Awareness of the importance of the energy transition and the benefits it can bring to the environment, the economy and society is growing, including in countries with fossil fuel-based economies such as Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. This is clear from a study by Foundation MAIRE – ETSthe foundation of the Italian technology and engineering group MAIRE, which was carried out in collaboration with IPSOS, a renowned international market research company. The study, “Climate goals: mastering the challenge of climate goals by creating skills and competencies worldwide. Addendum 1: Focus Azerbaijan – Kazakhstan“, was launched during COP29 in Baku.
- 55% of respondents in Azerbaijan say energy transition is a priority, like in European countries
- 64% of respondents in Azerbaijan (more than in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and India) and 53% in Kazakhstan (more than in Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States and China itself) consider the energy transition to be crucial to combat climate change
- In both Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, training and professional development in the context of the energy transition is an important issue for over 80% of respondents, more than in India (71%), the USA and Saudi Arabia (75%).
- The study covers 12 countries on 4 continents and includes a total of over 2,000 interviews conducted by IPSOS, an international market research company.
The 2024 edition will add two more countries, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, so that the total panel includes 12 countries (Italy, United Kingdom, USA, Turkey, KSA, United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Chile, China, India, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan), in addition to the opinion leaders, 2,000 highly qualified population groups are surveyed.
The study, sponsored by MAIRE subsidiaries NEXTCHEM and TECNIMONT, shows that the international community is becoming increasingly aware that the energy transition requires new skills to create business and employment opportunities. In general, the study shows that the respondents despite the perceived short-term challenges and costs believe in the long-term value and positive impact of the energy transition. Countries facing major challenges in transitioning to a sustainable, renewable energy and circular economy will need the most investment in training and skills building in the coming years.
In Azerbaijan, 55% of respondents see the energy transition as a priority, while in Kazakhstan it is only 39%indicating a growing awareness of environmental issues and the potential economic opportunities associated with them, providing fertile ground for future energy transition initiatives.
The process of energy transition requires comprehensive workforce training in both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. It is clear that this need is widely recognized as most individuals acknowledge their need for additional training on energy transition issues. This prospect is particularly interesting in regions where traditional energy jobs are at risk and offers a path to economic diversification.
The skills required range from technical expertise to soft skills. In Kazakhstan, with its vast natural resources and existing energy infrastructure, a major focus is on analyzing and assessing environmental impacts. In Azerbaijan, where there is an increasing focus on diversifying the energy sector, developing expertise in solar and wind energy and other renewable energy sources is crucial to the country’s transition to a more sustainable energy mix.
In Azerbaijan, problem-solving ability is considered a priority as the transition presents several challenges that require innovative solutions. In Kazakhstan, critical thinking skills are considered a prerequisite for analyzing complex data, evaluating alternative approaches and making informed decisions.
By investing in human capital and fostering a knowledgeable and skilled workforce, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan can not only contribute to global climate goals, but also position themselves advantageously in the emerging green economy.
Fondazione MAIRE and the Chairman of the MAIRE Group, Fabrizio Di Amato, commented: “The results of this study on Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan show that energy transition is possible in any country if a step-by-step approach is taken. All available technological solutions can contribute to the energy transition, including low-carbon gas. I hope that our Foundation’s commitment will help accelerate the adoption of public policies to introduce training programs in the essential skills needed to support this paradigm shift.”
THE KEY FINDINGS FROM THE 2024 STUDY
In Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, 96% and 93% of respondents, respectively, have heard of the energy transition: 43% in Azerbaijan (higher than China) and 29% in Kazakhstan (the lowest among the 12 countries) are “very familiar” with it
- 39% of respondents in Kazakhstan and 55% in Azerbaijan said energy transition was a priority, in line with European countries (and almost on par with Italy), behind India, Turkey and China (65-70%) .
- 64% of respondents in Azerbaijan (higher than UAE, Saudi Arabia and India) and 53% in Kazakhstan (higher than Italy, the UK, the US and on par with China) believe that the energy transition will help combat climate change is crucial.
- In the short term, costs outweigh benefits for 57% of respondents in Kazakhstan and 31% in Azerbaijan (similar to Turkey).
- Education and training are critical for more than 80% of respondents in both Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, more than in India (71%), the US and South Africa (75%).
- 62% of respondents in Azerbaijan and 58% in Kazakhstan consider it necessary to improve problem-solving skills.
- Respondents from Kazakhstan said that the most needed soft skills are critical thinking (68%) and that they believe the presence of qualified professionals for the energy transition should be improved (82%).
Foundation MAIRE – ETS is the corporate foundation of the MAIRE Group. The Fondazione MAIRE – ETS has set itself the task of promoting the training of the “humanistic engineers” of tomorrow, capable of contributing to the energy transition with their vision and multidisciplinary knowledge; it carries out projects to combat the educational poverty to ensure equal access to educational opportunities, with a focus on contexts of social marginalization. The Fondazione MAIRE – ETS also manages the historical archives of the MAIRE group, a valuable documentary heritage Italian projects in the fields of engineering and architecture, ensuring their preservation and promoting their awareness and use by an ever wider audience. Further information: www.fondazionemaire.com.
MAIRE SpA is a leading technology and engineering group focused on driving the energy transition. We offer integrated E&C solutions for the downstream market and sustainable technology solutions, the latter in three business areas: Sustainable Fertilizers, Low Carbon Energy Vectors and Circular Solutions. MAIRE operates in 45 countries and employs over 9,300 people, supported by a global network of 20,000 project partners. MAIRE is listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (ticker “MAIRE”). Further information: www.groupmaire.com.
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