Pressure on the electricity grid is increasing rapidly. To accelerate the energy transition in the Netherlands, grid operators, contractors, the government and Techniek Nederland are joining forces. With the new Scaling-up Plan 2030, the parties aim to ensure 5,000 additional technicians by 2030. The plan will receive a contribution of €25 million from the Climate Fund, with a total sector investment of over €200 million.
This joint effort is expected to lead to increased inflow into technical professions, better guidance for new employees, and stronger regional cooperation.
Joint investment in people and training
The growth of renewable energy and electrification is creating unprecedented demand for skilled professionals. The shortage of technicians has become one of the biggest barriers to delivering energy infrastructure projects. The urgency is high: more and more companies and institutions are being placed on waiting lists.
As part of the Scaling-up Plan 2030, significant investment is being made in regional collaborations under the name Infra Talents. In six to seven regions, grid operators, contractors, vocational colleges (ROCs) and employment centres work together to recruit, train and sustainably employ new technicians.
To recruit, guide and develop candidates, regions can collaborate with the Labour Matching Platform. This approach focuses on candidates’ skills rather than their work experience or formal education. Participating parties also invest in active support through career coaches.
Energy Skills
A key element of the plan is the Energy Skills programme, through which the sector aims to guide 1,000 status holders (recognised refugees) into technical jobs. This is done in cooperation with training institutes, employers and regional employment centres.
The approach focuses on skills rather than diplomas, with additional attention to career coaching and guidance. Implementation aligns closely with the Technology Action Plan, in which Techniek Nederland, VNO-NCW, MKB-Nederland and other sectors work together to increase technical talent and improve training provision.
“The shortage of skilled workers is one of the biggest obstacles to building the energy system of the future,” says Maarten Otto, Chair of Netbeheer Nederland. “Without thousands of additional technicians, we will fall structurally behind. With this scaling-up plan, we can help 5,000 extra people into work, but the total need is much greater. Up to 2030, grid operators and contractors will need as many as 30,000 additional technicians. Continued attention to production and labour innovation is also essential.”
In the words of Mark Harbers, Chair of Techniek Nederland: “The energy transition requires thousands of additional skilled workers in infrastructure technology. This plan shows that we are taking joint responsibility for the future of our energy supply. We are investing not only in cables and pipelines, but above all in people. They make the difference.”
Government invests in accelerating training pathways
The government also underlines the importance of sufficient technical staff for expanding the electricity grid. Ministers Karremans (Economic Affairs) and Hermans (Climate and Green Growth) announce a joint investment of €25 million.
“Entrepreneurs must be able to start, grow and expand, but are currently running up against the limits of the electricity grid. To address this, more skilled workers are needed. With this investment, we are providing the hands the Netherlands needs to remain strong, sustainable and competitive — now and in the future.”
