UK Green Economy Tops £100 Billion as Demand for Electrical Skills Continues to Grow
The UK's net zero economy is now worth more than £100 billion per year and supports around 1.1 million jobs, according to new analysis by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) and CBI Economics.
The report found that businesses involved in clean energy, energy efficiency, electric vehicles and other low-carbon technologies generated £106 billion in gross value added (GVA) during 2025. Employees working in the sector also earned an average salary of around £43,000 per year – approximately 11% higher than the UK average. The findings, highlighted by The Guardian, underline the growing economic importance of low-carbon industries across the UK.
For those training to become electricians, the figures provide further evidence of the growing role electrical skills will play in the UK's future economy.
Many of the technologies supporting the transition to net zero rely heavily on skilled electrical workers. Solar PV systems, battery storage, EV charging infrastructure, smart buildings and renewable energy projects all require electricians to install, maintain and inspect electrical systems safely and effectively.
The ECIU report also highlights a pipeline of around £455 billion worth of energy infrastructure projects planned or under development across the UK. These include renewable energy generation, electricity network upgrades and wider decarbonisation projects that will require a skilled workforce to deliver.
Organisations such as National Grid and Energy UK have repeatedly highlighted the scale of investment and workforce growth needed to support the UK's transition to a cleaner and more electrified energy system. As homes, transport and businesses become increasingly electrified, demand for qualified electricians is expected to remain strong for years to come.
For adult learners retraining as electricians, the continued growth of the green economy is another reminder that electrical skills are likely to remain in demand across a wide range of sectors, from domestic installations and commercial projects to major national infrastructure developments.
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