The energy transition is a powerful catalyst for change, offering a unique opportunity to integrate foreign workers and drive community growth. But here's where it gets controversial: can immigrants be the key to unlocking a greener future and a thriving economy?
Immigrants: The Unseen Potential in the Energy Transition
Rome, October 13, 2025, witnessed an unveiling of a groundbreaking study by Fondazione MAIRE - ETStoday. Titled "TRAJECTORIES: Migration, Skills, and Energy Transition", it delves into the untapped potential of immigrants in the energy sector.
The study, a collaborative effort funded by Fondazione MAIRE - ETS, highlights how immigrants can be a driving force in achieving climate goals and fostering community development. It's an eight-section deep dive into the role of immigrants in the energy transition and circular economy, shedding light on a topic that often remains in the shadows.
According to Eurostat and other sources, foreign workers already make up over 20% of the green jobs workforce in Italy. However, this workforce is divided, with Italian workers occupying specialized roles and non-EU workers often relegated to basic tasks. This gap is attributed to the challenges of recognizing foreign qualifications, language barriers, and a lack of targeted training.
The forecasts are promising: reaching climate neutrality in Europe by 2050 could create 2.5 million jobs, and by 2030, climate adaptation and mitigation efforts could generate 8 million new jobs worldwide. Yet, Italy faces a significant gap of over 800,000 workers needed to fill green jobs. To bridge this gap, the country requires training and inclusion projects tailored to immigrants, focusing on expediting qualification recognition and upskilling. Social and cultural integration pathways, along with a green skills mapping framework, are essential.
The study emphasizes the value of integrated training programs that combine technical, linguistic, and digital skills, with mentorship and guidance from tutors. Pilot projects across Europe showcase the success of this approach, with skilled immigrants quickly adapting and bringing cultural richness and tangible benefits to companies. Projects establishing employment corridors based on market needs, with pre-training in home countries, are proving to be effective strategies.
Two sectors were analyzed in depth: agrivoltaics, an emerging field merging agriculture and photovoltaics, and industrial districts undergoing green and circular transformations. In agrivoltaics, immigrants with existing agricultural skills can be trained in new technologies, enhancing their integration. Industrial districts, with their intertwined foreign workforce and environmental sustainability goals, can become hubs for social and economic innovation.
The research was conducted by a team of five researchers and three associations, coordinated by Prof. Andrea Billi of the University of Rome. It was presented at the Rome Chamber of Commerce, attended by key figures including Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and representatives from UNHCR, IOM, and various expert organizations.
Fabrizio Di Amato, President of the Fondazione and the MAIRE group, concluded the event with a call to action: "The business world faces a critical shortage of skilled professionals. The energy transition sector demands trained individuals now and in the future. Migrants and refugees can be a valuable resource, especially when included in targeted job corridor programs. Companies must invest in sustainable strategies that involve stakeholder training and inclusion projects. We, as a Group, have launched a program to attract and train 100 new professionals annually, including migrants and refugees. I propose establishing an implementation working group with institutional and associative support to embark on this journey together."
The energy transition is not just about technology; it's about people and their potential. Immigrants, with their unique skills and perspectives, can be the driving force behind a greener, more inclusive future. But this potential can only be realized with the right support and opportunities.
And this is the part most people miss: the energy transition is an opportunity to build a more equitable society, where everyone, regardless of background, can contribute to a sustainable future. It's time to recognize and unlock this potential.
What are your thoughts on the role of immigrants in the energy transition? Do you think this untapped potential can be a game-changer for a greener economy? Share your insights and let's spark a conversation!
