Realizing the multi-generational opportunities of the energy transition
Eloise John leads AECOM’s energy sector within the UK and Ireland. With strong ESG principles and inclusive partnership embedded in all her work, Eloise strives to successfully deliver projects which add real value in making the world a better place. With a background in electrical engineering and 20 years’ experience in the energy sector, she brings together AECOM’s integrated approach to help clients navigate the transition to a low carbon energy model.
The United Kingdom’s journey to net zero is not just a matter of technology and policy; it’s about creating a future that works for everyone.
As we move through this once-in-a-lifetime energy transition, it’s essential that the benefits extend across all sectors of society, ensuring that no one is left behind.
This transition offers a multi-generational opportunity to deliver benefits for everyone and must be approached with a focus on people, places, politics and portfolio. Let’s break down what a people-centric strategy looks like in this context.
Think of communities as partners
One of the core elements of a just transition is ensuring that local communities are not only consulted but empowered to shape their energy future. The energy transition is not about imposing top-down solutions but about working with communities to unlock their potential and deliver local benefits. Communities should be made partners in the process of developing new infrastructure.
This includes building trust and communicating transparently about how renewable energy projects, like wind or solar farms, can bring direct economic and environmental benefits to the people living nearby.
For example, community energy schemes, where residents benefit from lower energy bills as a result of local renewable energy production, have seen growing demand. When these models are clearly communicated, local support for such projects tends to skyrocket. This approach fosters not only public support but ensures long-term sustainability by rooting projects in community interests.
Support workers and future-proof careers
Another key aspect of a people-centric transition is addressing the workforce needs created by this shift. Traditional industries, such as fossil fuels, are declining, but the growth of renewable energy presents vast new opportunities. We must ensure the benefits of the transition are shared across generations, particularly by creating sustainable, long-term employment.
However, to fully realise this potential, a strong focus on reskilling is required. Programmes that provide training in green technologies, such as offshore wind, nuclear, hydrogen, and battery storage, will be critical to ensuring workers from declining sectors can transition smoothly into new roles. This is not just about job creation — it’s about creating meaningful, future-proof careers in industries that align with the UK’s net zero ambitions.
Make energy affordable and accessible
As the energy landscape evolves, it is crucial to ensure that no one is left behind, particularly when it comes to energy affordability. The transition offers the chance to make energy more accessible and affordable for all. The UK government’s energy policies must reflect this by investing in energy efficiency programs and affordable renewable technologies for low-income households.
Without targeted support, there’s a risk that wealthier households will adopt new technologies like heat pumps and solar panels, while others are left paying higher bills for fossil fuel-based energy.
The Great British Energy policy has emphasised the need to lower costs, but local initiatives, such as grants and subsidies for energy-efficient home upgrades, will also be essential in making this transition equitable.
We must build social license
Gaining public support — referred to as a “social license to operate” — is essential for the success of renewable energy projects. The energy transition’s success depends on working with local stakeholders, including policymakers and the public. This means ensuring that the political framework around energy is aligned with the needs and expectations of the public.
For instance, the removal of barriers to onshore wind development, where local communities have a say in projects, can help accelerate deployment. By involving local governments and communities in the planning process, the UK can avoid delays, reduce opposition, and ensure smoother execution of projects.
Thinking beyond the immediate
Finally, the energy transition offers the opportunity to create lasting, intergenerational benefits. This demands the need for a balanced approach that delivers benefits across people, places, politics and portfolio.
This means thinking long-term and ensuring that policies enacted today will provide sustainable benefits for decades to come. It’s about not just achieving net zero but doing so in a way that improves quality of life, creates stable jobs, and protects the environment for future generations.