US energy sector will need 500,000 more workers by 2030
Goldman Sachs report suggests humanoid robots could help bridge the labor gap
1Growing labor gap in energy sector
According to a recent Goldman Sachs report, the US power and grid value chain will need approximately 500,000 additional workers by 2030. These roles typically require three to four years of training, creating a long-term obstacle in workforce development. In 2024, energy apprenticeship programs saw only 45,000 entrants, while 65,000 professionals are needed annually. Increasing AI demand and its consequent power needs could further widen this gap.
2Current workforce and salaries
US Department of Energy data shows the energy sector employed about 8.5 million workers in 2024, with a median annual wage of $58,810. More lucrative opportunities exist: traditional fuel production pays an average of $65,400, while power plant operators earn around $103,600 yearly. Most energy jobs don't require expensive college degrees; specialized training and on-the-job experience are prioritized.
3Rise of humanoid robots
Goldman Sachs notes that growing interest in humanoid robots stems from labor needs. When human workforce can't meet demand, technology becomes a tool to bridge productivity gaps. The US manufacturing sector has over one million unfilled materials-handling positions. Goldman's investment research projects the humanoid market will grow from 20,000 in 2025 to 1.4 million in 2035—a 6,900% increase in a decade.
4Robot revolution in China
China is pulling ahead in humanoid robot technology. In 2022, a robot in Wuhan repaired power lines, completing a maintenance professional's job. At a Guangzhou power facility, humanoid assistants have taken over inspection duties typically done by workers. This year, China launched a $1 billion initiative through State Grid Corporation to deploy 8,500 AI-powered robots for national grid inspection and maintenance.
5Global robot investments
Barclays' thematic FICC research head Zornitza Todorova predicts today's $3 billion humanoid market will swell to $200 billion by 2035. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang believes in humanoid workers' potential but thinks the true breakthrough is years away. Todorova says as technology matures and models improve at real-time reactions, we'll see more applications in service-oriented roles.
6Role of autonomous equipment
Faceless autonomous equipment like Deere's field systems and Caterpillar's mining platforms are already deployed in labor-strained sectors. Amazon unveiled its autonomous warehouse robot Proteus this year. Tesla has begun using its Optimus humanoids for assembly line tasks in manufacturing plants. However, expressionless, steel-legged robots aren't expected in mass production soon.
7Financing and scaling challenges
Building robots and factories takes years and requires substantial financing. Private equity firms and banks lack sufficient historical financial data to confidently invest. Companies are still figuring out how to deploy humanoids at scale. Widespread robot fleets are years away, though China's energy sector already uses them.
8Future of energy transformation
The Goldman Sachs report emphasizes that while power is a critical bottleneck, necessary labor is becoming its own structural constraint. There's acute demand for technical workers who build, wire, cool, and secure infrastructure, but training can't keep pace with capital commitments. If labor supply can't meet demand, autonomous equipment and humanoid robots will step in to lighten the load.
Original article: Fortune — ABD enerji sektörü 2030'a kadar 500 bin çalışana daha ihtiyaç duyacak