Electrifying our Future: ECA's digital series unveils road to net-zero

[edit] Electrifying Our Future

ECA has launched Electrifying Our Future, a digital series that explores the critical role of the electrical industry in delivering the UK’s net zero ambitions.

With the UK Government committed to clean power by 2030, the pace of electrification is accelerating, but without the right skills, infrastructure, and policy clarity, progress risks being derailed. Electrification is not just about renewable energy and infrastructure investment, it requires a highly skilled workforce and robust safety standards to succeed. As the UK moves towards heat pumps, EVs, and smart energy systems, the need for proper training, clear regulation, and industry-wide collaboration has never been greater.

Electrifying our Future spotlights the key barriers to electrification; from skills shortages to supply chain issues, and outlines the solutions needed to ensure a safe, rapid transition to net zero. The series - made in collaboration with Content With Purpose - explores the enormous opportunity for the sector that electrification presents, as well as the challenges thrown up along the way.

Speaking at the House of Lords launch event, Lord Foster of Bath said:

"Electrical safety is paramount as the speed of electrification increases. Electrifying our Future highlights the aspects needed for a safe energy transition. From consistent support for apprenticeships, clearer guidance from manufacturers, and a continued focus on good regulation as the sector ramps up its efforts to achieve net zero. Without proper training and safety measures, rapid deployment of low carbon technologies could put both workers and consumers at risk."

The series highlights the essential steps needed to scale up efforts in the sector, from addressing the skills gap and improving workforce training to adopting emerging technologies and optimising existing low-carbon systems. By spotlighting the key players, policies, and innovations driving this change, Electrifying our Future provides a roadmap for navigating the challenges ahead and seizing the opportunities of tomorrow’s energy landscape.

Gary Parker, Head of Technical Standards at ECA, shared his insights on the industry’s transformative growth:

“The electrification of the UK’s energy system is creating unprecedented opportunities for electrical contractors. As we diversify into areas like solar, energy storage, and electric vehicles, the industry is positioned to lead in the UK’s transition to net zero. ...., this is an exciting time for the sector, offering both growth and sustainability.”

Electrifying our Future will feature valuable insights and contributions from a wide range of leading organisations in the sector, including Megger, PowerCor, JTL, Calisen, Sync Energy, SES Engineering Services, AMP, Simpro Software, Hispec, NIBE, Rexel UK, Chameleon Technology, ABB Electrification Service and EnergyAce. These organisations demonstrate a shared commitment to advancing the electrical contracting industry’s role in the UK’s decarbonisation efforts, and they are helping shape the future of a more sustainable, electrified economy.

Jane Dawson, Head of External Affairs at ECA, added: “Electrifying our Future sets out the pieces of the jigsaw we need in place to deliver net zero. It highlights the importance of collaboration across government, industry, and educators to build the infrastructure and skills necessary for a decarbonised economy. It goes beyond identifying challenges, offering practical solutions and actionable insights that will help electrical firms embrace opportunities and meet evolving demands. The series underscores the urgency of acting now to equip the workforce for the future, ensuring the industry remains at the forefront of the energy transition.” This digital series also features contributions from leading figures in the electrical and energy sectors, including:

• Mark Coles, Head of Technical Regulations at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
• Andrew Eldred, COO of the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA)
• Robert Birch, Policy Manager at Energy UK
• Luke Osborne, Deputy Technical Director at Electrical Safety First
• Ruth Devine, MBE Managing Director, SJD Associates & Chair, The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership
• Faye Burnett, Programme Director for the Super Sector Installer Programme at Mace Group
• Kelly Butler, Strategy Director at BEAMA
• Gary Parker, Head of Technical Standards at ECA
• Alan Wilson, Managing Director at SELECT

Max Smith, Founder and Managing Director at Content With Purpose, said about the digital series:

“At CWP, we believe storytelling drives change. This digital series was created to spotlight the electrical contracting industry's pivotal role in shaping the UK's future. By addressing essential issues such as skills, safety, and innovation, the series showcases how the sector can drive growth and adapt to emerging challenges. It’s a moment of transformation, and we aim to inspire professionals with insights into the opportunities that lie ahead, from advancing new technologies to strengthening workforce expertise. As the industry evolves, its ability to lead in innovation and resilience will be key to building a safer, more sustainable future.”

The series is available to watch now at contentwithpurpose.co.uk/eca/electrifyingourfuture and is set to be a valuable resource for industry professionals, businesses, and policymakers seeking to understand the role of electrical contractors in the UK’s electrification journey.

This article appears on the ECA news and blogsite as 'Electrifying our Future: ECA's digital series unveils road to net-zero' dated 27 February, 2025.

--ECA

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