A new study conducted by the Fondazione MAIRE – ETS, in collaboration with international market research company IPSOS, has revealed that the energy transition is gaining momentum in countries with fossil-based economies such as Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. The study, titled “Climate goals: winning the challenge of climate goals through the creation of skills and competences worldwide. Addendum 1: focus Azerbaijan – Kazakhstan”, was launched during COP29 in Baku.
The 2024 edition of the study, which covers 12 countries across 4 continents and includes over 2,000 interviews, highlights the growing awareness of the importance of the energy transition and its potential benefits for the environment, economy, and society. The study was sponsored by MAIRE’s subsidiaries NEXTCHEM and TECNIMONT, and was conducted to gauge the international community’s understanding of the energy transition and the necessary skills and competences needed to support it.
The study found that respondents believe in the long-term value and positive impact of the energy transition, despite the perceived short-term challenges and costs. It also reveals that the countries facing the greatest challenges in transitioning to a sustainable economy, based on renewable and circular solutions, will require significant investments in training and skill building in the coming years.
In Azerbaijan, 55% of respondents consider the energy transition a priority, compared to 64% in Kazakhstan. This indicates a growing consciousness of environmental issues and the potential economic opportunities they offer, and suggests a fertile ground for future energy transition initiatives.
The study also highlights the need for substantial upskilling of the workforce in both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. The majority of respondents in both countries recognize this need and believe that additional training in energy transition-related topics is crucial. This is particularly important in regions where traditional energy sector jobs may be at risk, offering a path for economic diversification.
The required skills range from technical expertise to soft skills. In Kazakhstan, with its vast natural resources and existing energy infrastructure, a primary focus is on analyzing and assessing the environmental impact. In Azerbaijan, where there is a growing emphasis on diversifying the energy sector, developing expertise in solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources is vital for the country’s transition towards a more sustainable energy mix.
Problem-solving abilities are considered a priority in Azerbaijan, as the transition presents several challenges that require innovative solutions. In Kazakhstan, critical thinking skills are seen as essential for analyzing complex data, evaluating alternative approaches, and making informed decisions.
Fabrizio Di Amato, Chairman of Fondazione MAIRE and MAIRE Group, commented on the study, saying, “The results of this study on Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan demonstrate that the energy transition is possible in every country, by adopting a gradual approach. All available technological solutions can contribute to the energy transition, including decarbonized gas. I hope that our Foundation’s commitment will help accelerate the adoption of public policies to implement training programs for the essential skills needed to support this paradigm shift.”
The 2024 edition of the study also highlights the main takeaways from the research, including the fact that 96% of respondents in Azerbaijan and 93% in Kazakhstan have heard of the energy transition. 39% of respondents in Kazakhstan and 55% in Azerbaijan said the energy transition was a priority, in line with European countries. Additionally, 64% of respondents in Azerbaijan and 53% in Kazakhstan believe that the energy transition is crucial to combat climate change.
The study also shows that in the short term, costs will outweigh benefits for 57% of respondents in Kazakhstan and 31% in Azerbaijan. Training and upskilling are considered crucial in both countries, with more than 80% of respondents acknowledging the need for additional skills. 62% of respondents in Azerbaijan and 58% in Kazakhstan believe that improving problem-solving skills is necessary.
Fondazione MAIRE – ETS is the corporate foundation of MAIRE Group, with a mission to foster the training of tomorrow’s “humanist engineers”. The foundation also carries out projects to combat educational poverty and promote equitable access to educational opportunities. MAIRE Group, a leading technology and engineering group focused on advancing the Energy Transition, employs over 9,300 people in 45 countries and is listed on the Milan Stock Exchange.
For further information, please contact:
Group Media Relations
Tommaso Verani
Tel +39 02 6313-7603
mediarelations@groupmaire.com
Fondazione MAIRE – ETS / Communications
Irene Di Amato
Tel +39 320 6128979
irene.diamato@fondazionemaire.com
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.