Insights from the Fondazione MAIRE Study on Global Energy Transition Awareness in 2025
The recent study conducted by Fondazione MAIRE in collaboration with IPSOS has unveiled crucial insights into global energy transition awareness and the necessary skills for this endeavor. The research surveyed over 2,300 respondents across 14 nations, aiming to pinpoint levels of familiarity and commitment towards energy decarbonization. Among the surveyed countries, India emerged as a standout leader, boasting a 63% awareness rate among its citizens regarding energy transition, coupled with 71% expressing significant commitment to implementing decarbonization strategies. This contrasts sharply with Kazakhstan, where only 29% reported being familiar with energy transition concepts, and Argentina, where awareness sits at 36%.
Notably, the study highlights the pressing need for both technical expertise and soft skills in advancing these energy goals. Technical skills range from knowledge of renewable energy systems to environmental impact assessment, while soft skills encompass critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability, which are crucial for navigating the evolving energy landscape. As underscore by Fabrizio Di Amato, Chairman of MAIRE, the energy transition is a journey that holds undeniable environmental and economic benefits, provided that sufficient investment is made in human capital and training.
As the study continues to gain attention, two new countries, Qatar and Argentina, have been added to the focus group. The awareness level in Qatar is impressively high at 67%, with a concerning note on the economic sustainability of the transition, noting anxiety over traditional job losses. In contrast, although Argentina displays a high general awareness (97%), only 36% have a deep understanding of energy transition principles, revealing a disparity between public knowledge and government action.
A critical finding from this year's edition is the recognition of energy transition as a national priority; 70% of respondents in India and Turkey see it as essential, while Argentina trails significantly with just 34%. The commitment to prioritize the energy transition translates into tangible innovations and strategies in responding to climate goals. However, challenges abound: for instance, Kazakhstan fears that the costs of transitioning may surpass its benefits, while Saudi Arabia hopes for short-term gains.
Additionally, both Qatar and Argentina face unique challenges. In Qatar, despite a broad commitment to renewable energy training and technical development, they confront fears of job displacement in traditional sectors. To effectively tackle these challenges, both nations must bolster their education frameworks and workforce readiness to ensure the availability of skilled labor capable of meeting the demands of a greener economy.
The study reaffirmed the importance of awareness, with Algerians expressing confidence in the positive health impacts of cleaner energy practices. As energy transitions steadily build momentum, countries recognizing the urgency for skill enhancement, coupled with public awareness campaigns, stand to benefit greatly in their environmental and energy endeavors.
Ultimately, as MAIRE underlines, nations must align their vision, policies, and innovative strategies while focusing on human capital development in the transition towards a sustainable energy future. The continuing evolution of global energy practices underscores the necessity of fostering a skilled workforce that is adept in both technical expertise and soft skills, ensuring all countries can effectively navigate their pathways toward decarbonization. As we look ahead to future studies and findings, the insights drawn from Fondazione MAIRE will prove vital for informing energy policies and workforce development worldwide.