculture Education Center and writes for ABB.

Syndication Information:

Content syndicated by Nathan Brown, the sustainable building careers recruiter for Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage and provider of information on building your own solar energy systems for your home.

Photo Credits

1. Energy Policy Opinions Chart: Bloomberg Businessweek Research Services (2011). “Lowering Emissions (or Minimizing Climate Impact): Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy” p.6

2. Power Lines. http://www.freefoto.com/preview/13-09-57?ffid=13-09-57

Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Earth Squared’s Spring Collection is now available at www..mimosastyle.co.uk Stylish Linen handbags and purses in summery pastel colours along with accompanying Jersey and Bamboo silk scarves to give you a fun,funky and fabulous Fair trade look for the Spring and Summer 2011. Check them out at http://www.mimosastyle.co.uk/c0-11816-11816/NEW-FOR-2011/0  

Also some great bargains to be had as we reduce our winter scarves and bags in our spring clearance

http://www.mimosastyle.co.uk/c0-11223-11223/SPRING-CLEARANCE/0

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Within the following article, Vicky Kenrick at International Sustainable Recruitment Specialist, Allen & York explore current recruitment trends within the wind energy sector, including an in depth look at where the latest job roles exist within Europe, what job types are on the increase and the transferable skills that exist for professionals wanting to make their career move into the wind energy industry.

Europe has a challenge ahead, in terms of renewable energy targets.  The UK government has signed up to a commitment which states that by 2020, 15% of energy production will come from renewable sources. Quite a target for any government to achieve, but in a climate where purse strings are being tightened, this challenge is ever more complex.  However, the UK in particular has made incredible headway in wind power and in fact is now known as the flagship nation for harnessing the power of wind, on an industrial scale.

The wind energy sector is one of the key employment sectors for Allen & York in Europe, with the industry as a whole employing 154,000 people (Wind Energy Assoc. data). In 2015 this figure is forecast to grow to 212,000 and in 2020 to 328,000, the current top 4 EU member country employers are: Germany with 38,000, Denmark with 23,000, Spain with 20,000 and France with 7000.

Recruitment in the wind energy industry will be significant in terms of accessibility to potential employers and employees.

According to research by RenewableUK, the number of staff employed full-time on large-scale offshore and onshore green energy projects increased from 4,800 in 2007 to around 9,200 last year.  In addition, it is expected that there will be strong growth within the European wind energy sector over the next decade, with over 250,000 new jobs created.  According to David Blake, Renewable Energy Manager at Allen & York, “this pattern could be attributable to the increase in larger organisations setting up regional offices close to wind projects across Europe”. Therefore, more vacancies are becoming available – with the aim to improve the efficiency, quality, reliability and safety of each wind energy project.   This development will benefit the renewable energy sector as a whole by raising the awareness and interest from stakeholders at a regional and national level; in turn this will itself increase investment within the sector, leading to more jobs and positive economic impact.

There is sizeable potential for development in Wind Energy in Central and Eastern Europe.

The looming challenge of the 2020 European Union directive on boosting renewable energy to 20% by 2020 made the CEE (Central and Eastern Europe) countries take on the challenge of developing their indigenous energy sources. According to Christian Kjaer, Chief Executive Officer of the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA), it is onshore wind which is set to be the star technology in helping the EU’s 27 Member States to meet this mandatory target.

We have also seen large growth within Central and Eastern Europe and at Allen & York we have worked with major utility companies that have been hiring in this area, this is particularly in comparison to Western Europe. For example we have recently seen large developers in France withdraw greatly from the offshore wind energy market following an announcement of Grenele2 founded on their research regarding environmental concerns for the preservation of the marine ecosystem.

Alternately, although there are many challenges to surmount within the market, Poland has seen the most expansion in the region, due to great wind potential and government support. It is the increase of the general awareness of Polish wind energy potential that has induced interest from investors and manufacturers. Banks and private equity investors are becoming more attentive to available possibilities, despite slowed down activity produced by the financial crisis. Likewise, all major European wind turbine manufacturers are active in Poland, as well as component manufacturers from western and northern Europe.  However, Poland must overcome high stakes if it is to attain its 2020 renewable energy targets. The country will need to install 863 MW – 1,002 MW yearly until 2020 to achieve the desired 10,500-12,500 MW. Nevertheless, this looks achievable with the renewable energy market in the CEE region becoming more and more attractive to investors from Western Europe and the rest of the World.

In turn, wind energy professionals from Western Europe, such as Germany and France are recognising the demand for work within Eastern Europe and, if holding experience within offshore wind or onshore wind, they are able to take advantage of the growing number of job opportunities. It is interesting to note this reversal in migration patterns; this is reflected by presence of some of the biggest infrastructure projects for wind energy in the world taking place in Eastern Europe, such as in Romania, which is host to Europe’s largest onshore wind farm.

Barbara Szlajnda, at Allen & York, who focuses on recruiting for the Renewables market within Europe, has specifically witnessed an increase in engineering job opportunities within offshore wind energy across Central and Eastern Europe. As the cheapest renewable electricity technology, onshore wind will be the largest contributor to meeting the 34% share of renewable electricity needed by 2020 in the EU, as envisaged by the 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive.

The UK’s wind power sector has seen employment rise by 91% in three years.

A report commissioned by industry association RenewableUK and EU Skills, the Sector Skills Council for the power sector, revealed that the number of full-time positions at wind energy companies had almost doubled from 4,800 full-time equivalent staff in 2007/8 to 9,200 during 2009/10.

The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) has also recently published its forecast for wind power installations in 2011, predicting the UK will closely follow Germany as the largest market this year.  In the UK in particular, it has become clear that individuals, especially graduates, are seeing work in the wind energy sector as a ‘stable’ career move, and even going as far as to retrain in their spare time in further wind related qualifications.  It could be that wind power can help breathe hope into the UK’s jobless recovery.

According to EWEA figures, the wind energy sector had employed 192,000 people in Europe by the end of 2009.  Christian Kjaer, chief executive of the EWEA, said: “The European Wind Energy Association expects strong growth in wind energy employment in Europe over the coming years to 280,000 by 2015 and 450,000 by 2020. That’s on average, 450 new European wind energy jobs per week over the next decade!

More specifically, Renewable Energy Recruitment Consultant, Georgina Hurst, who specialises in wind energy recruitment identified that currently Developers are recruiting in mass for Project Managers due to a rise in wind farm sites being identified and in the planning stages. However, Georgina then comments that in the future “we expect to see an increase in the demand for Windfarm Construction / Operation Managers, rather than those involved in gaining planning consent” as more windfarms are granted planning permission.  Therefore, although there appears to be an increase in the number of roles available within the project development phase of wind energy, here at Allen & York we envisage there to be a subtle change in demand over the coming years towards the construction phase of wind energy.

Another key trend within the wind energy sector is the increased demand for the grid integration of wind energy onto the network. The expected high levels of wind energy can impact on grid stability, congestion management, transmission efficiency and transmission adequacy. In many parts of the world, substantial upgrades of grid infrastructure will be required to allow for the levels of grid integration

Grid operators in a number of European countries, including Spain and Portugal, have now introduced central control centres which can monitor and manage efficiently the entire national fleet of wind turbines.

Recruitment Consultant at Allen & York, Tom Wolsey, specialises in Power Networks comments;

“The transmission market is an increasing focus for many companies involved in the sector. Due to a shortage of suitably skilled people in the market, candidates in this sector are rare and highly valued. Managing the technical, regulatory and risk related issues of grid integration projects are an essential part of any successful wind farm development.  Design and engineering of transmission systems as well as management of grid code compliance are all key issues that must be addressed”.

As these changes take place, wind energy practitioners may have to adopt additional skills in order to more closely match the job descriptions. 

Currently, there is a candidate shortage within the wind energy sector in Europe and fierce competition exists amongst businesses for the best candidates.  In turn, this is naturally having an affect on salary trends in the industry, but it also means organisations have to be flexible and consider transferable skill sets to meet the growing demands of the sector. Therefore, suggesting compromise from both the candidate and organisation in order to best fill the job role.  

Georgina Hurst, Wind Energy Recruiter at Allen & York goes on to comment that;

“Candidates are able to best match job roles by emphasising their transferable skills. There are lots of useful skills gained within planning related industry sectors as these candidates have key experience with local planning authorities.  Therefore, if organisations are prepared to take into account non-specific wind experience then they are able to employ excellent ‘all round’ candidates, enabling them to fill their vacancies more quickly”.

With additional training it will also be possible to open up job opportunities to more people coming from declining and traditional sectors such as automotive, aerospace and shipbuilding.  Meanwhile current workers within the wind energy sector should always keep up to date with the new technologies and training in the latest tools and regulations on the EIA side is compulsory.

Wind has been the world’s fastest growing renewable energy source for the last eight years.  As the costs of generating wind energy fall and the urgent international need to tackle CO2 emissions and prevent climate change grows, it’s a trend that’s set to continue. As the windiest country in Europe and world leader in off-shore technology, the potential exists to meet the UK’s energy needs several times over.  Job opportunities within wind energy are predominately within the project development area, and with strong growth within the wind energy market continue to grow within Central and Eastern European in particular, wind employment could withstand the recession whilst offshore wind farm development, port refits and supply chain manufacturing set to further boost sector employment in the years ahead.

As a market leading Energy Recruitment Consultancy Allen & York are able to provide a huge selection of wind energy jobs throughout Europe and within onshore and offshore wind, and at all levels from Wind Engineer and Business Development Manager to Project Developer and Wind Analyst.

Please visit us today at: www.allen-york.com

Allen & York is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Roundhouse is our cosiest cottage and sleeps up to four, ideal for two adults or a small family. Enjoy a delicious cream tea on arrival, homemade with organic ingredients, local jam and clotted cream. The cottage enjoys its own private garden with fantastic views of countryside and sea and a light open plan kitchen / lounge with a woodburner. The master bedroom has a double bed, the second bedroom twin beds, the bathroom has a shower over the bath. Dogs welcome. Pencuke Farm is idyllically located with panoramic views of the countryside and sea. Guests can explore our smallholding and children will enjoy the rare breed animals. We’re only two miles from the fantastic beach of Crackington Haven, amongst many others. From April the farm will be selling its own produce as well as a few other items such as organic milk and bread. http://www.organicholidays.co.uk/at/2947.htm

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Searching around for information on the web I was impressed by the quality of the discussion threads on Ethical Junction so I decided to join.

I run a small architects practice based on my sustainable and ethical principles which operates mainly in Cornwall and the south west. (My wider contacts do persuade me sometimes to venture east to the rest of the country for certain projects). Do look at my website to see some examples of my work. www.robhomewood.com

I have been involved in energy conservation and sustainability for many years. In the early days it was very hard work persuading commercial and domestic clients to take any notice. I was also part of a government funded regional energy group which organised seminars for professionals to train and encourage their awareness but at times that also seemed like flogging a dead horse. I decided that maybe what I needed was more credibility so I took another degree in renewable energy about 20 years ago but to be honest I don’t know that it made much difference! Always keen on diverse skills I have also taken time out from my practice to undertake university research projects which were enjoyable and productive, but very disruptive to my practice’s programme!

Currently my practice portfolio has more domestic clients for whom I provide sustainable and energy efficient housing or extensions, although many clients still can’t see the benefit of obtaining a code of sustainable homes certificate. Larger projects e.g. affordable housing fares slightly better as the housing associations seem more geared up but commercial clients are still resistant to the benefits, often looking at short term issues only. Overall though the general shift in public awareness and option has facilitated more constructive discussions at least and there are encouraging highlights………

At the other end of the scale I have also taken on some part time teaching in sustainable construction where at least the students are keen and knowledgeable. What I need now is a magic formula to teach them how to persuade clients to put their money where their principles are!

Meanwhile I carry on encouraging my clients to build sustainably and if you have a building or site which may turn into a project, do contact me even if you are not in the south west – I may be able to help you. Remember too that the earlier I get involved the better I can apply my skills and this has huge implications for the creativity, the smooth running and the economics of the project.

Rob Homewood Architect is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Under deep blue skies, amid acres of meadow and woodland, a green paradise unfolds. The colourful organic garden, where vast courgettes rub shoulders with 12 foot sunflowers and marigolds stand proud amongst the lettuces, is awe inspiring. We are passionate about organic self-sufficiency and encourage guests to peruse the kitchen garden and choose what they might like to accompany their evening meal. Our crops are 100% organic top quality. Start the day with fresh organic bread, homemade strawberry jam, croissants, fresh fruit and good coffee. Take a packed lunch – local cheeses, salads, etc – and explore the unspoilt local area. We are happy to offer ideas for an itinerary based around the local villages and markets, or around the incredibly abundant varieties of wildlife, plant life and bird life [the area is part of Nature 2000, protecting many very rare birds, flowers, and unspoiled spaces]. Come home and put your feet up with a glass of local organic wine whilst we pick and cook for you. http://www.organicholidays.co.uk/at/2941.htm

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At www.OVnaturals.co.uk we try to offer a balanced view while adhering to our strict standards and ethics. Increasingly, consumers are asking questions about the products they use on their skin. What exactly is ‘natural’ and ‘organic’? Is synthetic always bad? Is it realistic to try and avoid all chemicals? Here’s a summary of what we’ve discovered…

There’s no such thing as a chemical-free life, as chemicals make up all living things. Not all chemicals are bad, for example, essential oils contain complex naturally-occurring chemicals with active therapeutic benefits when used correctly. When used incorrectly, these ingredients may be harmful. 
 
Safety is often determined by dose. Just a small amount of pure Eucalyptus oil, if ingested, can be fatal, however, when used in the correct dosage this is one of the most effective essential oils to ease catarrhal conditions. Likewise, drinking too much water can kill you but we all know that water is good for us, indeed, necessary for life.

OV naturals is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

According to a new report from green website Treehugger, it just might be possible to commercially produce Algae oil in enough quantity to replace diesel, gasoline, jet fuel, plastics and solvents. The wonder of algae oil is that is can be produced and burned without the harmful global warming effects of petroleum. Farming and producing algae oil as a replacement for petroleum does not take away vital land from rainforests and farmland in the same way as other replacement oil like corn or palm oil can do.

According to Treehugger a company based in California, OriginOil have been contracted by the Mexican Government to produce 1% of the nations jet fuel from algae over the next 5 years. Their aims are much higher however as they plan to produce 20times that amount by the end of the decade!

Treehugger explains:

What’s significant here is a move to demonstrate industrial algae production. If it succeeds, Mexico may invest in large-scale jet fuels production. OriginOil is seen as a leader in the algae biofuel industry, and had success last year in an algae pilot project with MBD Energy of Australia.

“Much of the world’s oil and gas is made up of ancient algae deposits,” OriginOil reps explain.

“Today, our technology will produce ‘new oil’ from algae, through a cost-effective, high-speed manufacturing process. This endless supply of new oil can be used for many products such as diesel, gasoline, jet fuel, plastics and solvents without the global warming effects of petroleum.

We wish OriginOil well in this exciting and earth saving endeavour

Gecco Interiors Limited is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Scientists Zoubida Charrouf and Dominique Guillaume have recently stated that Argan Oil ’should readily find a place of choice amid the most profitable oils for human health’. Organic Argan Oil is available online from Organic Argan Oil UK. 

Used for centuries by the people of Morocco, Argan Oil is a luxurious, versatile, natural oil produced from the nuts of the rare Argan tree (Argania Spinosa L.), known locally as the ‘Tree of Life’. The Argan tree is native to south-western Morocco and the region where Argan trees grow became a UNESCO international biosphere reserve in 1999. 

There are two main types of natural Argan Oil, both available online from Organic Argan Oil UK.

Cosmetic Argan Oil is used for beautiful and healthy skin, hair and nails. Culinary Argan Oil, with its rich and delicious nutty flavour, is one of the healthiest vegetable oils, packed with essential vitamins and nutrients.

Celebrities as diverse as Sophie Dahl, model and writer, and Heston Blumenthal, Britains leading chef, are both fans of this ‘wonderful’ natural oil, produced in Morocco for centuries. 

A spokesperson for Organic Argan Oil UK explained how Argan Oil can help you look better and feel healthier, inside and out: “Argan Oil is rich in unsaturated fats and in Vitamin E. Research suggests that these can bring health benefits and protect skin. People who use Argan Oil certainly agree. One woman said that Argan Oil was ‘pure gold’, another praised it as an ‘absolute match’ for very sensitive skin.”

Cosmetic Argan Oil: Used as a cosmetic, Argan Oil protects and moisturises the skin, reduces signs of visible ageing and tackles the appearance of wrinkles and damage caused by stress, sun and wind. Argan Oil is ideal for all skin types, including the most sensitive skins. It has been used as a traditional remedy for a range of skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema. It is also used to reduce the scars left behind by adolescent acne, other scars and to reduce and prevent the appearance of stretch marks. Argan Oil adds a beautiful and healthy sheen to hair, leaving it feeling silky soft and smooth. Pure Argan Oil can be used with lemon juice to repair and strengthen damaged and brittle nails. Argan Oil can also be used as part of your shaving routine, moisturising and nourishing the skin and helping to prevent shaving rash, itchiness, cuts and shaving nicks. Argan Oil has also been traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory for conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism.

Argan Food Oil: Used regularly as part of a well-balanced diet, pure and natural Argan Oil can potentially reduce the risk of a range of diseases and help you look and feel healthier. With a wealth of Vitamin E and essential unsaturated fatty acids, Argan Oil has been researched extensively. Studies have been carried out to assess Argan Oil’s potential ability to help in fighting against and preventing a number of conditions, including reducing the risk of obesity, lowering high blood pressure, reducing high cholesterol levels and possibly even helping in the fight against diabetes and cancer. Scientists claim that ‘daily consumption of argan oil is highly likely to be one factor strongly favouring the prevention of urogenital and digestive cancers as well as obesity and cardiovascular diseases.’ 

You can read more about pure, natural and organic Argan Oil on Organic Argan Oil UK’s website: www.organicarganoil.co.uk

Organic Argan Oil UK is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Quakers & Business Group’s Spring Gathering & AGM 2011:  Saturday April 2nd, 9.30 am – 6.00 pm
Edinburgh Central Friends Meeting House.

Come and find out how can we move Friends’ ethical foundations into the mainstream of economic and business life.

The Eigg Community will demonstrate their practice, RBS will explore the practical issues of mainstreaming ethical practice, and Alastair McIntosh with help us create visions of a better, ethical economy and business set up.

Our World Café discussions will enlighten us each and help move the Quaker & business group’s work forward.
We finish the day with The Q&B Lecture, by Alastair McIntosh, author of Soil and Soul and Hell and High Water.

Come and share our working search for better economic and business way via our website.

Join on the day for £35 (usually £25), including the event.  Members:  £20 for the event only.

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