Posters
Come meet the poster presenters to ask them questions and discuss their work
We would like to invite you to come and see the posters at our upcoming conference. The posters will showcase a diverse range of research topics, and will give delegates an opportunity to engage with the authors and learn more about their work. Whether you are a seasoned researcher or simply curious about the latest developments in your field, we believe that the posters will offer something of interest to everyone. So please join us at the conference and take advantage of this opportunity to learn and engage with your peers in industry and the academic community.
PO061: Addressing the workforce gap in wind energy by fostering diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)
Sarah Barber, Head of Wind Energy Innovation Division, Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences
Abstract
The global energy and utilities sector faces a significant skills shortage [1]. For example, in the EU, in sectors relevant to the energy transition, vacancy rates doubled from 2020 to 2023 [2]. In wind energy, the large growth in the workforce has resulted in companies reporting difficulty in hiring, both in the US [3] and EU [4]. If wind energy science is to develop to the extent needed to meet net zero targets [5], it must access and retain a wide talent pool [6]. To date, the wind energy sector has failed to do this. For example, women were found to represent only 21% of the workforce, compared to 32% in renewables overall [6], and 5% of employees in the UK’s offshore wind workforce have a black, Asian and minority ethnic background [7]. Increasing pressure to improve diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), such as the diversity targets set out in the UK offshore wind sector deal [8] is driving organisations to look for solutions to adopt best practices, but there is limited understanding of how to do this [9, 10]. In this work, we show how the European Academy of Wind Energy’s (EAWE) Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee is contributing to fostering a diverse workforce in wind energy. First, the design and results of the EAWE DEI Survey 2025 is presented. Next, recommendations for actions that both individuals and organisations in the sector could take to contribute to ensuring a diverse workforce are introduced, which were developed based on the results of the survey. Then, a Powerpoint slide for people to integrate into meetings to encourage openness and inclusion is described. Finally, a Resource Database is presented, which aims to provide practical guidance and innovative ideas for fostering a more inclusive environment in the wind energy sector.
No recording available for this poster.
