Insights from RE+ Las Vegas

At Spencer Ogden, our mission is simple but powerful: creating careers to power a sustainable future. This year, our team, David Mills, Ella Cann, James Hewson and Caroline Mallon. attended RE+ in Las Vegas, where we connected with clients, partners, and colleagues to explore the innovations and challenges shaping clean energy.  

Combined with findings from our Q2 2025 Global Market Update, a clear picture emerges: despite headwinds, opportunity and growth are alive across sustainability, infrastructure, and natural resources. 

“We’ve accepted - and our clients are starting to accept - that we’re operating in a VUCA environment. Volatility is the new normal, and people are learning to move within it, not wait it out.”  
- Henry de Lusignan, CEO, Spencer Ogden 

Market Momentum by the Numbers 

Our Q2 report highlights how demand for talent is evolving: 

These highlights underscore a central truth: talent is the driving force behind progress. 

What We Learned at RE+ 

AI in Pre-Construction 

AI continues to emerge as a transformative force. In conversations at RE+, its role in the pre-construction phase of projects was top of mind - optimising planning, reducing delays, and helping developers navigate increasing complexity. 

Solar’s “New Normal” 

While solar remains critical to the energy transition, it faces ongoing challenges. Tariffs, supply chain volatility, and shifting tax credits have led many commercial developers to consolidate operations into more stable regions. Larger, diversified players are adapting more effectively, but hiring needs remain strongest in field operations roles such as HSE, QA/QC, and construction management. 

Battery Storage: Growth Without Borders 

The standout opportunity lies in battery storage. Q2 data confirms it is among the hardest areas to hire for, and RE+ discussions echoed this. Large firms like GE Vernova and RWE emphasised a clear shortage of skilled people-power for large-scale storage projects. Despite wider market pressures, battery storage continues to expand, holding the highest long-term growth potential of any clean energy subsector. 

Behind every statistic and market shift are people.  

RE+ reinforced the value of relationships, meeting long-term clients in person, reconnecting with partners who’ve moved to new companies, and building trust that extends beyond placements. 

“At the end of the day, it’s about people. Caroline and I met with a contact I first partnered with six years ago. Now at a new company, we were able to reminisce, plan, and reconnect in real time. This event is an opportunity to celebrate the good work we’ve done while building excitement for the journey ahead.” said James Hewson, Business Manager at Spencer Ogden. 

“I received fantastic feedback about the work that our teams have been doing in building their teams in the US. A client spoke of the quality of our work and how enjoyable it had been partnering with us. The quality of our work left a lasting impression and has built a strong long-term relationships”, said David Mills, Director at Spencer Ogden. 

This aligns with a growing trend: customers want purpose-driven careers. Employers who can clearly communicate their role in advancing net zero, resilience, and sustainability are more likely to attract and retain top talent. 

At Spencer Ogden, we see our role as more than filling jobs. It’s about enabling careers that make an impact, supporting individuals to grow, and helping organisations deliver projects that matter. 

Looking Ahead 

From both RE+ and our Q2 insights, one message is clear: the pace of change is accelerating, and success depends on talent. 

For clients, this means: 

At Spencer Ogden, we remain committed to being a trusted partner in this journey. Together, we can navigate challenges, embrace new opportunities, and continue creating careers to power a sustainable future.