The specialist labor supporting the energy transition

Energy-transition infrastructure investment depends on a specialist workforce, and labor quality is both a social outcome and a determinant of project execution risk.

• Schroders estimates that US construction-focused energy-transition infrastructure projects support approximately 427,000 labor hours on average, although this measures work supported rather than jobs created.
• Solar photovoltaic installer employment is projected by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics to grow 36.5% from 2025 to 2035, versus around 3.5% for all US occupations, with approximately 4,200 annual openings.
• Wind turbine technician employment is projected to rise 29.5% over the same period, with around 1,500 annual openings and median annual pay of $64,120 in May 2025; these technicians support assets throughout their operating lives.
• Battery storage combines civil, electrical, high-voltage, commissioning and fire-safety expertise, while electrician employment is expected to grow 9.2% from 2025 to 2035, with approximately 72,700 openings annually, driven partly by new generation, grid expansion and data centers.
• Schroders Greencoat's Responsible Contractor Policy assesses experience, dependability, safety and environmental records, legal compliance, wages and benefits, while still requiring contractors to deliver competitively and to the required standard.

Takeaway: Infrastructure investors should assess labor standards and specialist capabilities before construction because experienced, properly trained contractors can reduce delays, defects, safety incidents and long-term asset-performance risks, although labor demand varies by technology and project phase.