Top 9 in-demand UK renewable energy roles

Britain’s clean energy build-out is moving at record pace, and every turbine blade, solar panel and battery cell needs people to make it work.

Renewable employers are posting more vacancies than ever, even as other sectors cool.

If you want a career with real impact, solid pay and long-term security, this is where to look.

Below, we spotlight the top 9 in-demand UK renewable energy roles that are topping UK recruiters’ wish lists today.

Understanding the renewable job-market right now

The UK’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is generating a significant boom in renewable energy jobs.

Already, renewables produce over half of the UK’s electricity, growing three times faster than the broader economy.

In 2024 alone, the net-zero sector expanded by 10%, now employing nearly one million people in roles with salaries exceeding the national average.

Significant investments in offshore wind, solar energy, battery storage, and grid enhancements, supported by policies such as Contracts for Difference (CfD) auctions and grid connection reforms, have created a pipeline of over 100 GW of new clean energy projects.

Consequently, renewable energy roles accounted for 3.3% of all UK job vacancies in 2024, an increase from 2.3% in 2023, despite an overall hiring slowdown.

Here we examine the top 9 in-demand UK renewable energy roles, outlining their responsibilities, required skills, salary ranges, and market insights.

Top 9 In-Demand UK Renewable Energy Roles (Summary)

• Offshore Wind Project Manager: Leads large-scale wind farm projects (especially offshore) from planning to commissioning, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, budgets and schedules in a high-growth sector. Salary: ~£50k–£75k, with senior PMs £60k+.

• Wind Turbine Technician (O&M Engineer): Maintains and repairs wind turbines (onshore & offshore) to maximise uptime. Hands-on role requiring mechanical/electrical skills, working at height. Salary: ~£30k–£42k, rising to £45k for experienced techs.

• Solar PV Design Engineer: Designs and optimises solar power systems for commercial and utility projects, including panels, inverters and grid connections. Requires electrical engineering and PV software skills. Salary: ~£35k–£55k (mid-career ~£40k).

• Battery Storage Engineer: Specialises in energy storage systems (large-scale batteries co-located with renewables). Handles design, integration and safety of battery systems. High demand is driving salaries ~£45k–£70k for experienced engineers.

• Grid Integration (Power Systems) Engineer: Ensures renewable projects connect to the electricity grid reliably (designing substations, cabling, protection systems, smart grid tech). Chartered electrical engineers in this field earn ~£45k–£70k, median ~£55k.

• Commissioning Engineer (Renewables): Oversees testing and commissioning of new energy installations (wind turbines, solar farms, battery units) to verify performance and safety before operation. Requires electrical/HV expertise and project experience. Salary typically ~£40k–£60k, reflecting high responsibility.

• HSE Manager (Renewable Projects): A Health, Safety & Environment manager ensuring compliance with strict safety regulations on sites (offshore wind farms, solar farms, etc.) and promoting a zero-accident culture. NEBOSH-qualified professionals earn ~£40k–£60k, given the critical nature of HSE in energy projects.

• Environmental & Consents Manager: Handles environmental impact assessments, planning permissions, and stakeholder consultations for projects to meet regulatory and community requirements. Background in environmental science or planning; salaries around £45k–£55k, as these roles are vital for securing project approvals.

• Renewable Energy Development Manager: Leads the early-stage development of projects – finding sites, negotiating land leases, securing grid access, and managing planning applications up to “shovel-ready” stage. Highly sought role bridging technical and commercial skills; typical salary £60k–£80k for experienced managers.

Below, we delve into each of these 9 in-demand Renewable Energy roles in detail, including their core duties, skill requirements, current salary ranges, and examples of UK employers or vacancies illustrating the surging demand.

1. Offshore Wind Project Manager

Offshore Wind Project Managers lead wind farm projects from initial design through construction to commissioning. They coordinate multidisciplinary teams, manage extensive budgets, and ensure compliance with safety standards.

• Skills & Qualifications: Engineering or project management background; PMP or APM certifications; experience in infrastructure or energy projects.
• Salary Range: £50,000–£75,000; senior roles often £70,000+.
• Hiring Insights: High demand due to government targets (50 GW by 2030). Employers include Ørsted, SSE Renewables, Equinor, and BP.

2. Wind Turbine Technician (O&M Engineer)

Wind Turbine Technicians maintain and repair turbines to maximise operational efficiency, performing routine checks and troubleshooting mechanical and electrical issues.

• Skills & Qualifications: HNC/HND in engineering, apprenticeships; GWO certifications; comfortable working at heights.
• Salary Range: £30,000–£45,000; offshore roles can exceed £50,000 with overtime.
• Hiring Insights: Critical role with consistent demand from operators like Vestas, Siemens Gamesa, and GE.

3. Solar PV Design Engineer

Solar PV Design Engineers develop solar installation layouts for commercial and utility projects, ensuring optimal performance and regulatory compliance.

• Skills & Qualifications: Degree in electrical engineering or renewable energy; proficiency with design software like PVSol, AutoCAD.
• Salary Range: £35,000–£55,000; senior roles reach £50,000+.
• Hiring Insights: Rapidly expanding field, significant demand across developers such as Lightsource BP and EDF Renewables.

4. Battery Storage Engineer

Battery Storage Engineers design and manage large-scale battery systems, crucial for integrating renewable energy into the grid.

• Skills & Qualifications: Electrical engineering background, knowledge of lithium-ion technology, power electronics.
• Salary Range: £45,000–£70,000, reflecting scarcity and expertise required.
• Hiring Insights: High competition for skilled engineers; roles available at Fluence, Tesla Energy, and National Grid.

5. Grid Integration (Power Systems) Engineer

Grid Integration Engineers ensure renewable projects connect effectively to the electricity network, performing power flow and grid impact studies.

• Skills & Qualifications: Degree in electrical engineering, Chartered Engineer status beneficial; expertise in HV equipment and grid codes.
• Salary Range: £45,000–£70,000; senior roles £65,000–£80,000.
• Hiring Insights: High demand driven by grid modernisation; roles advertised by DNOs, consultancies, and developers.

6. Commissioning Engineer (Renewables)

Commissioning Engineers verify new renewable installations meet operational standards before commercial operation, ensuring safety and performance.

• Skills & Qualifications: Electrical engineering background, high-voltage certifications, detailed knowledge of commissioning standards.
• Salary Range: £40,000–£60,000; offshore roles typically higher.
• Hiring Insights: Consistent demand, critical to project completion; roles offered by Siemens Gamesa, Vestas, and EPC firms.

7. Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Manager

HSE Managers implement safety and environmental compliance across renewable sites, promoting safe working practices and sustainability.

• Skills & Qualifications: NEBOSH Diploma, chartered status advantageous; strong communication skills essential.
• Salary Range: £40,000–£60,000; senior roles may exceed £65,000.
• Hiring Insights: Growing need with expanding project pipelines; employers include Ørsted, SSE, Equinor.

8. Environmental & Consents Manager

These managers coordinate environmental assessments and planning consents, crucial for project approval and regulatory compliance.

• Skills & Qualifications: Degree in environmental science or planning; familiarity with UK environmental regulations.
• Salary Range: £45,000–£60,000; senior positions around £70,000.
• Hiring Insights: Increasingly vital role, employers consistently hiring, especially in offshore wind and solar sectors.

9. Renewable Energy Development Manager

Development Managers handle projects from conception through planning consent, managing land acquisition, feasibility studies, and stakeholder negotiations.

• Skills & Qualifications: Engineering or planning background; project management skills; negotiation and stakeholder engagement expertise.
• Salary Range: £50,000–£80,000, reflecting role complexity and responsibility.
• Hiring Insights: High demand due to increasing renewable project portfolios; opportunities widely available across the UK.

Conclusion: A Bright Future in Green Careers

The UK’s renewable energy sector is reshaping employment opportunities, offering well-paid, stable, and purposeful careers.

Driven by ambitious net-zero targets and extensive policy support, this sector promises job security and substantial career progression.

Individuals joining this rapidly expanding workforce have the chance to directly contribute to the UK’s sustainable future, benefiting from the industry’s continuous growth and resilience.