The forecast for the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) researchers in the UK’s utilities and environmental services sectors—spanning electricity, gas, steam, air conditioning, water supply, sewerage, waste management, and remediation activities—projects a steady increase. Starting from 644.15 FTE in 2024, the figure is expected to rise to 708.35 FTE by 2028. When considering the period from 2024 to 2028, there is a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 2.4%, displaying a consistent upward trend in staffing needs driven by the sector’s innovation and regulatory demands.

Key future trends to watch include:

Increased focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions driving research demands.
Technological advancements in energy efficiency and smart grid development necessitating advanced research activities.
Heightened regulatory and compliance requirements stimulating growth in remediation and waste management research.
Potential impacts of Brexit and subsequent regulatory changes affecting staffing and research priorities.