Abstract:

The global energy transition has become a cornerstone of climate mitigation strategies, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by mid-century under frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal. Industrial sectors—responsible for a significant share of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—face mounting pressure to decarbonize while maintaining competitiveness and operational efficiency. This dual challenge requires not only technological innovation but also a profound transformation in workforce competencies.

The transition toward sustainable energy systems involves multiple dimensions: integration of renewable energy sources, electrification of processes, adoption of energy efficiency measures, and implementation of circular economy principles. Digitalization plays a pivotal role in enabling these changes through advanced monitoring, automation, and data-driven decision-making. Technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly embedded in industrial operations to optimize energy use and reduce emissions. However, the successful deployment of these technologies depends on the availability of skilled professionals capable of bridging technical, digital, and strategic domains.

Recent reports underscore the urgency of addressing skills gaps. The IEA World Energy Employment Report (2024) highlights that global energy employment reached 67 million in 2022, with clean energy sectors driving job growth, yet shortages of skilled labor remain a critical bottleneck for scaling technologies (IEA, 2024). Similarly, the European Green Deal anticipates up to 4.8 million additional jobs in clean technologies by 2030, contingent on the availability of qualified workers and robust vocational education and training (CEDEFOP, 2024; Ifri, 2025). Studies by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) emphasize integrated strategies for capacity-building and just transition frameworks to mitigate social and economic risks during industrial decarbonization (WBCSD, 2023). [iea.org] [cedefop.europa.eu], [ifri.org] [inclusivec...talism.com]

Beyond technical expertise, professionals must develop digital competencies to leverage real-time data and predictive analytics, as well as strategic skills to align operational decisions with corporate sustainability goals and regulatory frameworks. The BCG Henderson Institute estimates a global green skills gap of 7 million workers by 2030, warning that delays in workforce readiness could jeopardize climate targets (BCG, 2023). This gap is compounded by the need for hybrid skill sets combining digitalization and decarbonization knowledge, as highlighted in recent foresight studies (Digital4Sustainability, 2024).

This paper addresses these challenges by proposing a structured framework for capacity-building based on three pillars:
(i) technical competencies for designing and operating sustainable energy systems;
(ii) digital competencies for monitoring, automation, and advanced analytics; and
(iii) strategic competencies for planning, communication, and integration with sustainability policies.

By examining these dimensions, the study aims to inform educational programs, corporate training strategies, and policy interventions that accelerate the transformation toward a decarbonized industrial future.

Keywords:

Green skills gap, industrial decarbonization, competencies, energy.