Why Are There Fewer Idealistic and Professional Energy Specialists?

14.03.2025

The number of those seeking easy and quick money has increased. There are fewer idealistic and professional specialists. This is a consequence of several systemic changes in society and the industry. Here are the reasons:

1. Change in Values and Commercialization of the Energy Sector

Previously, the energy sector was a strategic, infrastructural industry where the priority was system stability and technological development. Today, with the liberalization of electricity markets, there has been an increase in players who view the energy sector as a business project with the potential for quick profits. This shifts the focus from technical mastery and professional pride to maximizing financial results.

2. “Quick Money” in New Market Segments

Renewable energy, the balancing services market, energy storage systems, and trading have opened up opportunities for rapid capital attraction and earnings. Some investors and entrepreneurs enter the sector without a deep understanding of the energy system, focusing exclusively on financial indicators, with no regard for how this will affect the energy system and market in one, two, or three years.

3. Loss of Generational Continuity in the Profession

Previously, the energy sector was a prestigious technical field where careers were built over decades. Today, there is an outflow of experienced specialists for various reasons. And this is far from just being about salary levels. At the same time, young professionals often choose more dynamic and higher-paying industries. And some who have chosen the profession of engineer may come to defend their master’s project in athletic pants and be genuinely surprised when they are told that it’s not okay. Meanwhile, the commission includes elderly professors who once had suits custom-made for their own defense presentations.

4. Impact of “Fast” Technologies

Digitalization and the development of smart grids and renewable energy simplify market entry. Some new players do not delve into fundamental knowledge, as automation technologies allow them to work “around” classical engineering approaches.

5. Regulatory Instability and Short-term Thinking

Frequent changes in legislation and political turbulence create unpredictability. This stimulates a focus on short-term benefits rather than long-term infrastructure investments.

6. Changes in Social Culture and Approach to Work

Modern culture values speed of results, startups, and entrepreneurship. The energy sector, which requires strategic thinking and long-term investment in development, loses in competition with more flexible and trendy sectors.

What Can Change the Situation?

• Popularization of engineering professions and restoration of the prestige of energy specialists as very important professionals for the country’s future.
• Educational programs and scholarships that encourage young people to study energy more deeply, not just financial aspects.
• Stable energy policy, clear and honest “rules of the game” to attract responsible investors.
• Role model of an “idealistic energy specialist” – showing that honesty, professionalism, and strategic thinking shape the future of the energy system.

We need to make these changes, then a new generation of idealistic specialists in the energy sector will emerge who will regain their key role in determining the future of energy.

What About Other Fields?? Educators, doctors, lawyers, journalists, builders, railway workers, farmers, economists, ..!?