Small-scale power generation is gaining momentum across the UK as communities and businesses adopt microgrids and local energy projects to increase energy independence and sustainability.
Microgrids are essentially miniature power networks that can operate independently or alongside the main grid, often serving a community, campus, or business site.
These local systems typically integrate renewable energy sources (solar panels, wind turbines, etc.) with battery storage and smart controls, enabling reliable on-site power even when the national grid is down.
The push for net-zero carbon targets, rising electricity costs, and the desire for resilient local supply are all driving the growth of microgrids and other decentralised energy projects in the UK.
This in-depth article provides an overview of the main energy sources used in such projects (solar, wind, biomass, etc.), examines the technical and operational skills needed to deploy and run these systems, and explores current recruitment trends – including the demand for engineers/technicians, hiring challenges, emerging roles, and how specialist recruitment agencies like Astute help growing companies find the right talent.
Microgrids and local energy projects
Microgrids are small-scale power grids that serve a specific locality and can function either connected to the larger grid or in isolation (island mode).
Unlike the traditional centralised grid that transmits electricity over long distances, microgrids generate power close to where it’s used (for example, a housing estate, a campus, or even an island community). They often incorporate a mix of renewable generation sources – commonly solar photovoltaic panels and wind turbines – sometimes alongside combined heat and power (CHP) units or other generators.
Energy storage (usually battery banks) is a key component as well, helping to balance supply and demand and store excess renewable energy for later use.
All these elements are coordinated by advanced control systems that manage real-time production, storage, and distribution of electricity within the microgrid for optimal efficiency.
One of the major advantages of local microgrids is enhanced energy resilience.
These systems can operate independently during outages on the main grid, ensuring critical facilities or communities still have power.
For example, a hospital or data centre with its own microgrid can disconnect from the grid during a blackout and continue running on its local generators and batteries.
Microgrids also reduce transmission losses since electricity is consumed near where it’s generated.
By using clean energy sources, they cut carbon emissions and can provide cheaper power in the long run, especially as renewable technology costs decline.
The rise of microgrids and local energy schemes in the UK reflects a shift toward decentralised energy – moving control from large power stations to local producers and consumers generating electricity right at the community level.
Key energy sources in local power projects
Most UK microgrids and community energy projects rely on a combination of renewable and low-carbon energy sources.
The exact mix varies by project based on local resources, but several sources are common across many installations:
Solar Photovoltaics (PV)
Solar panels are the most widespread generation technology in local energy systems.
A recent study found that solar PV was used in 18 out of the local energy systems surveyed – making it the number one technology in this space.
Solar panels can be mounted on rooftops or set up in ground-mounted community solar farms. They provide emission-free electricity during daylight hours, and their declining cost has made them a cornerstone of small-scale generation.
Some projects also use solar thermal panels to capture heat for hot water or space heating, though PV for power is more common.
Wind Turbines
Small to medium-scale wind turbines are another key source when the local wind resource is good.
Community wind projects (a village turbine or a small wind farm co-owned by residents) can generate significant power, especially in rural or coastal UK regions known for steady winds.
Many microgrids include wind alongside solar to diversify their generation.
For instance, on the Isles of Scilly, a local microgrid project helped the community transition from expensive diesel generators to wind turbines and solar panels, which now supply a significant portion of the islands’ electricity.
Wind power’s intermittency is balanced by other sources and storage within the microgrid.
Biomass and Bioenergy
Biomass-fuelled energy is commonly used for local heat and power, especially in rural projects.
This can include biomass boilers or CHP units burning wood chips, pellets, or agricultural residue to produce heat (and sometimes electricity).
In the UK, several community energy schemes use biomass boilers feeding district heating networks.
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is another bioenergy source, where organic waste (e.g. food waste or farm manure) is broken down to produce biogas, which can fuel generators.
These bioenergy solutions provide reliable generation independent of weather, and often run in tandem with solar/wind in a hybrid system. For example, a farm-based microgrid might use solar panels by day and a biogas CHP unit at night or in winter. Biomass and biogas are considered renewable when sourced sustainably, and they can contribute to baseload power or heating in local grids.
Energy from Waste
A subset of local projects utilise waste-to-energy technologies. Energy from Waste (EfW) plants or smaller biogas digesters convert municipal or agricultural waste into electricity and heat (often via incineration or gasification for larger plants, or biogas capture for smaller ones).
These can be considered alongside biomass projects.
A local waste-to-energy CHP can provide both electricity and district heating for a town, using what would otherwise go to landfill. Such projects not only create energy but also address waste disposal, and have been part of community energy planning in some regions.
It’s common for multiple sources to be combined in one project to improve reliability.
A hybrid renewable microgrid might pair solar PV with wind and a backup biogas generator, for example.
Battery storage is typically added to this mix (while not an energy source, it is critical for bridging the gaps when sun or wind are insufficient). Many UK projects include battery banks to store midday solar output for evening use or to smooth out wind fluctuations.
In summary, solar is the dominant technology in local generation initiatives, usually supplemented by wind where available, and often supported by biomass/CHP units or other renewables to ensure a stable year-round supply.
Technical and operational skills required in the field
Implementing and managing microgrids and other local energy systems is a complex task that demands a multi-disciplinary skill set.
Professionals in this field need to combine traditional engineering know-how with new competencies specific to distributed energy.
The key technical and operational skills include:
System Design & Integration
Microgrid engineers must be adept at integrating diverse components – solar arrays, wind turbines, battery storage, backup generators, inverters, and control software – into a cohesive system.
Designing a microgrid involves careful planning to meet the local load requirements and ensuring all parts work together safely and efficiently.
It is a complex integration challenge requiring attention to technical requirements (electrical design, load balancing, protection systems), as well as alignment with existing infrastructure and utilities.
Engineers need to understand power electronics, circuit design, and possibly thermal systems (for CHP or heat networks) to create an optimised design.
They also often use simulation tools to model how the microgrid will perform under different conditions.
In short, system integration skill is about seeing the “big picture” of multiple energy sources and making them operate in unison.
Operations & Maintenance (O&M)
Keeping a microgrid running optimally requires specialised maintenance and operational expertise.
Technicians and operators should be trained to handle the diverse equipment involved. For example, servicing solar PV installations (cleaning panels, checking inverters), maintaining wind turbine mechanics, managing battery health, and running biomass or CHP plants.
Unlike a single traditional power plant, a microgrid has many distributed assets that all need monitoring.
As one industry source notes, microgrids “require specialised maintenance and operational expertise due to the integration of diverse energy sources, storage technologies, and control systems”, and ongoing training of personnel is necessary to ensure optimal performance.
Key O&M skills include using monitoring software/SCADA systems to track performance, troubleshooting electrical issues, performing routine inspections, and rapidly responding to any component failures to maintain reliability.
Safety training is also paramount, since working with electrical systems, high-capacity batteries, and possibly fuel-based generators carries significant risks.
Overall, microgrid operators need a broad technical skill set across electrical, mechanical, and IT domains to effectively maintain these complex systems.
Regulatory Compliance & Grid Connection
Professionals in small-scale generation must navigate a web of regulations, standards, and permitting requirements.
In the UK, any distributed generator connecting to the public grid must comply with grid codes (such as the **ENA’s G99 standards for generation connections).
Ensuring compliance involves proper settings on inverters (for voltage, frequency control, anti-islanding protection), undergoing inspections, and possibly performing witness tests with the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
Failing to meet these standards can lead to costly project delays or required retrofits.
Beyond technical grid codes, there are also regulations around safety (electrical installation regulations, environmental permits for biomass or diesel units, etc.) and market rules if the project sells power.
Knowledge of energy policy and incentives is useful too – for instance, understanding how feed-in tariffs or export payments work, or knowing the licensing exemptions for small energy suppliers.
Because many microgrids interface with the main grid at least part of the time, engineers need to coordinate closely with utilities. This requires skills in documentation and compliance: preparing applications, grid connection agreements, and ensuring the system’s protection schemes mesh with the wider network.
As one analysis put it, coordinating a microgrid with the utility grid presents “technical and regulatory complexities… ensuring seamless operation, grid synchronisation, and compliance with utility regulations can be challenging”.
Thus, expertise in regulatory compliance – from planning permissions to electrical standards – is a critical skill area for this sector.
Energy Management & Software
Modern local energy systems are data-driven. Managing the microgrid controller – the software/EMS (Energy Management System) that dispatches resources and balances loads – requires understanding of control algorithms and possibly some IT/software skills.
While dedicated control engineers may design these systems, the local operator needs to know how to interface with them, adjust settings, and interpret data.
Skills in digital tools and analytics are increasingly valuable: for example, analysing usage data to optimise battery use, or configuring smart inverters and demand response capabilities.
Cybersecurity awareness is also emerging as a needed skill, to protect the control systems from breaches.
Although this may not yet be a common requirement for all local projects, as microgrids become smarter and more connected (often part of the “smart grid” paradigm), comfort with software, IoT sensors, and data analysis will be an asset.
In essence, the workforce needs to blend traditional engineering with digital savvy to manage these next-generation energy systems.
In addition to the above, professionals in this field often benefit from project management and stakeholder coordination skills.
Implementing a local energy project means working with community members, local councils, or multiple corporate stakeholders, so being able to manage projects and communicate effectively is important.
But at its core, the technical competency trifecta for microgrid projects boils down to system integration, robust maintenance practices, and regulatory compliance, all underpinned by a commitment to safety and continuous learning as technology evolves.
Recruitment trends and talent challenges in the sector
The rapid growth of renewable and distributed energy in the UK has led to surging demand for skilled engineers and technicians who can design, build, and operate these systems.
As microgrids and local energy projects multiply, companies – from start-ups to established utilities – are on the lookout for talent with the right expertise.
This is creating a niche job market with exciting opportunities, but also some significant recruitment challenges.
High demand for specialised skills
The expansion of small-scale power projects is generating new employment needs.
Microgrids “open up possibilities for innovation and job creation in the renewable energy sector,” with rising demand for skilled workers to design, install, and maintain these systems.
Roles such as microgrid design engineers, distributed energy project managers, and battery storage technicians are increasingly in demand.
Traditional roles are evolving too – for example, electrical engineers and electricians are now needed not just for conventional grid work but to integrate solar arrays, inverters, and storage into local networks.
This niche requires people who understand both classical power engineering and newer technologies like advanced batteries or IoT-based controls.
Not surprisingly, the clean energy sector as a whole is experiencing a hiring boom.
The push for net-zero and large investments in renewables mean the renewable energy industry already employs more people than fossil fuels in the UK, and many more jobs are being created as capacity grows.
Skills shortage and competition
The flip side of booming demand is a shortage of qualified candidates.
The industry is grappling with a well-documented green skills gap – in fact, “skilled labour shortages are already plaguing the sector”, according to the International Energy Agency.
The pool of engineers with direct experience in microgrids or community-scale renewables is relatively small, given that these are still emerging fields.
Companies often seek candidates with multi-disciplinary knowledge (electrical, mechanical, IT, and regulatory), which can be hard to find in one person.
There is strong competition for anyone with proven experience in battery energy storage systems (BESS), solar PV engineering, or power systems controls.
Larger renewable energy developers and grid operators are also hiring aggressively, which can make it challenging for smaller firms or community organisations to attract and retain talent.
In the UK, a broader shortage of engineers and electricians in the green sector has been noted as a critical issue threatening to slow the energy transition if not addressed.
All this means recruiters and employers must be more creative and proactive in finding suitable candidates – sometimes looking to adjacent industries (like oil & gas, where many skills are transferable to renewables) or training up new graduates.
Emerging job roles
As the sector evolves, we are seeing the rise of new, hybrid job roles that were rare or non-existent a decade ago.
For example, “battery storage experts” and “hybrid energy engineers” – specialists who can integrate battery systems with renewable generation – are now sought after in projects that need to balance intermittent supply.
Similarly, roles like Smart Grid Analyst or Energy Storage Specialist have emerged, focusing on the optimisation of grid data and storage technology to support renewable integration.
Community energy initiatives also create jobs for community energy managers who handle stakeholder coordination, funding, and regulatory liaison for local projects.
The skill sets for these roles blend electrical engineering with data analytics, software, or community engagement.
While core engineering positions (like electrical engineers, project engineers, and maintenance technicians) remain fundamental, the job market is clearly branching out into these new specialisations.
This is a sign of a maturing industry that needs not just hands-on technical work, but also strategic and analytical skills to manage complex, decentralised energy systems.
Hiring challenges for small companies
Many of the enterprises driving innovation in microgrids are small or rapidly growing companies – such as start-ups focusing on smart energy tech, or community cooperatives running local projects.
These organisations often face extra hurdles in recruitment.
They may be less well-known as employers compared to large utilities or tech firms, so attracting talent requires highlighting the exciting nature of their work or the mission-driven aspect of clean energy.
Budget constraints can limit how much they can offer in salaries compared to big corporations.
Additionally, a small company might need each hire to wear multiple hats; for instance, an engineer might do design work, field installation, and even software configuration, which can be daunting to candidates used to more defined roles.
Despite these challenges, many engineers are drawn to the innovative spirit and impactful goals of these projects.
The key for small firms is often to find individuals who are passionate about renewable energy and adaptable to a start-up environment.
This is where leveraging networks and specialised recruitment support can make a big difference, as described next.
How Astute supports the growing energy sector
At Astute, we specialise in recruitment for Power Generation, Renewable Energy, and Nuclear sectors, giving us deep insight into the unique skills and challenges in energy.
Our extensive network means we quickly connect clients with the right talent, from solar PV engineers to microgrid specialists, including passive candidates not actively job hunting.
We understand the needs of small and rapidly growing companies, like start-ups and community energy ventures, tailoring searches to find versatile candidates who fit their culture and growth stage.
Our experience in decentralised power and small-scale generation means we’re well placed to support microgrid and local energy projects.
Our recruitment covers a wide range of roles, from engineers and technicians to project managers and compliance experts.
We maintain quality through rigorous vetting, including skills assessments and reference checks, ensuring candidates meet technical and cultural requirements.
Beyond finding candidates, we advise clients on salary benchmarking, role definitions, and hiring strategies.
This guidance helps companies, especially those hiring for new roles, to build strong teams quickly.
By leveraging our specialist knowledge and networks, we help bridge the skills gap so innovative energy projects can thrive even in a competitive market.
Closing the skills gap for local energy growth
The UK’s energy sector is shifting towards distributed, small-scale power generation like microgrids and community projects, driven by renewables.
This shift creates growing demand for skilled professionals who can manage complex technical, digital, and regulatory challenges.
The talent gap is widening, making recruitment increasingly competitive.
At Astute, we specialise in connecting energy companies with the right people to meet these evolving needs.
Whether you require experienced operators or innovative engineers, we help secure talent that fits your project and culture.
To keep pace with this dynamic market and support your hiring needs, get in touch with Astute today to discuss how we can help you find the right candidates.
