EDPR and Shell Energy must look beyond California to plug renewable skills gaps

In light of the recent news that EDP Renewables North America and Shell Energy North America have closed on a 15-year power purchase agreement, global rail and energy recruitment specialist, Samuel Knight International (SKI Corp), has urged Californian energy organisations to ramp up their global talent attraction strategies.

The agreement is for 200 MW that will bring the Sandrini Solar Park to Kern County, California. It is anticipated to be in operation in 2022 and will generate enough clean electricity to annually power more than 91,000 average California homes.

This huge project will require an equally big workforce of both permanent workers and contractors. California’s energy talent pools have already been stretched, and skills shortages have been noted as a serious barrier to the completion of several developments. In order for the agreement to run to schedule, there drastically needs to be an influx of talent, and more professionals placed in roles.

Commenting on this news, Dave Allen, Associate Director of Energy for SKI Corp, said:

“While it’s fantastic to see developments being made in renewables in California, the skills shortage in the industry must be treated with urgency. Right now, the sector is suffering from a lack of professionals, and without drastic changes to talent attraction strategies, there will be severe delays and wasted investment. There are a number of incredible plans in the pipeline, but without the manpower it’ll be difficult to bring these to reality. By recruiting more global engineers, the state will be able to plug gaps and ensure that it continues to lead the way in renewables in America.”