Global Wind Workforce Outlook 2025-2030
Jakob Lau Holst, CEO, Global Wind Organisation
The global wind industry is entering a period of remarkable opportunity. Wind power has established itself as one of the most competitive and scalable sources of electricity, and countries are turning to it to strengthen energy security, reduce emissions, and support economic growth. Yet, as this report makes clear, turning ambition into reality depends on more than the availability of turbines, infrastructure, or finance. It depends on people. The technicians who construct and maintain wind turbines are the foundation of this industry. Their expertise, professionalism, and commitment to safety enable wind projects to be delivered reliably and operated effectively. This year’s Global Wind Workforce Outlook highlights just how essential this workforce is to the next phase of global wind expansion.
Workforce development is also central to a just and inclusive energy transition. Wind energy offers high-quality jobs and long-term career paths in both rural and urban regions. Ensuring equitable access to training and supporting workers transitioning from fossil-intensive sectors are essential to building public support and delivering a socially resilient transition. I would like to thank all contributors to this year’s Outlook. Their work underscores a simple truth: the energy transition will be delivered by people – people whose skills, experience, and commitment make wind energy possible. As we look ahead to 2030, we must match our ambition with a sustained commitment to workforce readiness. By investing in the skills and safety of the wind workforce, we can ensure that global wind deployment continues to grow – and that the people powering that growth are supported every step of the way.
Between now and 2030, wind deployment is expected to increase significantly across many regions. Meeting this demand will require strong, capable technician workforces in the two value- chain elements that rely most heavily on onsite skills: Construction & Installation (C&I) and Operations & Maintenance (O&M). These roles are central to project delivery, asset performance, and long- term sector growth. The Outlook shows that as the global installed fleet expands, O&M will account for an increasing share of total labour requirements. Every new turbine added to the world’s wind capacity contributes to long-term maintenance needs. At the same time, C&I remains crucial. Periods of intense build-out will continue to place pressure on labour availability, especially where multiple large projects compete for similar skills. Ensuring adequate staffing for C&I and O&M will be essential
What is especially clear from this year’s analysis is that workforce development has become a strategic industrial imperative. Many countries face shortages of experienced technicians, limited training capacity, and growing competition for skilled labour. These workforce pressures can impact project schedules, increase costs, or compromise operational resilience. However, these challenges also present significant opportunities. Investment in workforce readiness strengthens local communities, builds technical capacity, and supports long-term economic development. Nations that invest in training infrastructure, expand access to certification, and prioritise safety will be better positioned to deliver wind energy at scale. For companies, the benefits are equally clear: improving reliability, reducing operational risk, and enhancing their ability to attract and retain skilled people.
to meeting project timelines and maintaining asset performance.
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