The Global Ambitious Offshore Wind Expansion: Powering A Net-Zero Future with Skilled Talent

The Growth of Global Offshore Wind 

The global offshore wind industry is still experiencing growth, despite some challenges along the way, driven by ambitious renewable energy targets and the urgent need to meet net-zero emission targets. While the UK has set a bold plan to boost its offshore wind capacity to 50 GW by 2030 - including 5 GW from floating wind sources - this ambition is part of a much larger global movement reshaping the energy landscape worldwide. In this blog, we will look at the predictions for offshore wind growth, talk about some of the key roles Orion has identified to sustain the expected growth, and why Orion should be your partner in offshore energy recruitment.

By the end of 2024, the total global offshore wind capacity reached approximately 80.9 GW of fully commissioned projects, with an additional 6.6 GW partially operational. China leads the pack, accounting for more than half of this capacity at over 41 GW, followed by the UK and Germany, which together with China, represent more than 75% of global installed capacity. However, the global offshore wind market is rapidly expanding beyond these traditional leaders, with emerging markets in Southeast Asia, the United States, and Australia making significant strides [1, 2}. Looking ahead, forecasts predict that global offshore wind capacity will more than triple by 2030, reaching around 254 GW.

Workforce Challenges and the Need for Skilled Offshore Wind Professionals

However, the rapid growth of the offshore wind sector has outpaced the supply of skilled workers, creating a critical demand for offshore wind recruitment across various specialist roles. Key positions in high demand include:

• Wind turbine technicians
• Project engineers
• Offshore supervisors
• Health, safety and environmental (HSE) professionals
• Cable installation specialists
• Consent managers

This talent shortage is intensified by competition from related industries such as oil and gas, which draw from the same pool of experienced contractors. The shortage also impacts project timelines and costs, making the recruitment and retention of skilled professionals a top priority for operators.

View current Wind vacancies at Orion: CLICK HERE

Specialist Roles in Offshore Wind Recruitment

Orion Group recruits for a diverse range of roles essential to offshore wind projects, as mentioned previously. Recently, we’ve also identified a number of offshore wind specialist roles which come directly from our clients, which can be broken down into three different categories:

Testing and Termination Specialists – these roles are specifically for testing, connecting, and repairing the high-voltage cables that transmit power from offshore turbines to onshore substations. They are typically:

• T&T Supervisors
• HV Cable Jointers
• 2^nd / Assistant Jointers
• HV Cable Testers

Cable Pull-In Specialists – the roles associated here involve the array cable, the pull-in consists of the pulling of the cable into the offshore substation, floating offshore wind turbine or buoyant junction box. Riggers are used to setup and construct the cable pull-in framework under management of expert professionals, Roles required here are:

• Pull-In Supervisors
• Tower Supervisors
• Rigger Foremen
• Riggers

GWO Technicians – a number of technical roles are required within offshore wind to support cabling, connections, turbines, and onshore/offshore substations across any project, and all must have Global Wind Organisation (GWO) certification training. Orion see more and more of these roles appearing frequently, such as:

• HV Technicians
• Electrical Technicians
• Mechanical Technicians
• WTG Electricians
• Service Technicians

From our large pool of global talent, Orion can ensure that our clients only recruit what they want and when they want it. Our candidates are seasoned specialists who possess specialised knowledge in offshore wind energy projects, guaranteeing the precise execution across all operations. From meticulous planning to on-site implementation, our candidates are dedicated to optimising every aspect of installation through to operation and beyond.

Download Offshore Specialist Summary Sheet - CLICK HERE

Orion Group: More Than Recruitment

For nearly 40 years, Orion Group has been a trusted provider of engineering and technical talent across the energy sector, including offshore wind. Orion offers a specialist talent pool designed to meet the rising demands of the wind industry, ensuring rapid deployment of skilled professionals 24/7, including emergency and drop-out cover. Our ability to respond quickly and efficiently helps operators maintain reliable infrastructure throughout the construction and operational phases.

Orion’s services extend beyond recruitment; we manage mobility, logistics, and payroll compliantly and safely, prioritising the health and safety of candidates and clients alike. This commitment to safety aligns with the stringent standards required in offshore environments, where risks are high and operational continuity is critical.

Global Reach and Support for Offshore Wind Projects

Orion Group’s global presence enables us to support offshore wind projects not only across Europe but also in regions such as Southeast Asia and the USA. Our financial capacity, compliance expertise, and reputation make us a reliable partner for energy companies seeking to scale operations internationally while maintaining high standards of safety and quality.

The Future of Offshore Wind: A Global Renewable Energy Pillar

Offshore wind is poised to become a cornerstone of the global renewable energy transition. The combination of technological advancements, supportive policies, and growing international collaboration is driving rapid capacity expansion worldwide. Floating wind technology, in particular, is unlocking new areas for development in deeper waters, expanding the potential footprint of offshore wind.

However, realising this potential depends heavily on the availability of a skilled, adaptable workforce capable of meeting the sector’s evolving technical and operational demands. Addressing the talent shortage through training, recruitment, and global cooperation will be critical to sustaining growth and achieving net-zero emissions targets by mid-century.

In summary, while the UK’s ambitious offshore wind targets are a significant part of the story, the global offshore wind industry is a dynamic, rapidly expanding sector with opportunities and challenges spanning continents. Collaborative efforts in talent development and recruitment, technology deployment, and cross-border partnerships will shape the future of clean energy for decades to come.

Let’s Talk About Your Offshore Team

At Orion, we work directly with offshore wind operators across the UK and beyond, helping them secure engineers, project managers, HSE personnel, specialist technicians, and more. Whether you're planning ahead or hiring under pressure, we can support your next move.

Speak to Orion’s offshore specialists today to start building the workforce your operation needs.

References:

[1] https://www.gwec.net/reports/globaloffshorewindreport/2023

[2] https://www.renewableuk.com/energypulse/blog/uk-wind-and-global-offshore-wind-2024-in-review/