As countries accelerate electrification by expanding renewable energy and modernizing aging power grids, it is becoming clear, as Vincent Dessalle explores, that the energy transition will be built not just on infrastructure but also on the workforce.
Investment levels, supply chains and new technologies are frequently talked about in this space. But the most decisive variable in achieving climate change and electrification goals may be something far more human: the skilled technicians responsible for installing and maintaining the vast network of cable systems, joints, connections, and components that keep the power grid running.
In many regions, utilities are facing increased demand for new grid connections and upgrades, while the workforce needed to run them is under unprecedented strain. As the power grid evolves, retirement is accelerating and training requirements are becoming more complex. This is not a trivial issue. Even if material supply and funding keep up with demand, the lack of qualified field technicians threatens to bottleneck the entire energy transition. Without a workforce that can safely and efficiently install and maintain new infrastructure, ambitious electrification goals will remain unachievable.
This raises important questions about how the industry can enable existing and future employees to perform at their best.
Designed with people in mind
One answer lies in rethinking how tools, components, and processes are designed. For decades, many field products have been designed primarily for technical performance, often overlooking the practical realities that technicians encounter in the field. Harsh working conditions, heavy components, repetitive motions, non-intuitive assembly procedures, and high physical demands are common.
Human-centered design changes the way people need to interact. This approach allows the product to better adapt to the engineer, rather than expecting the engineer to adapt to the product. It starts with understanding the actual working conditions: how the installer moves, where the strain occurs, which steps lead to errors, and what slows down the work. By giving engineers the opportunity to share their insights early in product development, developers are empowered to implement changes that bring immediate benefits.
Recent years have seen advances in components with clearer interfaces, reduced installation steps, safer handling, and lighter or streamlined options that minimize fatigue. Even simple adjustments like more intuitive packaging or easier transportation mechanisms can reduce friction during installation and support a more resilient workforce. These improvements may be low-tech, but they have a positive impact on the way we work. This reduces errors, shortens the learning curve, and increases consistency in installation quality across teams with varying levels of experience.
A digital layer that improves on-site performance
But physical design is just one aspect of employee empowerment. As grids become more complex and pressures for speed and accuracy increase, digital technology is emerging as an integral part of human expertise.
For example, AI-powered mobile tools are transforming the way installation quality is verified. Rather than relying solely on manual inspection, technicians can capture images with standard devices and receive guided feedback in real time. This reduces the possibility of errors, supports less experienced workers, and significantly speeds up the validation process.
At the same time, augmented reality (AR) is reshaping on-site training and installation workflows. By overlaying digital guidance onto physical equipment, AR allows technicians to see exactly how components should be placed, the order of each step, and whether the installation meets the required standards. It also opens the door to remote assistance, allowing experts to support teams in the field without having to travel. This has proven to be a huge advantage when working in remote areas or in case of emergency repairs.
The result is a shift from reactive problem solving to proactive accuracy. Engineers gain confidence, utilities gain reliability, and the entire system becomes safer and more resilient.
Building a future-ready workforce
These advances share a common philosophy: technology should enhance human capabilities, not replace them. The energy transition will not only require more talent on the ground, it will also require smarter and more empowering ways of working. For companies across the energy ecosystem, this means investing in tools and design processes, as well as providing more accessible training tailored to the employees they operate. You can do this by reducing the complexity of critical tasks and giving your teams the digital support they need to make informed decisions in real-time.
Most importantly, it means recognizing that human capabilities are strategic tools, not soft factors. The reliability of the grid is determined by the people who build and maintain it. As electrification efforts intensify, the industry must prioritize employee empowerment with the same urgency it prioritizes materials and technology.
The future of electrification will not only be determined by what is installed, but also by who installs it and how. Companies that put people at the center of their innovation strategy will be best positioned to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
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