New programme will train 1,500 jobseekers for technical roles in solar and battery sectors across France, Germany and Spain
Amsterdam, 6 May 2026 – InnoEnergy today introduced the Energy Transition Talent Accelerator, a new large-scale programme designed to address one of the most pressing bottlenecks in Europe’s energy transition: the shortage of skilled technical workers.
Led by InnoEnergy’s Skills Institute and supported by JPMorgan Chase, the initiative will train and connect 1,500 job seekers from underserved communities to employment opportunities in the fast-growing energy sector across France, Germany and Spain.
Addressing the real bottleneck: skills
Europe’s clean energy transition is accelerating – but the workforce required to deliver it is not keeping pace.
By 2030, the European energy sector is expected to require 3.5 million additional workers, particularly in technical roles linked to deployment, operations and maintenance. At the same time, youth unemployment across the EU remains above 15%, highlighting a clear mismatch between labour demand and available skills.
The Energy Transition Talent Accelerator directly targets this gap by training people for roles such as:
- Solar PV installers and O&M technicians
- Battery maintenance and systems technicians
- Grid connection specialists
- EV and battery-related technical roles
These are precisely the positions where shortages are most acute across Europe’s energy system.
From training to employment – at scale
The programme is designed as a delivery-driven, employer-aligned model, ensuring that training translates into real job outcomes.
Participants will complete hybrid training programmes, combining online learning, hands-on technical training and job-readiness support. Training pathways are aligned with recognised European certifications and developed in close collaboration with employers.
The programme aims to deliver:
- 1,500 learners trained
- 1,300+ certifications awarded
- 800+ job placements across internships, apprenticeships and full-time roles
A targeted response to regional workforce needs
The initiative focuses on France, Germany and Spain, three markets at the forefront of Europe’s energy transition – and among those most affected by skills shortages.
Across these countries:
- Rapid solar deployment and storage expansion are driving demand for technical talent
- Battery and EV ecosystems are scaling quickly
- Regional clusters (e.g. Battery Valley in France or emerging gigafactory hubs in Germany) are intensifying workforce needs
At the same time, many job seekers remain excluded from these opportunities due to a lack of access to relevant training.
“Building the net zero economy requires more than capital at the initial phase for clean tech startups. This is why InnoEnergy is the number one in venture capital for energy transition1. Well trained people with skills are also vitally required to deliver the net zero economy. InnoEnergy’s Masters+ programmes and Skills Institute are how we make sure the human side keeps pace. The partnership between JPMorgan Chase and InnoEnergy’s Skills Institute puts that into action for 1,500 young people across three of Europe’s key energy markets”, said Sébastien Clerc, CEO, InnoEnergy.
“Strengthening Europe’s energy sector starts with investment in technology, innovation, and skills,” said Matthieu Wiltz, Co-CEO JPMorgan Chase EMEA. “By supporting employer-led training and apprenticeships, we’re helping align skills with market demand and enabling more people to access quality careers in the energy sector.”
Programme status and next steps
As of April 2026, the programme is completing its foundation phase, with training pathways defined and employer partnerships being established. First learner cohorts are expected to begin in Q2 2026.
The initiative is designed as a replicable model, with potential to scale across additional regions and energy sectors in the future.
About InnoEnergy
InnoEnergy is industrialising clean tech innovation to enable and grow a global net zero economy. Active in Europe and the US, the company invests in early-stage start-ups and the current and future workforce, building resilient clean tech value chains that drive sustainable economic growth. Through its ecosystem – with 1,400 partners including 39 shareholders spanning industry, finance, public policy, and academia – the company scales the energy transition at speed.
To date, InnoEnergy has supported 540+ companies, helping to grow 4 into industrial unicorns. These companies have raised more than €34 billion to date, created over 47,000 jobs, and are on track to generate €110 billion in revenue. Currently, InnoEnergy is invested in 160+ start-ups and scale-ups.
In support of the EU’s climate and industrial goals, InnoEnergy leads industrial alliances in batteries and solar, and accelerates the uptake of green hydrogen. Pinpointing market gaps, InnoEnergy launches new industrial champions in sectors including batteries, steel, and fertilisers.
