In 2020, roles such as carbon accountant and solar agrivoltaics specialist were unknown within the renewables sector. But here we are in 2025 – and the renewable energy sector is teeming with roles that sound more like science fiction than job listings.
If you have been working in the renewable energy sector or following it, one thing you know for sure: it is moving faster than a wind turbine on a windy day. There are many jobs popping up in the industry today that didn’t even exist 5 years ago. Technology has sprinted ahead; climate goals have tightened and now companies are looking for talent in places nobody expected.
In this article, we will highlight some of these unconventional job titles that have gained prominence in the industry in the past few years.
2025’s Unconventional Hires
Renewable energy presently accounts for over 30% of global electricity, up from 19% in 2000, driven by rapid growth in solar and wind. IEA estimates that 14 million new renewable energy jobs will be created by 2030. Additionally, 16 million more workers will be needed globally in energy-related sectors like hydrogen, electric vehicles, etc. This rapid growth is ushering in new roles reflecting the energy sector’s evolving technical and operational needs.
- Solar Panel Recycling Specialist
What it is about: A Solar Panel Recycling Specialist’s job is to dismantle used solar panels and recover valuable materials like glass, silicon and other precious metals. Recovered materials are used in new solar panels and other products. It’s a role that blends sustainability with a bit of treasure hunting.
Why now: The usage of solar panels has exploded in the last decade. Panels installed earlier are now reaching the end of their life cycle. Dumping them in landfills isn’t viable, and new regulations now prohibit used solar panels from being sent to landfill. Recycling is key to reducing waste and supporting circular energy systems.
Core skills required:
- Knowledge of solar panel components
- Environmental safety and handling procedures
- Materials recovery and recycling techniques
- Regulatory compliance in waste management
2. Floating Wind Farm Engineer
What it is about: A Floating Wind Farm Engineer specialises in designing, installing and maintaining wind turbines that float in deep-sea locations where the wind is constant and stronger than the shores. These experts are sometimes referred to as Offshore Wind Farm Engineers.
Why now: Due to limited land and near-shore wind sites, deep-sea has emerged as a viable option for harnessing wind energy. Floating platforms allow us to tap energy from areas that were once impossible to reach.
Core skills required:
- Marine engineering and mooring systems
- Offshore construction and logistics
- Wind turbine design and maintenance
- Electrical, mechanical and civil engineering design
3. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Designer
What it is about: A BESS designer is an engineer or specialist who designs and optimises large-scale battery storage systems for various applications like residential, utility and commercial. Beyond energy and utilities sectors, these designers are also needed in consulting, manufacturing and engineering companies.
Why now: Global demand for renewable energy is rising and so is the need to store and transmit the power generated from it. Without BESS, solar, wind and other renewable energy projects can only supply energy to the grid when the sun is shining or the wind is blowing. To make renewable energy reliable 24/7, storage is essential. According to Bloomberg, lithium-ion battery capacity is expected to reach 9,300 GWh by 2030 – a tenfold increase compared to today’s levels.
Core skills required:
- Electrical & systems engineering
- Battery chemistry and design
- Integration with solar/wind infrastructure
- Expertise in battery safety and performance optimisation
4. Green Hydrogen Safety Officer
What it is about: A Green Hydrogen Safety Officer is the one responsible for managing safety protocols for plants producing green hydrogen. This role ensures safe handling and operations of green hydrogen to ensure the safety of workers, the public, and the environment as hydrogen is highly flammable and volatile.
Why now: Green hydrogen is emerging as a game-changing clean fuel solution. In the last few years, it has moved from pilot projects to full-scale production. Green hydrogen offers carbon-neutral power solutions to transportation, aviation, industrial, and chemical sectors. As per Precedence Research, its market size is projected to grow from USD 8.78 Bn in 2024 to USD 199.22 Bn in 2034, proving its growing demand.
Core skills required:
- Familiarity with hydrogen tech
- Proficiency in systems safety and compliance
- Emergency and crisis response
- Risk assessment and management
5. Renewable Energy Data Analyst
What it is about: A Renewable Energy Data Analyst’s job is to turn raw performance data from solar, wind and storage systems into actionable insights for operators and investors. This role requires using big data and advanced analytics to optimise operations and enhance efficiency.
Why now: Renewable energy sector continues to grow exponentially. It also accelerates applications of smart grids, IoT devices, automation and AI which means more data generated through these touch points. Utilities and power companies are on the lookout for harnessing this data to optimise their operations. As per the Market Research Future report, big data analytics in energy sector is projected to grow from USD 35.14 Bn in 2025 to USD 81.65 Bn by 2034.
Core skills required:
- Data analytics and visualisation
- Database management
- Familiarity with renewable energy systems
- Policy and regulations knowledge
6. Carbon Capture Site Manager
What it is about: A Carbon Capture Site Manager oversees facilities that pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and store it underground or repurpose it. They make sure everything runs smoothly – from equipment and safety to compliance and reporting.
Why now: Net-zero targets can’t be met with clean energy alone; removing existing carbon dioxide is becoming part of the solution. CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilisation, Storage) technology is now a key part of climate strategy. Carbon offsets and CCUS markets are expected to witness a trillion-dollar boom by 2050. As more capture sites are built, skilled managers are needed to run them safely and efficiently.
Core skills required:
- Proficiency in CCUS technology and processes
- Process engineering
- Project and site management
- Environmental regulations and safety standards
- Technical skills in industrial operations
7. Biofuels Specialist
What it is about: A Biofuels specialist focuses on research and development of biofuels and studies their various applications. These are renewable fuel sources derived from organic materials like algae, agricultural waste, and plant oils. Their work spans research, production, and policy, helping reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions in sectors like transport, aviation, and manufacturing.
Why now: As countries push for net-zero targets and energy independence, biofuels are gaining traction as a scalable, low-carbon alternative. Global biofuels market size is projected to reach USD 207 billion by 2030. Advances in feedstock processing and lifecycle analysis are making biofuels more competitive and sustainable.
Core skills required:
- Specialisation in R&D and policy
- Chemical or environmental engineering
- Testing and analysis of all aspects of biofuels supply chain
- Familiarity with sustainability metrics
8. Microgrid Community Coordinators
What it is about: A Microgrid Community Coordinator’s role involves managing small, self-sufficient renewable power grids for towns, campuses or remote communities. This role bridges the gap between technical aspects and community needs.
Why now: Microgrids offer energy independence, especially in remote or disaster-prone areas. More communities are building their own systems due to recent decentralisation of power grids. Global microgrid market value is forecasted to grow over 60 billion USD by 2027, reflecting a surge in demand for professionals who can manage these systems and engage local communities.
Core skills required:
- Community engagement
- Project management
- Technical understanding of microgrid technology
- Facilitating communication between stakeholders
9. Carbon Accountant
What it is about: A Carbon Accountant tracks, calculates and reports an organisation’s carbon emissions. They help businesses understand how much carbon they are producing through operations, supply chains, etc., and how to reduce them.
Why now: As more companies and countries take steps towards sustainability, integrating carbon emissions into financial reporting is becoming the norm. With net-zero goals becoming mainstream and ESG reporting now expected from companies, carbon accounting is a must-have for credibility and compliance. Carbon accounting services market is projected to reach USD 20.4 billion by 2040.
Core skills required:
- Understanding of carbon footprint frameworks
- Financial reporting
- Sustainability reporting standards (like GHG protocol, CDP, TCFD)
- Knowledge of carbon offset markets and lifecycle assessments
10. Solar Agrivoltaics Specialist
What it is about: This job involves designing and managing farms where crops grow under and around solar panels. A Solar Agrivoltaics Specialist designs and manages systems where both energy generation and agriculture happen on the same land.
Why now: As climate-smart farming methods are gaining traction, agrivoltaics offers a win-win solution to the widespread issue of land scarcity. With rising global population, solar agrivoltaics offers a smart solution for sustainable food and energy demands while maximising land use. Global agrivoltaics market size is anticipated to reach around USD 13.88 billion by 2034.
Core skills required:
- Agriculture science
- Solar engineering
- GIS mapping
- Climate smart farming techniques
The Road Ahead
These renewable energy jobs are proof that this sector isn’t just growing, it is evolving dramatically. It’s about innovating at every stage – from production to recycling. The sector is expanding so rapidly that in another 5 years, we will likely have a whole new list.
As clean energy reshapes the global workforce, now is the time for professionals, educators, and employers to recognise and prepare for the emerging roles. Whether you’re building a career in renewables or helping others navigate it, understanding these unconventional hires is key to staying ahead in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
About the Author:
Murielle is a seasoned Human Resources leader with over 20 years of international experience, specialising in talent acquisition and human capital development. As a passionate advocate for HR technology, she leverages innovative tech solutions to enhance and streamline recruitment processes.
Murielle has extensive expertise in project management, with a proven track record in planning, executing, and overseeing talent acquisition projects. Her experience in people management enables her to foster a collaborative and productive work environment, ensuring the successful integration of new hires.
Driven by entrepreneurship and a commitment to business improvement, Murielle continuously innovates and leads talent acquisition initiatives to achieve organisational success. Known for her strategic vision and ability to drive change, she is a valuable asset in attracting and retaining top talent.
Read more about Murielle Weyers.
