Episode 99: Liz Allan and Matt Adams - Preparing a Skilled Workforce for a Net Zero Future

Episode 99: Liz Allan and Matt Adams -  Preparing a Skilled Workforce for a Net Zero Future.

Liz Allan speaks to Matt Adams, Transport Policy Officer at the Association for Renewable Energy & Clean Technology (REA). They delve into the urgent need to address the skills gaps in the net zero sector, emphasising that education and training must start early and extend across all age groups. Matt shines a spotlight on the work of the REA, which now boasts around 500 members covering 11 technology areas, including bioenergy, solar, hydrogen, and electric vehicle charging. They aim to boost renewable energy generation and achieve a net zero system. Matt also elaborates on the association's grid connections and charge point installations approach. They discuss vehicle-to-grid technology, which allows power to be sent from cars back to the grid or battery storage units and how this could significantly balance energy demand and offer potential financial benefits for EV owners.

Matt Adams Bio:
Matt Adams is a dedicated professional with a deep interest in the intersection of transportation and renewable energy, as the Transport Policy Manager at the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA). His work at REA is instrumental in engaging with government departments to address and resolve critical issues such as grid connections, charge point installations, and policy barriers within the renewable energy sector. He actively facilitates working groups and policy forums, contributing to developing solutions that enhance the EV market and related technologies.

Matt Adams Links:
Website: https://www.r-e-a.net/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-adams-5187a3199
Twitter: https://x.com/REAssociation

Episode Keywords:
Net zero skills, skills gaps, primary school outreach, technical colleges, centres of excellence, upskilling programmes, reskilling programs, Welsh government free courses, workforce upscale, fossil fuel jobs transition, Renewable Energy Associatio