Why Renewable Energy Contracting is Growing
With the UK investing heavily in clean energy solutions, such as renewables and nuclear, this is boosting demand for those with specialised skills.
A recent government publication revealed the future workforce expectations within the clean energy sector, estimating that the industry will bring in 400,000 extra jobs by 2030.
These job opportunities will come in phases, with each stage requiring a different set of skills. This will likely result in many organisations using a project-based approach, making it ideal for renewable energy contractors.
What Does a Renewable Energy Contractor Do?
A renewable energy contractor plays a vital role in helping organisations transition to cleaner and more efficient energy systems.
They will typically assess, advise, and problem-solve, all while managing schedules, budgets and technical risks and ensuring health and safety regulations are adhered to.
Take a look at our Becoming a Renewable Energy Consultant for further information on this.
The sector has a variety of job roles that a renewable energy consultant could work in, including:
- Process engineer
- Project engineer
- Civil engineer
- HSE advisor
- Subsea engineer
- Construction manager
- Electrical engineer
Which Renewable Energy Sectors Need Contractors?
As renewable energy projects are often large, complex and carried out over a long period of time, organisations will often bring in freelance engineering consultants rather than hiring permanent teams.
Here are some examples of the types of sectors looking for engineering contractors:
Hydrogen
Hydrogen is playing an increasingly important role in helping the UK decarbonise industries that are difficult to electrify.
This is creating opportunities for those with the right skills in things like Front-End Engineering Design (FEED), process engineering and commissioning. It would also be a good career transition for engineers with backgrounds in oil and gas.
Battery Storage
A recent report from Drax Electric Insights has highlighted the growing role that Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are playing in supporting Britain’s electricity system as demand for flexible power continues to grow.
BESS projects typically require roles such as electrical engineers, project engineers, commissioning specialists and site managers, who are often brought in to do tasks such as:
- Support grid connection works
- Oversee installation
- Test systems
- Ensure projects meet technical and safety standards
Offshore Wind
Latest data from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has revealed that the offshore wind sector could support up to 100,000 jobs in the UK by 2030, potentially creating increased demand for contractors.
Typical projects for an offshore wind consultant include:
- Offshore wind farm developments
- Export cable installation
- Turbine commissioning
- Operations and maintenance programmes
Offshore Wind Project Industry Example
Project: Large-scale offshore wind farm
Contractor role: Contract Project Engineer
Project value: £100 million +
Key responsibilities:
- Coordinating engineering contractors
- Supporting commissioning activities
- Monitoring project milestones
- Ensuring health and safety compliance
Outcome: The contractor successfully applied their offshore engineering experience to support the safe and timely delivery of a major renewable energy project.
Benefits of Becoming a Contractor
There’s a reason why so many people choose the contracting route, and that’s because of the numerous benefits that come with it.
Here are just a few examples:
- Contractors are often able to command higher rates of pay compared to their permanent counterparts, and the more experience and skills you gain along the way, the more you can potentially charge.
- Contractors are able to claim back on business expenses, which can help to make your business as tax efficient as possible. To read more about expenses, take a look at our Limited Company Expenses Guide.
- You’ll have the freedom to negotiate things like your pay, working hours and location.
- You can choose your clients, and if you’re not happy with a client, you have the freedom to change contracts if you so wish (this is a lot easier than having to change jobs!).
- You’ll gain a wide range of skills and experience that a permanent worker might not be able to. As a renewable energy contractor, you’ll be able to work across different sectors and industries, gain experience in new environments and connect with different people.
Many contractors report they prefer the ‘feel’ of being a self-employed worker – often being brought in as an expert in your field, you can find you’re treated more like a professional.
How to Become a Renewable Energy Contractor
There is no single route to becoming a renewable energy contractor, as there are so many different areas to work in.
Typically, professionals will join the sector after gaining the relevant experience in engineering, construction, utilities or oil and gas, with many choosing to gain additional qualifications to demonstrate their technical competence and career development.
Some of the most recognised certifications include:
- Chartered Engineer (CEng)
- NEBOSH certificate
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- OPITO Safety Training
- ISO Management Systems Experience
Once you have decided to become self-employed, you’ll then need to choose whether you want to work as a limited company contractor, sole trader or through an umbrella company.
For more information on this, take a look at our Choosing a Company Structure guide.
You might also find our Finding Work as a Contractor page a useful read.
We hope you found this helpful. If you have any further questions, our team of experts are available to answer any queries, so give us a call on 01442 795 100 or email jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com. Alternatively, contact us via live chat.
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