In the lead up to COP30, new report offers insights into views of the future energy workforce.
The Generation 2050: 25 Years Out report, released today by The Energy Institute’s Generation 2050 initiative, reveals that young professionals are deeply motivated to address climate change and energy inequality. However, many remain sceptical about the sector’s current ability to deliver on these critical goals.
Highlights included:
- Fewer than 1 in 10 young energy professionals believe the world will limit global temperature rises to 2°C
- A similarly low figure believe that the world will achieve universal access to energy by 2030
- Tackling climate change and energy inequality is the primary motivation for young professionals joining the sector
- Investment in, and development of, renewable energy, is viewed as the most important step that the industry can take to tackle climate change and reach universal energy access
In the first quarter of 2025, members of the EI’s international Young Professionals Network were invited to participate in a survey exploring their aspirations for the energy sector, their reasons for entering the field, and the skills they believe are essential to becoming tomorrow’s energy leaders.
Featuring survey responses from members of the EI Young Professionals Network and enriched by interviews with Energy Institute Fellows from across the globe, Generation 2050: 25 Years Out, offers fresh insights into the future energy workforce.
Complemented by perspectives from experienced Fellows around the world, the report represents a meaningful dialogue between today’s energy leaders and the next generation, those who will one day take the reins and shape the future of the industry.
Commenting on the findings, EI’s CEO Dr Nick Wayth FEI said:
“The Energy Institute has long worked to advance understanding and connect the global energy workforce. Through this report, we spotlight the ambitions of emerging leaders. Their insights call for faster deployment of clean technologies, inclusive policies, innovative finance, and global collaboration.
What’s striking in this report is the clarity and determination of these young professionals. For future leaders, the transition is not optional, it shapes their careers and outlook. But their drive must be matched by today’s decision makers. We must invest in education, embrace diversity, and open pathways for them to thrive.
Our young professionals’ motivation is inspiring, and they are clear about the need for urgent action. That rallying call should motivate all of us to accelerate progress and build a system capable of reaching net zero by mid century.”
ENDS.
Notes for editors
- For media enquiries, please contact Ruaraidh Swainson, EI Communications Officer 07702 583 918, [email protected]
- The full report is available here: https://www.energyinst.org/exploring-energy/resources/generation-2050
- About the Energy Institute (EI) - The EI is the chartered professional membership body for people who work across the world of energy.
Our purpose is to create a better energy future for our members and society by accelerating a just global transition to net zero.
We do this by attracting and developing a diverse future energy workforce; convening expertise and evidence to inform energy decision making; and enabling industry to make energy safer, more efficient and lower carbon.
Visit energyinst.org or follow us @EnergyInstitute LinkedIn: Energy Institute - About Generation 2050 - Generation 2050 is an initiative from the Energy Institute, created to inspire, develop and empower the next generation of diverse energy professionals. More than just a programme, it’s an intergenerational movement elevating young professionals’ voices and equipping them to shape the future of the energy sector by 2050. Through campaigns, events and collaboration, Generation 2050 fosters professional growth and shared learning, supported by both emerging and established energy leaders – all with the aim of driving meaningful change and helping ensure a sustainable energy future.
- Join us at International Energy Week in February 2026. The first major global energy event following COP30, where the world’s energy leaders gather to turn climate commitments into action. Backed by the Energy Institute and its 20,000-strong membership, International Energy Week offers a unique platform to tackle the most urgent challenges in energy: from grid resilience and supply chain risk, to financing the transition and scaling innovation. With its trusted heritage as the UK’s flagship energy event, International Energy Week is more than just a conference - it’s a convening force, a networking hub and a strategic tool in the Energy Institute’s mission to create a better energy future. Find out more: ieweek.co.uk