The United Kingdom’s energy landscape is undergoing a monumental transformation, driven by an ambitious commitment to net-zero emissions and the ever-increasing demand for sustainable and reliable power.
This dynamic shift isn’t just reshaping how we generate electricity; it’s also creating a vibrant and expanding job market across diverse power generation technologies.
For skilled professionals, this era presents unparalleled opportunities, particularly within the crucial sectors of Operations & Maintenance, Energy from Waste, Biomass, and Combined Cycle Gas Turbines (CCGT).
The UK’s Energised Employment Landscape
The UK’s journey towards a greener future is undeniable.
The clean energy workforce is expanding rapidly, with the number of jobs in the low carbon and renewable energy economy (LCREE) growing over five times faster than the national average between 2020 and 2022, according to the UK Government’s Assessment of the Clean Energy Skills Challenge (March 2025).
In 2022, direct employment in the UK’s energy production and supply industries reached 166,400, as reported in the government’s latest UK Energy in Brief 2023.
However, the shift towards renewables is clearly driving the creation of new, future-focused roles.
According to PwC, meeting Net Zero will require the UK to fill 400,000 energy sector jobs by 2050, with an estimated 260,000 of these being entirely new positions. You can read more in PwC’s report on The Energy Transition and Jobs.
This isn’t just about ‘green jobs’ – it’s a fundamental transformation of the energy sector, requiring vast numbers of engineering, technical, operational, and leadership professionals.
Operations & Maintenance: The Backbone of Power Generation
Regardless of the energy source, power stations require highly skilled professionals to ensure their continuous, safe, and efficient operation.
This is where Operations & Maintenance (O&M) truly shines as a critical and consistently in-demand sector.
O&M roles are the backbone of the entire power generation industry, ensuring that complex machinery runs smoothly, output is maximised, and strict safety and environmental regulations are adhered to.
From routine inspections and preventative maintenance to rapid fault finding and intricate repairs, O&M professionals are vital to keeping the lights on.
As new plants come online and existing ones are optimised for peak performance, the need for proficient mechanical technicians, electrical engineers, control and instrumentation specialists, and operations personnel remains steadfast.
Energy from Waste (EfW): Turning Rubbish into Power
Energy from Waste (EfW) facilities are playing an increasingly significant role in the UK’s energy mix, providing a sustainable solution to waste management while generating much-needed electricity.
These advanced plants convert non-recyclable waste into energy, helping reduce landfill dependency and supporting the UK’s shift toward circular economy principles.
The EfW sector continues to expand, with an estimated 8,890 people employed in UK waste-to-energy plant operations in 2024, according to IBISWorld’s analysis of the Waste-to-Energy Plant Operation industry.
This growth reflects the increasing demand for technical and operational talent across the industry.
This expansion creates a wealth of opportunities for engineers, technicians, and plant managers who are trained in the unique operational and environmental challenges of EfW facilities.
The sector requires deep expertise in areas such as boiler operations, turbine maintenance, and emissions control – making it a dynamic and rewarding space for energy professionals to develop their careers.
Biomass: Power from Nature’s Bounty
Biomass power generation, which harnesses organic matter like agricultural residues, wood, and energy crops, offers another vital renewable energy pathway.
As the UK strives to diversify its clean energy portfolio, biomass plants contribute to grid stability and carbon reduction.
Employment in the biomass sector has seen notable increases, reflecting its growing importance.
According to the REA‑commissioned Baringa / REA report, biomass currently supports around 9,000 jobs across approximately 650 operational plants in the UK.
Professionals in biomass power often work on optimising fuel supply chains, managing combustion and boiler processes, and ensuring emissions and environmental compliance.
With roles spanning from plant operations and mechanical and electrical maintenance to environmental management, this sector offers rewarding careers for those passionate about sustainable energy.
CCGT: Efficiency and Reliability
While the focus is firmly on renewables, Combined Cycle Gas Turbines (CCGT) continue to be a crucial component of the UK’s energy infrastructure.
CCGT plants are highly efficient, burning natural gas to generate electricity and then using the waste heat to produce additional power through a steam turbine.
They offer essential flexibility and reliability, acting as a crucial bridge and backup for intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar.
The demand for skilled engineers and technicians to operate and maintain these sophisticated facilities remains high, ensuring grid stability and security of supply.
Roles in CCGT often involve complex controls, high-voltage electrical systems, and intricate mechanical components, making them ideal for experienced power professionals.
Astute’s Power Recruitment: Your Gateway to Opportunity
At Astute, our dedicated Power recruitment team is at the forefront of this evolving industry, connecting exceptional talent with leading employers across the UK.
We understand the nuances of power generation, from the intricacies of EfW operations to the critical demands of CCGT maintenance and the expanding landscape of biomass.
Our team is passionate about powering careers and is currently recruiting for a significant number of exciting opportunities across these vital sectors.
Current Power Sector Opportunities
Explore the latest power and energy jobs directly from our job board below. This list is updated live.
Our team is passionate about powering careers and is currently recruiting for a significant number of exciting opportunities across these vital sectors.
