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Formation of competences to realize the potential of offshore wind power in the European Union

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  • Jacobsson, Staffan
  • Karltorp, Kersti

Abstract

The electricity sector has to undergo a large-scale transformation process to reduce the threat of climate change. Wind power has a strategic role to play in this process. This paper makes a preliminary assessment of the types and numbers of engineers required to sustain a large-scale expansion of offshore wind energy in the EU and draws lessons for universities. A variety of competences are required, including (a) deep competences in many fields (electrical and mechanical engineering, but also engineering physics and civil engineering); (b) integrative competences within engineering (e.g., mechanical and electrical engineering) and between engineering and non-engineering fields (e.g., meteorology and logistics). A large number of engineers are required. A rough estimate indicates a need for more than 10 000 new engineers until 2020. The nature and volume of the competences required raise serious questions for the scale and organization of training programmes at universities.

Suggested Citation

  • Jacobsson, Staffan & Karltorp, Kersti, 2012. "Formation of competences to realize the potential of offshore wind power in the European Union," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 374-384.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:44:y:2012:i:c:p:374-384
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2012.01.069
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Dedecca, João Gorenstein & Hakvoort, Rudi A. & Ortt, J. Roland, 2016. "Market strategies for offshore wind in Europe: A development and diffusion perspective," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 286-296.
    2. Gosens, Jorrit & Hedenus, Fredrik & Sandén, Björn A., 2017. "Faster market growth of wind and PV in late adopters due to global experience build-up," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 267-278.
    3. Wieczorek, Anna J. & Negro, Simona O. & Harmsen, Robert & Heimeriks, Gaston J. & Luo, Lin & Hekkert, Marko P., 2013. "A review of the European offshore wind innovation system," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 26(C), pages 294-306.
    4. Jakub Sawulski & Marcin Galczynski & Robert Zajdler, 2018. "A review of the offshore wind innovation system in Poland," IBS Working Papers 06/2018, Instytut Badan Strukturalnych.
    5. Kern, Florian & Verhees, Bram & Raven, Rob & Smith, Adrian, 2015. "Empowering sustainable niches: Comparing UK and Dutch offshore wind developments," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 100(C), pages 344-355.
    6. Jacobsson, Staffan & Karltorp, Kersti, 2013. "Mechanisms blocking the dynamics of the European offshore wind energy innovation system – Challenges for policy intervention," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 1182-1195.
    7. Gosens, Jorrit, 2017. "Natural resource endowment is not a strong driver of wind or PV development," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 1007-1018.
    8. Sovacool, Benjamin K. & Enevoldsen, Peter, 2015. "One style to build them all: Corporate culture and innovation in the offshore wind industry," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 402-415.
    9. Markard, Jochen & Hoffmann, Volker H., 2016. "Analysis of complementarities: Framework and examples from the energy transition," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 111(C), pages 63-75.

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