People Powered Profile: Ian Curry – Wind2 & Solar2

Mel Noble, Senior Recruitment Partner for Astute People’s Renewables desk, recently spoke with Ian Curry, Technical Director at Wind2 & Solar2, for insight into onshore wind careers UK-wide and the market shaping them.

In this interview, Ian shares insights on the evolving UK renewable energy market, industry challenges, and career opportunities.

How Is the UK Renewable Energy Market Evolving Over the Next 5–10 Years?

The UK renewable energy market is facing both opportunities and challenges. Government policies opening up England and Wales are boosting onshore wind development, and with it, onshore wind careers UK-wide. At the same time, NESO’s grid reforms are creating complexity, particularly around planning and costs. Despite this, the UK’s ambition for clean power by 2030 is driving growth, especially in wind energy, thanks to abundant wind resources.

What Does the Industry Need to Achieve the 2030 Net-Zero Goals?

Grid infrastructure is the critical challenge. Expanding the grid within five years is ambitious due to planning constraints and public resistance to new energy installations. Overcoming the “not-in-my-backyard” mindset and updating planning policies will be essential for meeting net-zero targets.

How Do Advancements in Turbine Technology Impact Development Strategy?

Innovations in turbine technology, particularly for lower wind speed areas, align with Wind2 & Solar2’s focus on England. These advancements help optimize development where high wind resource areas, such as Scotland, are largely developed. Certification processes take time, but adapting turbines for varied conditions is a smart strategy for sustainable growth.

How Is Technology Shaping Onshore Wind Careers UK and Development?

While AI is a popular topic, Wind2 & Solar2 primarily leverage modern software and machine learning to streamline workflows, process opportunities, and evaluate projects efficiently. These technologies enhance adaptability and project accuracy, helping the team navigate the challenges of the UK renewable energy market.

What Are the Biggest Recruitment Challenges Facing Onshore Wind Careers UK-Wide?

The main challenge is finding candidates who fit the company culture. In the UK’s employee-driven market, it’s crucial to partner with a recruitment firm like Astute People, which understands the sector and can filter candidates effectively. Cultural fit and genuine interest in renewable energy are more important than generic CVs.

Advice for Candidates Entering Onshore Wind Careers UK-Wide

The renewable energy industry offers diverse roles, from graphic designers to aerodynamicists. To stand out, candidates must be courageous, genuine, and proactive in connecting with industry experts. Practical experience and self-awareness outweigh theoretical knowledge, making sincerity and curiosity the key differentiators. Our guide to in-demand UK renewable energy roles covers the range of positions available.

What Excites You Most About the Future of Renewable Energy?

Ian highlights the focus on optimizing operational assets sustainably and efficiently. End-of-life schemes for turbines present opportunities for innovation, such as repurposing components for construction. Advancements in electricity management and storage are poised to revolutionize the industry, similar to breakthroughs seen in information technology.

Advice for Companies Expanding Into Onshore Wind Careers UK Markets

The UK market presents opportunities and challenges, including skills shortages and supply chain complexities. Companies should partner with local firms to navigate regulatory and planning hurdles. Innovating and modernizing old practices can reduce costs and accelerate renewable energy deployment. Explore more on wind energy recruitment trends for strategic insights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Onshore Wind Careers UK

What roles are available in onshore wind careers UK-wide?
The sector is broader than most people expect, spanning technical roles like aerodynamicists and engineers through to graphic designers, project managers and commercial specialists. Ian’s own emphasis is on cultural fit and genuine curiosity mattering as much as a specific technical background.

What’s driving growth in onshore wind careers UK-wide right now?
Government policy changes opening up development in England and Wales, alongside the UK’s 2030 clean power ambitions, are increasing demand for onshore wind talent even as grid capacity and planning constraints remain a challenge.

How can candidates stand out when applying for onshore wind careers UK-wide?
Practical experience, self-awareness and proactive networking with industry experts count for more than theoretical knowledge alone. Working with a specialist recruiter who understands the sector also helps match candidates to the right cultural fit.

Interested in onshore wind careers UK-wide? Explore current job opportunities and take the next step in your career.