SO News – Green job growth in the UK to help tackle climate crisis

The green energy market is expected to grow significantly and with that new opportunities to join a booming workforce. It is no secret that the planet is under threat, with increasing pressure on governments worldwide to achieve net zero targets. Focus has now shifted onto decarbonisation and renewables, with world leaders pledging to move away from fossil fuels and instead invest in green energy sources. 

Last November the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the ten-point plan for a green industrial revolution. As part of this plan the government launched the Green Jobs Taskforce, which will support the ambition for 2 million green jobs by 2030. 

What are the key areas set for growth in 2022 and beyond? 

Green homes 

At present approximately 14% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions come from homes. Within the ten-point plan Boris Johnson confirmed the government’s ambition for all electricity in Britain to be powered by clean fuel by 2035. To meet this target, they have estimated that 600,000 heat pumps a year will need to be installed by 2028. 

Offshore wind 

The UK government have made a commitment to grow the country’s offshore wind generation to 40GW by 2030, with a new report by the Energy Systems Catapult revealing that the UK electricity system could handle up to 150GW. Scotland have been driving these developments, with more than 5000 wind turbines set to be decommissioned within the next 30 years. 

Low carbon hydrogen 

As part of UK government plans to fulfil net zero targets, they are aiming to develop 5GW of low carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030. The UK’s hydrogen demand is expected to reach 38TWh by 2030, increasing to 460TWh by 2050. Earlier this year, British chemical company Ineos confirmed a £1bn investment to run its petrochemical plant in Grangemouth on blue hydrogen, further signally that low-carbon hydrogen is set for growth. ​