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Power Engineer Shortage: 1.5 Million Needed by 2030

9/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The energy transition faces a skilled-engineer shortage as demand for power engineers may rise 50% by 2040.
By 2030, 450,000 to 1.5 million more power engineers are needed.
Nearly half of current power engineers have switched jobs due to burnout.
Retention must improve, with flexible policies and varied work arrangements.
Universities, governments, and industry should partner to expand STEM access.

History

Historical Context

The 1970s energy crisis, marked by the 1973 oil embargo, spurred the U.S. government to create the Energy Research and Development Administration, investing over $1 billion in energy research. This period underscored the importance of skilled engineers in the energy sector. Today, a projected 50% increase in demand for power engineers by 2040 reflects ongoing workforce challenges in energy sustainability.

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Story summary

The energy transition faces a skilled-engineer shortage as demand for power engineers may rise 50% by 2040.
By 2030, 450,000 to 1.5 million more power engineers are needed.
Nearly half of current power engineers have switched jobs due to burnout.
Retention must improve, with flexible policies and varied work arrangements.
Universities, governments, and industry should partner to expand STEM access.

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