The Solar and Storage Live Expo 2024 has once again proven why it’s a vital event for anyone invested in the future of renewable energy. This year saw record-breaking attendance, highlighting the growing interest and commitment to solar power and energy storage solutions. Here’s what stood out to our team as well as some of the event’s most important trends and insights.
Future Opportunities: Growing EU Solar Farm Pipeline
One of the most exciting developments at this year’s expo was the strong interest in expanding the EU’s ground-mounted solar farm pipeline. A diverse range of stakeholders attended, including Solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) manufacturers, O&M (Operations & Maintenance) specialists, and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contractors. This increased participation signals growing investment in large-scale solar projects, particularly across Europe.
Challenges: Addressing the Talent Shortage
While the future looks promising, the industry still faces significant challenges. The most prominent among these is a shortage of skilled workers to fill the required roles. The rapid growth of the solar and energy storage markets has outpaced the supply of specialised professionals, leaving companies scrambling to find the right talent. Many attendees at the expo expressed concerns about this skill shortage and discussed solutions, including the possibility of creating in-house training centres to develop talent from within.
Innovations: The Rise of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
This year, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) were the star of the show. Manufacturers and innovators from around the globe showcased the latest advancements in energy storage technologies, which are critical for stabilising the grid and ensuring a reliable supply of renewable energy. The focus on enhancing BESS indicates a promising future for integrating solar energy into national and regional grids, allowing for more efficient energy use and storage during peak and off-peak times.
Key Takeaways
The Solar and Storage Live Expo 2024 underscored the remarkable growth in the solar and BESS sectors. With increased attendance and engagement from key players in the industry, it’s clear that the future of renewable energy is bright. For us here at ersg, this represents an incredible opportunity to continue our work in these dynamic markets.
As the solar industry positions itself to become the dominant global energy source in the coming decades, ersg remains committed to providing the workforce solutions needed to support this transition. We are excited to be at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution, connecting businesses with the talent that will help power a greener, more sustainable future.
Ready to elevate your solar team?
For all your recruitment needs, connect with Paul Liffen, our Head of Solar - here to help you find the right talent to drive your business forward.