Does the lower pay scales in renewable energy lead to less talented people within the industry?

Does the lower pay scales in renewable energy lead to less talented people within the industry?

I am often contacted by candidates working within the more traditional areas of coal-fired power generation, mining, oil and gas who are looking to transition into renewable energy as they can see a brighter future in this sector.  One of my first questions is always around salary expectations as it is a fact of life that renewables do not pay as high as the more traditional sectors. At this stage, people either balk at the salary on offer or reconcile that they will take a pay cut in order to get into the industry.  I would estimate that about 60% of candidates drop out at this point.

This has got me thinking

Do the lower rates of pay in the renewable energy sector impact the talent pool in a negative way?

The obvious conclusion would be to say yes – the fewer people who are willing to get into the sector the lower the standard of the talent pool available.  But I’m not so sure it’s as simple as that.

Renewable energy is an industry that is not for the faint-hearted – false dawns, political instability, huge highs and massive lows – not to mention the Murdoch press!

But despite the lower pay, reduced talent pool, unstable nature of the sector and bad press, our industry attracts some the best and brightest individuals in our society.  How can this be?

People get into renewable energy because they are truly passionate about making a difference and leaving a better world for future generations. It’s not all altruism of course and there is a tidy profit to be made but at its core, the industry is motivated by reasons other than money.  I am not sure the same can be said about the coal-fired generation, mining or oil and gas.

We need to exploit this competitive advantage and ensure that anyone looking to make the transition into renewables (for the right reasons) is welcomed with open arms.  It then becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy as the more passionate, motivated and talented people we attract, the more passionate, motivated and talented people feel they can make the move.