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Significant global investment in energy infrastructure drove a 2.2% rise in energy-sector employment last year, nearly double the rate of job growth in the broader world economy, according to a new IEA report

The World Energy Employment 2025 report, released today, shows that the global energy workforce reached 76 million in 2024, an increase of over five million roles since 2019. Over the last five years, the energy sector has contributed 2.4% of all net new jobs created worldwide.

The power sector has been a key driver of this growth, accounting for three quarters of recent employment gains and now ranking as the largest employer in energy, overtaking fuel supply. Solar PV remains a major driver, complemented by expanding employment in nuclear power, electricity grids, and energy storage. As electrification spreads across industries, roles in EV manufacturing and battery production surged by nearly 800,000 in 2024.

Fossil fuel employment remained resilient throughout the year. Coal-sector jobs rose in India, China, and Indonesia, lifting coal employment 8% above 2019 levels despite sharp declines in advanced economies. The oil and gas industry has regained most of the jobs lost in 2020, although low prices and economic uncertainty have triggered some workforce reductions in 2025. Early data suggest that overall energy-sector employment growth may moderate to 1.3% this year, as tight labour markets and geopolitical tensions prompt caution among employers.

Despite the sector’s strong growth, the report highlights a worsening shortage of skilled workers. More than half of the 700 companies, unions, and training institutions surveyed through the IEA’s Energy Employment Survey reported critical recruitment bottlenecks that could delay infrastructure projects, slow major initiatives, and increase system costs.

“Energy has been one of the strongest and most consistent engines of job creation in the global economy during a period marked by significant uncertainties,” said IEA executive director Fatih Birol. “But this momentum cannot be taken for granted. The world’s ability to build the energy infrastructure it needs depends on having enough skilled workers in place. Governments, industry and training institutions must come together to close the labour and skills gap. Left unaddressed, these shortages could slow progress, raise costs and weaken energy security.”

Technical and applied roles such as electricians, pipefitters, line workers, plant operators, and nuclear engineers are particularly hard to fill. These occupations have added 2.5 million jobs since 2019 and now represent more than half of the global energy workforce, more than double their share of total employment across the wider economy.

Demographic pressures are also intensifying. In advanced economies, 2.4 energy-sector workers are nearing retirement for every new entrant under 25. Nuclear and grid-related professions face some of the steepest ageing challenges, with retirement-to-new-entrant ratios of 1.7 and 1.4 to 1, respectively.

At the same time, the supply of newly trained workers is insufficient to meet demand. To prevent the skills gap from widening by 2030, the number of new qualified energy workers globally must increase by 40%. Achieving this would require an additional US$2.6bn per year, less than 0.1% of total global education spending.

The report stresses that policy action can help address these challenges. Respondents identified training costs, foregone wages, and limited awareness of programmes as major barriers to entry. Effective measures include financial incentives for learners, expanded apprenticeship schemes, increased private-sector participation in curriculum design, and investment in training facilities. Reskilling within the sector is also essential. While some regions are already seeing declines in fossil fuel employment, targeted retraining programmes could help workers transition to fast-growing areas of the energy system.

Ariston Middle East is preparing to showcase its newest line-up of innovative, future-ready and sustainable water-heating solutions at Big 5 Global 2025, taking place from 24-28 November at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The company’s latest technologies will be featured in Hall 3, Stand 3A131, within the pavilion of regional distributor MAHY Khoory, reinforcing Ariston’s long-standing brand promise: “The Home of Sustainable Comfort.”

“The Big 5 Global stands as the construction industry's most important and influential gathering, firmly rooted in Dubai,” said Alberto Torner, Head of International Markets (AMEA) at Ariston Group. “Thermal comfort has historically placed a significant burden on electrical networks and contributed to CO₂ emissions. As a global specialist with a 95-year heritage and leadership in over 40 countries, it is our responsibility to guide the conversation around energy transition. At Big 5, we are proud to showcase three innovative solutions that highlight the sustainability-driven technology embedded across our range.”

Taking centre stage at the exhibition is one of Ariston’s advanced heat-pump water-heating systems, the Nuos FIT. This compact thermodynamic water heater extracts heat from the surrounding air to dramatically reduce electricity consumption, delivering up to 50 per cent energy savings compared to traditional electric models. Using the environmentally friendly R290 refrigerant, it performs effectively across a wide temperature range from +7 °C to +42 °C and can achieve storage temperatures of 62 °C without relying on a backup heater. Four operating modes — Green, Green Plus, Boost and i-Memory — along with smart remote control via the Ariston NET app, further enhance efficiency and convenience.

Ariston will also feature the Velis Tech WiFi, an electrical water heater engineered to reduce energy use without compromising performance. With an ultra-slim 27 centimetre depth and twin-tank configuration, it offers faster heating and increased hot-water availability. Its ECO EVO mode intelligently learns household patterns to deliver up to 25 per cent energy savings, while the Boost function heats both tanks rapidly to 80 °C. Wi-Fi connectivity allows users to manage scheduling, monitor consumption and adjust settings through the Ariston NET app.

Completing the line-up is the PRO1 Eco, introduced earlier this year in the UAE. Powered by the patented CoreTECH-enabled ECO EVO system, it analyses daily usage habits to heat water only when needed. This results in up to 14 per cent reduced energy consumption while ensuring continuous comfort, making it well suited to sustainability-focused homes.

“We remain committed to leading the market through continuous innovation and product excellence,” Alberto Torner, Head of International Markets (AMEA) at Ariston Group concluded. “With 45 years of strong presence in the GCC, our comprehensive portfolio is perfectly aligned with the region’s sustainability goals. We invite all attendees of Big 5 Global 2025 to visit us in Hall 3 and experience our next-generation water-heating technologies firsthand.”

Mohamed Amer, managing director of ICC MENA, highlights how GCC nations are integrating transparency, verification, and sustainability across construction, materials, and urban development.

Across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), from the dynamic skylines of Riyadh and Dubai to the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s ambitious net-zero strategies, the region is constructing a future-oriented built environment while setting global benchmarks

As governments, developers, and manufacturers embrace more responsible building practices, one principle is becoming increasingly critical: transparency is emerging as the cornerstone for credible sustainability initiatives.

In a region where development is rapid and ambitions are vast, this shift toward transparent sustainability is both timely and necessary.

From vision to verification

National strategies such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy place environmental stewardship at the centre of economic transformation. These are not mere symbolic gestures but structural commitments aimed at securing a sustainable future.

Governments and designated demand drivers are establishing measurable, time-bound targets. For instance, the UAE’s Federal Decree Law requires companies emitting 500,000 tons or more of carbon dioxide annually to monitor and report greenhouse gas emissions. These metrics ensure accountability through verified progress, with commitments being evidenced and enforced.

Construction firms and other stakeholders are expected to substantiate sustainability goals with certifications, lifecycle assessments, and emissions data. Authorities are increasingly mandating environmental product declarations and embodied carbon thresholds, aiming to confirm that buildings are efficient and resilient. Embedding transparency throughout the construction lifecycle—from design and procurement to operation and decommissioning, enhances accountability and ensures tangible results.

Sustainable construction requires measurable change

According to a PwC report, sustainable technologies in the built environment could reduce lifecycle emissions by more than 50% across the MENA region. Meeting this challenge demands a fundamental transformation in how buildings are designed, sourced, constructed, and operated.

Material selection is therefore crucial, and maintaining traceability throughout the supply chain is a top priority. While low-carbon concrete, recycled steel, and bio-based alternatives are increasingly accessible, independently verified data is essential to ensure that these choices achieve the intended outcomes.

The International Code Council (ICC) supports the creation of compliance ecosystems grounded in science, transparency, verifiability, and enforceability. The International Codes® (I-Codes) assist jurisdictions in adopting actionable sustainability frameworks that provide enforceable standards, clear guidance, and measurable results. The ICC’s solutions ranging from training and certification to product testing, accreditation services, and digital compliance tools offer a comprehensive pathway to help stakeholders implement sustainability objectives effectively. A robust compliance ecosystem ensures that materials, systems, and processes meet regulatory requirements while remaining safe, high-performing, and sustainable throughout their lifecycle.

Conformity assessment organisations, including the ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES), play a key role by providing independent verification of product performance, structural integrity, fire ratings, and sustainability claims. ICC-ES enhances transparency and verifiability through Evaluation Reports (ESR), Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), and Verification of Attributes Reports (VAR).

An opportunity for the GCC to demonstrate regional leadership

The GCC is uniquely positioned to lead in transparent sustainability. Rapid urbanisation, iconic megaprojects, and growing international influence mean that today’s construction decisions will shape the region’s environmental legacy for generations.

The UAE has established energy efficiency standards for buildings, while Saudi Arabia invests in net-zero cities such as NEOM. Oman, collaborating with ICC, is developing national building codes aligned with global best practices and adapted to local requirements.

The I-Codes remain central, providing rigorous frameworks for material performance, energy conservation, water efficiency, and more. This integrated approach fosters a cohesive system that encourages the highest standards of safety, quality, and innovation across the construction industry.

As Mohamed Amer said, “The buildings we construct today will stand for decades. It is important that transparent sustainability is embedded in the entire regulatory ecosystem that governs construction.” Achieving this requires up-to-date building codes, certified product evaluations, inspections, training, and continuous professional development to ensure lasting impact.

Strong partnerships between mines and their supply partners are built on optimising the health of productive assets, which remain at the core of operational efficiency. Collaboration and partnership need to add value on both sides; where insufficient value is created, there can be little room for meaningful collaboration.

FLS’s strategy begins with a strong global footprint, ensuring proximity to its customer base. This allows for not only quick response times but also proactive maintenance strategies. Regular visits and continuous engagement support asset health beyond the traditional reactive approach.

A proactive stance brings benefits such as ongoing performance monitoring, training, and skills transfer – all of which contribute to long-term productivity and improved asset performance.

Beyond the capital acquisition stage, productive partnerships also enhance adaptability of the operation to the changing characteristics of ore bodies over time. These changes affect key feed parameters and influence the consumption of water, power, and reagents.

Partnerships are also rooted in a shared commitment to sustainability and in reducing the environmental impact of mining and processing activity. This includes minimising carbon emissions through energy efficiency. This means making the most of equipment capacity through technology that enhances efficient operation while increasing throughput. Leveraging advanced technology, such as LoadIQ mill scanner technology, enables operations to optimise mill capacity – delivering greater throughput from the same asset and power draw.

Research and development are critical drivers of these sustainability efforts. Innovations such as FLS’s NexGen polyurethane screen panels are extending wear life by up to four times, supporting more efficient operations with longer periods between replacement and maintenance. This improves plant uptime, boosts efficiency, and ensures capital investment delivers the best value while minimising operating costs.

Recycling of wear parts is another important element of responsible asset management. While technologies like composite liners extend lifespan, eventual replacement is inevitable. FLS’s circular economy approach includes solutions for recycling worn liners, reducing waste in the value chain and supporting customers in meeting their sustainability requirements.

Digital advancements also play a vital role. FLS’s PerformanceIQ® provides a holistic platform that integrates asset health and performance monitoring. By linking condition monitoring and asset health, the platform ensures optimal performance. Continuous monitoring helps shift asset management from a reactive to a proactive approach, reducing downtime and enhancing overall productivity. AI and digital solutions empower operators with better insights, enabling data-driven decision making and proactive maintenance strategies.

Through these combined initiatives, FLS reinforces its role as a trusted partner, supporting mines in achieving sustainable productivity while optimising the health and performance of their assets.

SMS group has successfully completed a major modernisation project at Gulf Aluminium Rolling Mill B.S.C. (GARMCO), a leading aluminum producer based in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, upgrading the motors and drives in the one-stand reversing hot rolling mill

Originally built by a third-party supplier, the mill has now been restored to full operational capacity and equipped to meet future demands in aluminum processing.

The upgrade replaced outdated DC motors with three-phase AC motors and advanced drive technology, including variable frequency drive systems powered by active front ends and new transformers. The new drive system delivers 20% higher torque than the original design, significantly enhancing the mill’s aluminum processing capabilities.

“The completion of this modernisation project is a testament to our commitment to maintaining world-class operational standards. SMS group’s expertise and advanced technological solutions have provided us with greater reliability and efficiency in our hot mill operations,” said Ebrahim Khalil, executive manager Operations at GARMCO.

The project scope was comprehensive, covering plant engineering, electrics and automation, equipment procurement and manufacturing, as well as installation and commissioning supervision. At the heart of the modernisation was SMS’s innovative twin-motor drive train equipment, featuring a custom gearbox to combine two electric motors with a rated power of 2150 KWs each, paired with two SMS giant torque spindles. The design offers high power capability, reduces space requirements, lowers investment costs, and provides some operational redundancy.

Additional equipment included the X-Pact Drive low-voltage frequency converter for the entry and exit coilers, a medium-voltage converter operated in load share mode, and transformers to supply the new systems. The equipment was tailored to GARMCO’s demanding operations, which include producing aluminum coils, tread plates, slit coils, and foils for industrial applications such as packaging and heat exchange systems.

The modernisation strengthens the collaboration between GARMCO and SMS group. This is the first joint project of this scale, reflecting SMS’s reputation for high-performance, reliable solutions with optimised technical features and superior power efficiency. The new drive system provides enhanced torque across the full speed range, a critical factor for rolling operations requiring high torque at elevated speeds.

“The project highlights the strong partnership between both companies and demonstrates how innovative solutions can elevate operational efficiency,” the SMS team noted.

Having previously supported GARMCO with technical services for its scalper machine, SMS group has built a foundation of trust and collaboration. With the hot rolling mill now modernized, GARMCO is well-positioned to deliver sustained operational excellence and produce high-quality aluminum products for its global customers.

At the 2025 Dubai Airshow, Emirates SkyCargo and Abu Dhabi-based LODD Autonomous signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the development and deployment of next-generation air cargo solutions

The MoU was formalised by Badr Abbas, divisional senior vice-president, Emirates SkyCargo, and Rashid Al Manai, CEO, LODD Autonomous.

Under the agreement, the two companies will validate the use of VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft across Emirates SkyCargo’s global network. Activities include feasibility studies, regulatory engagement, and live demonstrations. Leveraging four decades of logistics expertise, Emirates SkyCargo will participate in LODD’s experimental operations through 2027, providing insight to guide design and development toward potential commercial deployment in regional and global markets.

The collaboration follows LODD’s successful first test flight of Hili, a fully autonomous hybrid heavy-lift cargo aircraft capable of carrying up to 250 kilograms over distances of 700 km. Emirates SkyCargo is evaluating Hili for integration into its ground fleet to optimise operations across its dual airport hub.

“This partnership with LODD is a reflection of our commitment to introduce innovative products that solve our customer’s transportation challenges. Emerging technologies will form the foundation of the next era of logistics, and Emirates SkyCargo will be at the forefront of this movement, investing our experience and expertise into the development of innovations that drive tangible impact. We look forward to collaborating with LODD to explore the potential development and deployment of this UAE-built technology,” stated Badr Abbas.

Rashid Mattar Al Manai added, “The UAE’s vision is built on harnessing innovation to propel everyday life forward. Our collaboration with Emirates SkyCargo blends LODD Autonomous’s frontier technologies with the country’s enduring commitment to safe, scalable, and sustainable logistics. Together, we will accelerate the adoption of drone-powered solutions that expand reach, cut delivery times, and strengthen the UAE’s position as a global logistics hub while upholding the highest standards of safety and regulatory excellence.”

Emirates SkyCargo has long prioritised advancing the logistics ecosystem. Operating to over 150 destinations with a widebody fleet exceeding 260 aircraft, the airline has consistently set new benchmarks in global logistics. Earlier this year, it launched Emirates Courier Express, a door-to-door delivery service that merges its cargo division’s logistics expertise with the passenger fleet network.

LODD is transforming civilian logistics through state-of-the-art unmanned and autonomous aerial vehicles and AI-enabled software that simplify operations, reduce costs, improve sustainability, and accelerate deliveries. Supported by the Advanced Technology Research Council, Hili exemplifies the UAE’s national commitment to investing in technology ecosystems—from strategy and research to real-world application.