UK Government Pledges 400,000 Green Jobs by 2030

In October 2025, the UK Government unveiled its landmark Clean Energy Jobs Plan, committing to create 400,000 new green sector jobs by 2030. This bold initiative represents the country’s largest ever nationwide effort to mobilise skilled labour for the clean energy transition, doubling employment in renewables, nuclear, and associated industries from 440,000 in 2023 to an estimated 860,000 by the end of the decade. With £50 billion in public and private investment already announced since July 2024, the plan seeks to place Britain at the forefront of the global green jobs boom.

What Occupations Will be Prioritised for Green Jobs?

The government has pinpointed 31 key skilled and trade occupations for urgent recruitment and training, including plumbers, electricians, welders, HVAC installers, and solar PV engineers. In particular, there is heightened demand for plumbing, heating and ventilation professionals — with projections of 8,000–10,000 needed by 2030, and similar needs among carpenters and electricians. Entry-level roles in clean energy already pay on average 23% more than those in equivalent positions elsewhere, supporting the UK’s ambition for quality, secure well-paid jobs.⁣

Technical Excellence Colleges and Upskilling Initiatives

Central to the plan are five new Technical Excellence Colleges, which will deliver specialist training to thousands of young people, empowering the next generation of green energy professionals. The government will also invest £20 million to upskill oil and gas workers for clean energy roles, with tailored support for veterans, school leavers, the unemployed, and ex-offenders — programmes set to further democratise opportunities across Britain’s industrial heartlands.

Regional Impact and National Benefits

Every region of the UK will feel the impact: Scotland’s green energy workforce is projected to nearly triple, while Wales, Northern Ireland and the North West of England will see job numbers at least double. In the South West, up to 35,000 clean energy jobs will be created by 2030, an increase of 15,000 compared to 2023. This ensures that families across cities and towns will benefit from local employment, reducing economic outmigration and bolstering social wellbeing. The North West, meanwhile, will see up to 55,000 clean energy jobs added by 2030, a major economic boon.

Solar PV and Battery Storage at the Heart of New Employment

Solar PV and battery storage are pivotal in meeting green job targets, with each additional GW of UK solar capacity creating 400–500 jobs in installation, 200–300 in operations and maintenance, and around 100 jobs in advanced manufacturing and R&D. Domestic rooftop solar is growing fast, with more than 35,000 installations certified in 2020 and major opportunities for workforce expansion as the sector matures. These efforts coincide with the UK’s goal to power 100% of its electricity from clean sources by 2035, accelerating solar PV and battery deployments nationwide.

Inclusion, Fair Work, and Workforce Protections

The plan introduces robust protections — including a new Fair Work Charter for offshore wind, safeguarding decent wages and workplace rights for all clean energy sector employees. Grants and procurement contracts will now include workforce criteria to ensure public money supports high-quality jobs. Additionally, pay, terms, and employment protections are being extended to clean energy, mirroring standards enjoyed by the offshore oil and gas workforce.

The Economic Significance of a Green Jobs Boom

Britain’s clean energy transition is expected to play a key role in national economic renewal, tackling industrial decline and addressing urgent climate goals. By investing in homegrown energy, Britain is set to reduce dependence on imports, drive innovation, and bring down household bills in the long term. The certainty and stability of the government’s approach have already attracted record levels of private capital, underpinning job creation and technological progress.

Get in Touch

Are you ready to be part of Britain’s clean energy revolution, whether as a skilled worker or a business investing in solar PV or battery storage? Get in touch with Atlantic Renewables — our engineers provide expert advice and top-tier installation services to help you power up the green economy. Call us on 0161 207 4044 and let’s shape the future of clean energy together!