Prime Highlights:
- Global technology companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Meta are rapidly hiring energy specialists to secure reliable power for their expanding data centers.
- Rising power demand is driving tech firms to rethink energy strategies, making energy planning a key focus for future growth.
Key Facts:
- Amazon has hired over 600 energy experts, while Google has added hundreds to expand its energy policy and market teams.
- Major tech companies are also acquiring energy businesses and signing long-term power deals, including partnerships with nuclear and renewable energy providers.
Background:
Global technology companies are hiring more energy experts as power supply becomes a challenge. Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Google and Meta want reliable electricity for their expanding data centers.
According to data compiled by Workforce.ai, energy-related hiring across Big Tech rose by 34% year-on-year in 2024. Hiring levels have remained about 30% higher than pre-2022 figures, reflecting how critical energy has become since the rise of generative AI tools.
Data centers now use about 1.5% of the world’s electricity, according to the International Energy Agency, reflecting a 12% rise over the past five years. Power needs are expected to rise, leading technology companies to change how they handle energy. Instead of focusing only on sustainability roles, they are hiring workers for hands-on energy jobs like securing power, managing grid connections and handling regulations. This change comes as hiring linked to ESG initiatives has slowed due to wider political and economic factors.
Microsoft has become a strong competitor in this area, adding more than 570 energy-related employees since 2022.
Besides hiring, big tech companies are buying energy businesses and making long-term deals to secure power, including from nuclear and renewable sources. Meta recently announced agreements with nuclear-focused firms, triggering strong investor reactions and stock price gains.
Some technology companies have even taken steps toward operating like utilities. Amazon, Microsoft and Google are already approved to trade electricity, allowing them to sell excess power back to the grid. Meta has also applied for similar approval in the U.S.
Experts say rising demand could make it harder to find skilled energy workers, as utilities and renewable energy companies compete with tech firms that pay more.
As digital infrastructure grows, planning for energy is becoming a key part of tech companies’ future growth.
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