Powering Progress: Key Insights from Intersolar 2025
Spencer Ogden was on the ground at one of the industry’s largest global gatherings- Intersolar 2025 in Munich. With thousands of energy professionals and innovators in attendance, the conference covered the full spectrum of solar, energy storage, e-mobility, and battery/BESS manufacturing. Fraser Torrance, Head of Search EMEA and Jack Solman, Principal Consultant from our Glasgow office, were there to connect with clients and candidates, uncover new opportunities, and capture insights shaping the future of clean energy.
Battery Storage Takes Centre Stage
Unlike previous years, the spotlight this time wasn’t on solar; it was on the rapid rise of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Stability and scalability improvements, coupled with falling deployment costs, are driving fierce competition for top technical and commercial talent in this space. The message is clear: the race to deploy energy storage at scale is accelerating – and talent will be the differentiator.
A Shifting Global Landscape
As uncertainty continues to challenge the US market, we’re seeing APAC-headquartered manufacturers pivot towards Europe. With expansion plans evolving, the focus is shifting to building in-region teams that can offer strong, localised service support. This strategic shift highlights the growing demand for energy professionals with both technical capability and regional market insight.
What’s Driving the Market Right Now?
From technology talks to client meetings, several consistent themes emerged across the event:
- Technology is surging ahead - especially in BESS, where the pace of innovation is relentless.
- Safety and geopolitics are real concerns - but they’re not slowing investment. Instead, they're shaping smarter, more resilient strategies.
- Solar is maturing - with commoditisation putting pressure on price. However, new opportunities are opening up in O&M and repowering as the installed base ages.
- The Middle East is emerging as a key growth region - expected to lead in battery storage deployment over the next 5-7 years.
- Grid infrastructure is under pressure - particularly in Germany, the UK, and Spain. Bottlenecks in connecting new projects underline the urgent need for reform.
Fair Competition & Global Ambition
Talks throughout the week also touched on the rise of Chinese players in the market. While there’s a call for fair competition, the underlying message is one of ambition and advancement - and a shared desire across the industry to keep pushing boundaries.
Looking Ahead
Intersolar 2025 made one thing clear: the clean energy transition is evolving fast - and it’s people who will drive the change. Whether it’s future-focused engineers or commercially savvy consultants, the market needs talent that can keep up with innovation and lead with impact.
To explore more insights from the event or connect with the team, reach out to Jack Solman and Fraser Torrance.
