As the energy transition and the digitalisation of networks accelerate, accompanied by strong growth in global electricity demand, the challenges in terms of recruitment and training are high. On the occasion of CIGRE’s centennial session, Think Smartgrids organised a webinar on the theme of skills for the electricity networks of tomorrow.
Antoine Belosselsky, Task team leader at the French Development Agency (AFD), shared the increasing concern of the agency to integrate skills issues into the evaluation of energy transition projects to be financed. He mentioned several HR challenges for future electric grids: the ageing workforce in electricity utilities, increasing tensions on the labour market, the technology disruptions that create a need for new jobs and new skills, and the global growth in electricity demand. AFD develops training centers and academic partnerships to contribute to the reinforcement of skills, especially in Africa.
AFD’s concerns are confirmed by an exhaustive survey of the number of employees in the electricity sector in France and the projected needs by 2030, published last year and to which Think Smartgrids contributed. Andrea Michiorri, Research Engineer and professor at MINES ParisTech and Chair of Think Smartgrids’ Training Commission, presented the main results of the study: 23 shortage occupations were identified, representing 30% of jobs in the electrical sector. Mr. Michiorri stressed the dire need for Electric engineers, Design office technicians, Technical business managers and Data analysts. Lifelong professional training, increasing the attractivity of the electricity sector to recruit new talents and involving local authorities are among the main recommendations of the study.
In Africa, where there is a lack of electrical engineering schools while the electricity demand is booming, the need is even greater. Mamadou Lamine Doumbia, professor at the University of Québec in Trois-Rivières, presented the CEGEP Trois Rivières’ work to develop a new curriculum for the Ecole Supérieure Interafricaine d’Électricité (ESIE), in order to provide skills to respond to the transformation of the electricity system in Africa. This pan-African engineering school located in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire) was closed fifteen years ago, but the Association of Power Utilities of Africa (APUA-ASEA) is determined to reopen it with a new training programme that will include the whole electricity sector and meet the requirements of smart grids.
Jean-Luc Roy, Carbon Neutral Leader for GE Renewable Energy Hybrids and VP of Think Smartgrids’ international Committee, added that Think Smartgrids is also co-constructing a training programme with the APUA to improve the performance of African electricity companies and the level of qualification of their human resources.
Lastly, Pierre Lescude, Human Ressource Business Partner at Orange Middle East and Africa, provided some feedback on Orange MEA’s strategy to develop digital skills, a prerequisite for 5G deployment. Engineers often lack the required digital knowledge as energy networks increasingly rely on AI and IoT technologies. Orange is particularly focused on developing radio skills, and develops new training centers.
Anticipating future skill requirements and the development of new jobs linked to the digitalisation of networks will be one of the essential conditions for the success of the energy transition. New dynamics have been initiated in terms of human resources management and training, but they must now be strengthened, and will require steering and planning to match the supply and demand for jobs and skills in each region. Finally, these exchanges also underline the potential for job creation linked to the energy transition.
To learn more, watch the replay by registering here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/recording/78929260010804659