Transitioning from Oil & Gas to Renewable Energy

Introduction

At WeConnect Energy, our work is rooted in connecting global talent with the evolving energy landscape. With a growing international presence, including operations in the UAE, we work closely with clients and candidates across the Low Carbon and Renewable Energy markets, building long-term partnerships and supporting career transitions worldwide.

This blog shares insights drawn from years of recruitment experience within the energy sector, offering guidance for professionals considering a move into renewables and low-carbon energy, as well as for those reflecting on their long-term career direction. These conversations come up frequently—not only internally, but also in discussions with clients and candidates navigating change in a transforming industry.

While our expertise is not in installing wind turbines or commissioning solar farms, it is built on advising professionals, assessing transferable skills, and supporting workforce planning across traditional and emerging energy sectors. A consistent theme we hear is a desire for clarity: how to transition, what obstacles to expect, and where opportunities truly lie.

This perspective draws on market observations, data, and industry research to provide a balanced view of the energy transition—combining facts with practical, experience-led insight.

Setting the Scene

Energy substitution and efficiency improvements have historically underpinned every major leap in human progress. In today’s context, this includes the shift from centralised to distributed energy generation, the rapid growth of renewables in the global energy mix, and advances in digital technologies that support these systems.

Despite mixed headlines at times, the transition from traditional energy to renewables is accelerating. According to the International Energy Agency Renewables 2023 report, the world is expected to add more renewable energy capacity in the next five years than it has in the past century. This growth is driven largely by solar PV and wind, now among the most cost-competitive sources of new power generation.

This momentum is visible across multiple regions, including the Middle East and emerging markets, signalling a clear commitment to sustainability, diversification of energy sources, and long-term energy security.

However, this growth depends on one critical factor: talent.

Research from McKinsey & Company suggests that by 2030, the renewables sector (excluding China) will require approximately 1.1 million additional blue-collar workers and 1.7 million roles focused on operations, management, and maintenance. At the same time, some studies indicate that replacing fossil fuels with renewables may lead to only modest net employment gains overall—an understandably concerning message for professionals early in their oil and gas careers.

These mixed signals highlight why the transition brings both opportunity and uncertainty, particularly for those currently working in traditional energy sectors.

The Evolving Role of Oil and Gas

The narrative around oil and gas has shifted significantly. Rather than focusing solely on decline, the conversation now recognises the sector’s essential role in today’s energy system and its importance in enabling the transition ahead. Oil and gas still account for approximately 55% of global energy consumption, and many industries remain dependent on these resources.

Crucially, the sector also plays a role in financing, supporting, and scaling low-carbon solutions.

From a workforce perspective, the transition is rarely linear. It often requires targeted training and upskilling, but many professionals from oil and gas have successfully moved into renewables. Skills such as project management, construction management, engineering, safety compliance, and logistics are highly transferable, with electrical engineering expertise proving particularly adaptable.

National Oil Companies (NOCs), including organisations such as Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, continue to produce a large share of global oil while increasingly diversifying into low-carbon and renewable portfolios. In many regions, oil and gas may not be the largest direct employer, but its indirect employment and contribution to public revenue remain significant—making a responsible transition essential.

This is where the concept of a “just transition” becomes critical. Ensuring workers receive retraining, education, and support is fundamental to protecting communities, maintaining economic stability, and enabling long-term sustainability. Increasingly, NOCs are balancing revenue and employment goals with measured investment into cleaner energy pathways—an encouraging sign for those currently employed in the sector.

Bridging the Talent Gap

Addressing the talent gap is now a strategic priority across the industry. Examples from markets such as Scotland demonstrate how coordinated approaches—through hydrogen strategies, clean energy investment, and skills planning—are being used to align workforce development with long-term energy goals.

These ambitions depend on a skilled workforce, prompting increased focus on STEM education and early-career engagement. In the UAE, initiatives such as ADNOC’s STEM@Home programme aim to inspire the next generation of energy professionals and strengthen the future talent pipeline.

Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Data from the Institution of Engineering and Technology shows that the UK alone faced a shortfall of over 173,000 STEM roles in 2023—highlighting a persistent disconnect between industry demand and available talent.

Final Thoughts

The energy transition is reshaping roles more often than eliminating them. Professionals with adaptable skill sets, a willingness to learn, and a long-term mindset are well positioned to thrive across both traditional and emerging energy markets.

At WeConnect Energy, we continue to support organisations and individuals navigating this transition—connecting expertise, building capability, and helping ensure the workforce evolves alongside the energy system itself.

For those considering a move, asking “what if?” is often the first step toward meaningful opportunity.