PRESS RELEASE : PwC comments on ONS Low carbon and renewable energy economy report [February 2023]

The press release issued by PWC on 14 February 2023.

Commenting on the publication of the ONS’ Low carbon and renewable energy economy, UK: 2021, Lynne Baber, Head of PwC Sustainability, said:

“We know that the transition to a green economy must accelerate. Today’s ONS data is welcome confirmation that the pace is beginning to pick up with turnover and employment rates in the low carbon and renewable energy sectors both reaching their highest levels, but more must be done.

“With our recent Green Jobs Barometer showing that green jobs are growing at almost four times the rate of the overall jobs market, today’s data reinforces how strong the UK’s starting position is in the race for green economic growth.

“However, with countries across Europe and other parts of the world stepping up their own ambitious plans for green growth, the UK must ensure the path is clear to continue moving at the required pace – that means ambitious policies aimed at green growth, and investment in infrastructure, energy efficiency, and technology while ensuring that these jobs are created in the regions where they are most needed.

“PwC analysis has shown that reskilling or upskilling of the workforce needs to accelerate now in order to fill the green skills gap in time to meet net zero by 2050.

“Challenges arise in ensuring that workers are sufficiently reskilled into new roles and that the demand for skills are met, particularly given a lack of coherent labour force planning, a lack of engagement with educational institutions and negative perceptions of the energy sector amongst young people.”