Ensuring we have the resources, skills and materials to deliver
Our focus areas
Why it matters
As the UK accelerates its transition to Net Zero, demand for critical materials and skilled labour is rising, driven by the need to enable Clean Power 2030, connect low-carbon technologies, and invest in infrastructure. At the same time, global supply chain pressures and competition for talent are intensifying, while technologies like AI and smart metering call for new skills.
The scale and pace of change required to meet Net Zero targets will only increase, placing even greater pressure on the availability of specific, in-demand skills. To meet this challenge, we must ensure we have the right type and volume of resources in place at the right time. Engagement and research are key to shaping our strategic workforce and supply chain planning to deliver our plans.
We gather insights from sources such as industry reports, staff and candidate feedback, and external trends to inform our strategic workforce and supply chain planning. These insights have enabled us to:
- Forecast workforce needs, identify gaps and develop targeted action plans to fill them
- Understand shifting employee expectations to help attract and retain talent in high-demand roles
- Collaborate across the industry and with other sectors to overcome shared challenges
- Work with existing contractors on how they can scale up their operations.
Key outcomes delivered in 2024/25
- A detailed understanding of resource needs
- Plans in place to address current and future resource needs.
Next steps
As we look ahead to ED3, our planning will continue to evolve to reflect the anticipated step change in investment indicated by Ofgem, as well as the growing need to connect low-carbon technologies. Engagement and research will inform our strategy and actions to ensure stakeholders can have confidence that the plans we put forward for ED3 are deliverable.
Why it matters
As the UK accelerates its transition to Net Zero, demand for critical materials and skilled labour is rising, driven by the need to enable Clean Power 2030, connect low-carbon technologies, and invest in infrastructure. At the same time, global supply chain pressures and competition for talent are intensifying, while technologies like AI and smart metering call for new skills.
The scale and pace of change required to meet Net Zero targets will only increase, placing even greater pressure on the availability of specific, in-demand skills. To meet this challenge, we must ensure we have the right type and volume of resources in place at the right time. Engagement and research are key to shaping our strategic workforce and supply chain planning to deliver our plans.
We gather insights from sources such as industry reports, staff and candidate feedback, and external trends to inform our strategic workforce and supply chain planning. These insights have enabled us to:
- Forecast workforce needs, identify gaps and develop targeted action plans to fill them
- Understand shifting employee expectations to help attract and retain talent in high-demand roles
- Collaborate across the industry and with other sectors to overcome shared challenges
- Work with existing contractors on how they can scale up their operations.
Key outcomes delivered in 2024/25
- A detailed understanding of resource needs
- Plans in place to address current and future resource needs.
Next steps
As we look ahead to ED3, our planning will continue to evolve to reflect the anticipated step change in investment indicated by Ofgem, as well as the growing need to connect low-carbon technologies. Engagement and research will inform our strategy and actions to ensure stakeholders can have confidence that the plans we put forward for ED3 are deliverable.
