It has been six months since world leaders gathered in Baku, Azerbaijan, for COP29. The summit was branded the “Finance COP” for its focus on climate funding and international support for energy transition. But beyond the headlines, what impact is it actually having?
As we approach the halfway point of 2025, now is the right time to assess how the outcomes of COP29 are influencing the renewable energy sector and what this means for infrastructure, hiring and investment.
At Navitas Resourcing Group, we work closely with energy businesses across the UK, Europe and the United States. Here are the five key lessons from COP29 that are still shaping the energy landscape this year.
1. Climate Finance Is Moving, but Gaps Remain
One of the biggest announcements at COP29 was the agreement to triple climate finance for developing countries, targeting $300 billion annually by 2035. While this has helped unlock some investment, there is still a shortfall compared to the estimated $1.3 trillion needed each year to meet global energy goals.
For renewable developers and technology providers, access to funding is improving, but many projects still face delays due to financial uncertainty, particularly in emerging markets.
2. Renewable Energy Capacity Targets Are Driving Action
The global commitment to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030, reaffirmed at COP29, continues to push governments and private companies to act quickly. We are seeing this translate into fast-tracked offshore wind, solar and battery storage projects.
This acceleration is creating intense demand for skilled professionals, especially in grid connection, project management and electrical engineering.
3. Carbon Markets Are Evolving, but Slowly
COP29 brought renewed clarity on carbon trading rules under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. While implementation is ongoing, this has increased interest in voluntary carbon markets and offset schemes, particularly from companies with net zero targets.
The wider impact of this on the renewable sector will depend on how these markets develop in the second half of the year, but already we are seeing more organisations seeking sustainability consultants and ESG analysts to align with upcoming frameworks.
4. Grid and Storage Commitments Are Influencing Infrastructure Priorities
One of the more concrete outcomes from COP29 was the launch of the Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge, with plans to deploy 1,500 GW of storage and expand or renew 25 million kilometres of grids by 2030.
This is already being reflected in workforce trends. Roles related to battery systems, HV infrastructure, grid modernisation and interconnection are all in growing demand. Clients are increasingly looking for candidates with experience across both traditional and renewable systems.
5. Workforce Shortages Remain a Bottleneck
Perhaps the most pressing issue left unresolved is the talent shortage. With the pace of project development outstripping the availability of experienced professionals, organisations must think long-term about their workforce strategy.
At Navitas, we are helping companies bridge this gap by:
- Sourcing passive candidates with highly transferable skills
- Advising on workforce planning for 2025 and beyond
- Supporting cross-border hiring where local shortages exist
From Pledges to Delivery
COP29 set the tone for renewable energy expansion over the next five years, but it is clear that success will rely not just on policy or finance, but on people. The projects being approved now will require the right teams to deliver them at scale and speed.
If you are growing your renewable energy, storage or infrastructure team in 2025, now is the time to act.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your current and future hiring needs. Please see our contact details below!
