Power grid training gap threatens €200bn investment projects in France

The development of French power grids is facing a structural shortage of skilled labour, despite €200bn in projected investments by 2040.

Partagez:

Electricity grid operators in France are warning of a looming saturation of the training infrastructure, as demand for skilled technical workers in the sector continues to rise. This finding comes from a report published on 25 March, commissioned by Réseau de Transport d’Électricité (RTE) and Enedis, and carried out by the consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). The study highlights the escalating investment required for the energy transition, estimated at approximately €200bn by 2040.

Rapid growth in human resource needs

According to Alexandre Siné, Director of the Network Schools for the Transition Project, the number of core sector jobs is expected to increase from 49,000 to 79,000 by 2030. This translates to about 43,000 new hires, accounting for natural staff turnover. The surge primarily affects maintenance and operations technicians, site managers and network fitters, who are all essential for the rollout of infrastructure such as offshore wind connections and electric vehicle charging stations.

Training capacity under pressure

Although the initial education system is deemed quantitatively significant, the report highlights that it is often too generalist and unevenly distributed across the country, rendering it inadequate for the scale of the upcoming changes. Some training courses, such as the Brevet de Technicien Supérieur (BTS) in electrical engineering and public works—shared across multiple industries—may soon hit capacity constraints.

Regional disparities and strategic recommendations

The report identifies stronger workforce pressure in specific regions, including Île-de-France, Normandy, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie, due to their pivotal role in hosting renewable energy projects. To address these regional needs, partnerships have been developed with around 150 vocational schools through the Network Schools for the Energy Transition programme, which includes retraining and reintegration components.

The report also advises the creation of new certifications aimed at attracting individuals undergoing professional transition or facing employment barriers, alongside strategies to boost the sector’s appeal. With women representing only 14% of the energy transition workforce, increasing gender diversity is cited as an additional avenue to help alleviate the labour shortage.

  • Populaires ​
Envision Energy wins French 120 MW energy storage contract
Israel resumes gas exports to Egypt and Jordan
Q ENERGY inaugurates Europe’s largest floating solar power plant
BP suspends blue hydrogen project at Whiting, Midwest future uncertain
Europe Commits Major Investments to Electricity Grids and the Clean Industrial Deal
Brussels expands subsidies for low-carbon technologies and nuclear power
The European Commission will extend until the end of 2030 an expanded state-aid framework, allowing capitals to fund low-carbon technologies and nuclear power to preserve competitiveness against China and the United States.
Japan Faces Major Electricity Shortfall of 89 GW by 2050
Japan's grid operator forecasts an energy shortfall of up to 89 GW by 2050 due to rising demand from semiconductor manufacturing, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence technologies.
EU Approves Targeted Energy Aid for Europe’s Heavy Industries
Energy-intensive European industries will be eligible for temporary state aid to mitigate high electricity prices, according to a new regulatory framework proposed by the European Commission under the "Clean Industrial Deal."
Mauritius launches international tender for floating power plant
Mauritius seeks international investors to swiftly build a floating power plant of around 100 MW, aiming to secure the national energy supply by January 2026 and address current production shortfalls.
Spain and Portugal Strengthen Networks Following April Blackout
Madrid announces immediate energy storage measures while Lisbon secures its electrical grid, responding to the historic outage that affected the entire Iberian Peninsula in late April.
Indonesia Commits 190 Billion USD to Expand Energy Capacity by 2034
Indonesia has unveiled its new national energy plan, projecting an increase of 69.5 GW in electricity capacity over ten years, largely funded by independent producers, to address rapidly rising domestic demand.
France: Moratorium on renewables; warning about immediate industrial impact
French Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher condemns the parliamentary moratorium on new renewable energy installations, warning of the potential loss of 150,000 industrial jobs and increased energy dependence on foreign countries.
New European Battery Regulation Disrupts Europe’s Industrial Sector
The European battery regulation, fully effective from August 18, significantly alters industrial requirements related to electric cars and bicycles, imposing strict rules on recycling, supply chains, and transparency for companies.
European Parliament urges Brussels to act on energy grids
The European Parliament calls on the Commission to strengthen energy infrastructure and accelerate the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal to enhance the continent's energy flexibility and security amid increased market volatility.
Wood Mackenzie highlights advantage of regulated utilities amid data centre boom
In the United States, regulated electric grid operators hold a decisive advantage in connecting new data centres to the grid, now representing 134 GW of projects, according to a Wood Mackenzie report published on June 19.
France sets renewable energy target of 200 TWh by 2030
The French National Assembly approves a specific target of 200 TWh renewable electricity production by 2030 within a legislative text extensively debated about the future national energy mix.
United States: emissions stagnate in 2024, uncertainty under Trump administration
In 2024, US CO₂ emissions remain stable at 5.1bn tonnes, as the Trump administration prepares hydrocarbon-friendly energy policies, raising questions about the future evolution of the American market.
France: Anticipated Energy Decree, National Assembly Denounces Democratic Risk
The early publication of France's energy decree triggers strong parliamentary reactions, as the government aims to rapidly secure investments in nuclear and other energy sectors.
Spain Blackout: Analysis of Causes and European Financing Plan Approved
Seven weeks after the major Iberian power outage, Spain identifies technical network failures, while the European Investment Bank approves major funding to strengthen the interconnection with France.
European Union Sets Precise Timeline for Russian Gas Import Ban
The European Union has announced a detailed schedule aiming to definitively halt Russian gas imports by the end of 2027, anticipating internal legal and commercial challenges to overcome.
Madagascar invests in thermal power plant to counter chronic power cuts
Madagascar plans the imminent opening of a 105 MW thermal power plant to swiftly stabilise its electricity grid, severely affected in major urban areas, while simultaneously developing renewable energy projects.
India proposes virtual power purchase agreements for industrial companies
India's Central Electricity Regulatory Commission proposes a new financial instrument enabling industrial companies to meet renewable energy targets through virtual contracts, without physical electricity delivery, thus facilitating compliance management.
France Accelerates PPE with Decree Expected Before September 2025
Minister Marc Ferracci confirms the imminent publication of the energy programming decree, without waiting for the conclusion of parliamentary debates, including a substantial increase in Energy Efficiency Certificates.
Brussels increases pressure on states to guarantee affordable energy
At a conference held on June 11, Brussels reaffirmed its goal to reduce energy costs for households and businesses by relying on targeted investments and greater consumer involvement.
Brussels seeks to accelerate permitting for renewable energy projects
The European Commission held a high-level dialogue to identify administrative obstacles delaying renewable energy and energy infrastructure projects across the European Union.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS