Talent and Capabilities at Energy Asia
Asia’s energy industry is built on the experience and talent of an energised workforce. That is why addressing the human aspect of the energy transition is vital to achieving a just and equitable transition for all.
Energy Asia 2025 will explore this vital topic through our key theme Talent and Capabilities, examining the need for significant investment in human capital. There are already 16.2 million people with jobs in renewable energy across the globe, with almost half (7.4 million) in China alone. The wider ecosystem of clean energy jobs is even larger.
The potential of future job opportunities from energy transition is also substantial. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that the energy transition will create 14 million new jobs related to clean energy technologies and require around five million workers to shift from fossil fuel sectors. An additional 16 million workers will be required to shift to work in clean energy segments, necessitating additional skills and training.
Discussions under this key theme at Energy Asia 2025 will explore the seismic changes in the talent landscape, strategies for reskilling and upskilling the workforce – ensuring that the energy sector’s evolution towards low-carbon technologies include a just, inclusive and meaningful opportunity for all workers involved.
The Imperative for Skilled Workforce Development
Asia’s journey towards a sustainable energy future depends on developing a skilled workforce capable of steering the region through its energy transition.
Analysis by the IEA shows that 67.5 million people globally are employed in the energy sector directly, with more than half (37 million) of those employed in the Asia Pacific region. Managing the transition for this significant regional workforce is essential to ensure it is equitable, but also effective in delivering long-term goals.
As traditional energy systems are redefined to align with low-carbon objectives, the need to ensure a just and equitable transition for the existing workforce becomes paramount. That means ensuring the deep wealth of technical talent and experience is used to underpin the next generation of industry evolution, whether in existing renewable energy jobs, or transitioning into next-generation technologies such as carbon capture and storage.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is also now changing global dynamics, as organisations look to transform how they work—affecting everything from talent management and skills development to operational strategies and customer engagement. This technological advancement necessitates a workforce that is not only proficient in current technologies, but also adaptable to emerging innovations.
Managing the economic disruptions caused by the energy transition effectively will require comprehensive reskilling and upskilling initiatives. More than five million workers in the Asia Pacific work on coal supply—showcasing the vital need to ensure an equitable transition that upskills and supports these workers to access new roles or prepare for new industry needs.
These programs are crucial to foster fair opportunities within the workforce, ensuring that all members of the community are prepared to contribute and benefit from the new energy landscape. Successful reskilling efforts will require robust collaboration among governments, the private sector, educational institutions and workers groups. Together, they must develop accessible and targeted training programmes that are closely aligned with the evolving needs of the energy market.
Collaborative Strategies for Workforce Empowerment
Ensuring that workers are equipped with the necessary resources to adapt and thrive requires more than just training—it involves creating an ecosystem that supports continuous learning and development. This includes establishing policies that encourage lifelong learning, creating incentives for continuous professional development and providing support mechanisms such as career counselling and job placement services.
By fostering a culture of innovation and learning, Asia can ensure that its workforce is not only prepared to meet the challenges of today but also equipped to seize the opportunities of tomorrow. As the region continues to pioneer advancements in technology and the skills needed for the energy transition, it has the potential to lead the global upskilling movement – emerging as a hub for workforce transformation and energy transition reskilling.
As Asia stands at the cusp of a significant energy transformation, the development of a skilled and adaptable workforce is more crucial than ever. Energy Asia 2025 will bring together stakeholders to explore these issues in depth and collaborate on strategies that ensure the workforce is prepared to meet the demands of a sustainable energy future.
