Empowering the Future: Building Data and AI Capabilities for a Sustainable Energy Sector

The energy transition isn't just about new technologies—it's about the people who make them work. But an ongoing—and widening—skills gap is threatening essential infrastructure modernisation in the UK's Energy and Utilities sector. We partnered with a leading UK utility company that is facing this exact challenge. Together, we launched a Data Talent Programme, an initiative to transform institutional data and AI capabilities while building a workforce ready to support a decarbonised economy.

The Challenge

Our client was navigating a rapidly evolving energy landscape. The demand for clean, renewable energy was growing, but several obstacles stood in their way. Inconsistent natural resources and ageing infrastructure, a significant skills gap in data and AI, plus the need for top talent to harness data and AI.

Ageing infrastructure struggled to integrate with new renewable sources that depended on inconsistent natural resources like wind and solar. Behind these technical challenges lay a more fundamental problem: 72% of UK companies reported data and AI skills shortages in 2024, creating fierce competition for talent.

Yet these capabilities were exactly what our client needed most—professionals who could optimise energy distribution, predict equipment failures before they happened, and protect increasingly digital systems from cyber threats. 

Our Approach: Data & Talent Connectivity

The Data Talent Programme took shape through four interconnected workstreams: 

1. Skills Mapping: Created a comprehensive skills taxonomy, increasing visibility of data skills. 
2. Community Mobilisation: Launched a refreshed, engaging and ambitious data strategy, including new tools, and Communities of Practice to unite the data community. 
3. Talent Retention: Developed a Data and AI Skills Framework and Knowledge Management Hub to foster employee growth and create a culture of continuous learning.  
4. Strategic Alignment: Conducted workforce analysis to inform talent development and acquisition.

The Impact

The numbers tell an important story:

• Alignment to data roles increased by 340% across all business units and functions 
• 97% of users gained clarity on the required skills for career development 
• Opportunity equality improved once hidden talent became visible  

But the real impact of the Data Talent Programme runs even deeper: Employees gained new tools (and the confidence to wield them) while developing their skills. A narrative emerged connecting data to a greener future, generating enthusiasm for building these data and AI capabilities. 

Plus, the programme enabled initiatives that directly support environmental goals: 

• The WhaleWatch project, which uses deep data expertise to assess the impact of marine traffic on whale populations, supporting environmental sustainability 
• An AI-powered solar nowcasting partnership to improve renewable energy forecasting and system balancing 
• Advanced demand prediction models that are helping to plan the grid of the future

Next Steps for Energy Sector Leaders

• Adapting to the future of energy & utilities will make you more than just compliant, it will make you competitive. If you’re missing the skills your organisation needs to make this happen, here are a few steps to get you started: 

  • Assess where you stand today: Map your current data and AI capabilities against future needs. 
  • Invest in community: Technical skills matter, but building a collaborative data community within your organisation multiplies the impact of top talent. 
  • Develop clear career paths: Data professionals need to see how they can grow within your organisation need to see how they can grow within your organisation. 
  • Align with purpose: Connect data and AI initiatives with your strategic business objectives and sustainability goals. 

  Is your organisation ready to harness the power of data and AI for a sustainable future? Contact us today to begin your journey towards data-driven innovation and efficiency in the energy sector.