27/06/2024
A growing European movement for a community-driven energy transition
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Unlocking Europe’s industrial transformation: a pathway to a competitive and inclusive net-zero economy
Maintaining Europe’s industrial competitiveness while leading the way to climate neutrality poses significant economic, technological and social hurdles. This transformation demands not only substantial investment and innovation but also a fundamental rethinking of existing industrial practices and workforce skills, ensuring the green future is built on secure, decent jobs for all.
In this context, amidst global discussions around climate change and energy independence, the announcement of a new Clean Industrial Deal emerges as one of Europe’s pathways for sustainable prosperity and competitiveness. It underscores the urgency of a green re-industrialisation—transforming the industrial landscape to support comprehensive decarbonisation and boost global competitiveness.
While this journey is complex and fraught with challenges, the imperative is clear: to mitigate the impacts of climate change, protect public health, and secure long-term economic resilience. Europe needs an industrial strategy to deliver on the commitments set out in the European Green Deal.
Supporting green technologies and innovation
To drive a clean industrial transformation, we’re working with our partners across Europe to ensure clean technologies are embedded into broader modernisation and investment plans. In addition to advancing the decarbonisation of heavy industries, we’re focused on an economy-wide shift to clean power and renewable energy infrastructure.
In Poland, we launched the Wind Industry Hub Foundation to support the growth of the wind sector, which could supply over half the country’s energy needs. The Hub aims to strengthen Poland’s industrial base, enhance energy security, and boost the role of Polish companies in the European supply chain. In partnership with the Polish Wind Energy Association, we’re building a strong industrial and service base for wind energy.
We’re also focused on decarbonising Europe’s food production systems, a major source of emissions. At the Anuga FoodTec trade fair this year, we co-hosted a series of thought leadership events with the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) and the German energy efficiency network DENEFF to showcase how electrification and energy-efficient technologies can reduce emissions in the food supply chain. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to engage with and support industries in adopting green technologies to lower carbon footprints and improve efficiency.
A fair shift for the workforce
While technological and regulatory challenges are critical, the social impact of the green transition cannot be overlooked. As fossil fuel-dependent industries transform or decline, new sectors emerge, raising concerns about deindustrialisation and job security. To address these challenges, we are committed to ensuring that the green transition is socially inclusive.
In line with this, one of our key initiatives involves amplifying the voices of those who are already benefiting from this transformation. For example, in Spain, the Green Voices initiative led by our partners at Harmon captured the stories of 18 individuals navigating the shift to green jobs. Shared across media platforms, these stories sparked national conversations on green employment, generating over 510,000 social media impressions and 20+ TV and radio interviews.
In parallel, we supported the creation of the Climate Labor Alliance for Sustainable Mobility in Italy, connecting trade unions, companies and workers in the automotive sector with expert partners from our network like WWF and Transport & Environment (T&E). This initiative helps foster a collaborative and constructive dialogue about the opportunities, challenges, and tensions in the industrial transition, helping to build trust between labour and climate advocates.
Reskilling for a green future
From new job opportunities to reskilling and innovation in traditional sectors, we’re committed to showing that a green economy can drive sustainable prosperity. Across Europe, we’re focusing on workers transitioning to green industries like renewable energy and sustainable transport, aiming to inspire others to embrace these opportunities.
In Italy, we facilitated discussions among economists, industrial associations, unions, media and decision-makers to explore the energy transition’s impact on jobs, showcasing real-life success stories of those already benefiting. Organised by the Symbola think tank, these events highlighted both the challenges and opportunities for workers and companies in a low-carbon economy.
Similarly in Poland, in partnership with the Polish Wind Energy Association, we highlighted green job opportunities for miners by sharing real testimonies of those retraining as wind turbine technicians. Supported by a poll showing strong public backing for green jobs, this initiative reached over 35 million people, raising widespread awareness and engagement on the potential of green jobs in the country.
Meanwhile, we’re also prioritising worker inclusion, with Fundación Generation Spain leading training efforts for emerging green jobs in Spain. Their solar panel installation program, launched in 2022, has successfully trained and placed many individuals in the renewable energy sector, offering long-term career opportunities, especially for young people and those seeking new skills.
Next steps: a just and green transition
A green industrial transformation presents Europe with a unique opportunity to reduce its carbon footprint, boost economic growth, and enhance global competitiveness. By building political consensus and securing the necessary investments, we can unlock the co-benefits of a green economy—whether through job creation, new technologies, or clean investments—making Europe an industrial powerhouse for climate-friendly manufacturing and innovation.
Key to this shift is reskilling workers for emerging industries, supported by social protections to ensure no one is left behind. A comprehensive policy that combines decarbonisation, competitiveness, and social equality will help Europe lead the fight against climate change while ensuring long-term economic resilience. Policymakers must act now to create a just transition framework with a bold, socially responsible industrial policy.