The Institute of Energy for South East Europe (IENE) has conducted a new study titled "Energy and Employment in Greece," with the objective of assessing employment in the broader energy sector, including energy production, transportation, and management. The study also examines the emerging employee profile and identifies potential opportunities for future employment growth in the energy sector in Greece by 2025 and 2030.The Institute of Energy for South East Europe (IENE) has conducted a new study titled "Energy and Employment in Greece", with the objective of assessing employment in the broader energy sector, including energy production, transportation, and management. The study also examines the emerging employee profile and identifies potential opportunities for future employment growth in the energy sector in Greece by 2025 and 2030.
With this new study, IENE aims to provide an updated analysis of the energy sector's impact on employment in Greece, building upon the previous study conducted in 2013. The need for this update arises from the ongoing transformation changing dynamics, and mobility observed in the sector, which directly affects job opportunities and the quality of posts. The study focuses on significant structural changes anticipated in the Greek energy sector, including the further liberalization of electricity and natural gas markets, the rapid growth of renewable energy sources (RES) in line with international and European goals, the implementation of the decarbonization plan, the emergence of new energy retail businesses, digitization of operations, and the promotion of electric mobility. These factors contribute to a shifting landscape in terms of employment within the domestic energy sector.
The mapping of the workforce employed in the energy sector was conducted along two axes. The first axis focuses on jobs directly involved in the production and management of energy, encompassing areas such as refineries, power stations, oil and gas stations, photovoltaic and wind installations, among others. The second axis encompasses jobs that indirectly support energy needs, primarily related to the production of equipment used energy systems. Examples include oil and gas pipelines, electric cables, solar water heaters, electric batteries, and more.
According to the IENE Study, the total number of direct and indirect jobs in the broad energy sector in 2021 was 111,513. However, the study found that the total workforce directly employed in the energy sector was 72,822 people, which is lower compared to the previous study conducted in 2013, where the estimate was 77,690 people. The decrease in direct employment can be attributed to the increasing digitization of the sector and the scaling down of activity in specific sectors (e.g., lignite mining). Conversely, there has been an increase in employment in other sectors. The study also highlights the significance of indirect employment in the broader energy field, which reached 38,691 people in 2021. Additionally, it is noted that employment in energy sector companies is predominately full-time.
Moreover, a significant majority (nearly 100%) of companies in all four energy sectors (Oil, Natural Gas, Electricity, and Renewable Energy Sources) organize regular training programs for their executives throughout the year. These companies reported that the pandemic had minimal impact on their workforce, with teleworking being the prevailing mode of operation, accounting for 72% of work arrangements. Importantly, no employment contracts were suspended in any company as a result of the pandemic.
Lastly, the study puts forward recommendations for enhancing the skills of workers across all energy sectors and emphasizes the role of innovation and research in fostering employment in the energy industry. The study also sheds light on the emerging profile of the workforce, while providing estimates for employment opportunities in the evolving energy landscape.
The Study was conducted on a multiclient basis and was financially supported by the companies DEPA Commercial, TERNA Energy, EnEx Group, and KG Law. Also, ICAP CRIF participated by providing important information.
