Energy Storage

We are specialists in Energy Storage recruitment

The Energy Storage Sector is predicted for an astonishing growth of over 700% in the next five years, a fact that underscores its pivotal role in decarbonizing the Energy Industry. Energy storage not only demands stability and reliability but also the ability to continuously balance the grid when required. As the transition from conventional energy sources to renewables gains momentum, the demand for energy storage solutions will surge. 

Leveraging Piper Maddox's global presence and a team of dedicated specialists in the Energy Storage Sector, we are currently collaborating with some of the world's leading brands and technology producers, facilitating the widespread adoption of a much-needed component within the new Energy Ecosystem.

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What do we cover?

Senior Executives:

  • C-Suite, Board, Managing Directors, Vice Presidents and other Executives.

 

Commercial:

  • Sales, Business Development, Policy, Origination, Project Development, Product Development, Product Management & more.

 

Engineering:

  • Electrical, Mechanical, Civil/Structural, Software, Hardware, Sales/Applications, Research & Development & more.

 

Construction & Project Management:

  • Project Management, Project Controls, Construction & more.

 

Operations & Back Office: 

  • Human Resources, Finance, FP&A, HSE, Quality, Asset Management, Operations Management & more.
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Find your next role

New
Project Development Director
€80000 - €110000 per annum + 20% bonus, performance bonus & shares
Berlin
Permanent
Hybrid

Title: Project Development Director - PV/BESS (Industrial Focus)Location: Ideally Berlin, Germany (Hybrid)Remuneration: Up to €110,000 basic + 20% discretionary bonus + industry-leading per-MW performance bonus + share optionsLanguage: Fluent English & German requiredLead the Development of High-Impact Renewable Projects - From Idea to ExecutionAre you an experienced renewables professional ready to take full ownership of private-wire energy projects for industrial users? This role offers the opportunity to shape and deliver bespoke solar and storage developments with real, long-term impact on Germany's energy transition.This fast-growing, well-funded international developer delivers clean energy directly to industrial offtakers through private-wire models - offering price stability, energy security, and decarbonisation at scale. With a clear growth trajectory and strong financial backing, the company is building out its German pipeline and looking for a senior leader to drive projects forward.You'll join a lean, high-performing team and report directly to the Chief Development Officer. The key priority? Navigating the complexities of German permitting and bringing projects from early-stage concept through to construction readiness - all while coordinating a network of trusted EPCs and external consultants.What You'll Be DoingEnd-to-End Development - Lead PV, BESS or Wind projects from greenfield through permitting and technical development, all the way to handoverPermitting Focus - Take ownership of permitting pathways (e.g. BauGB, BImSchG), ensuring timelines, compliance, and regulatory approvals are metStakeholder & Partner Coordination - Work closely with internal teams, permitting authorities, planners, and external EPC and grid partnersClient-Facing Customisation - Collaborate with commercial colleagues to tailor each project to the needs of industrial clients and their sitesProcess Optimisation - Support the refinement of internal development systems, timelines, and investment-grade documentationWhat You'll BringMust-have: Proven experience taking PV, BESS or Wind projects through the full development lifecycle in GermanyStrong track record in permitting and planning under German law (e.g. BauGB, BImSchG)Experience managing external engineering partners - direct engineering expertise not required, but confidence coordinating EPCs and technical consultants is essentialPrevious exposure to C&I or rooftop-scale projects is a major plus alongside utility-scale experienceExcellent stakeholder management and cross-functional coordination skillsFluent in German and EnglishWhy This Role?Deliver complex, clean energy projects that help Germany's industrial sector decarboniseJoin a mission-led business with serious momentum and backing from a leading European infrastructure investorTake ownership of impactful projects with full autonomy and leadershipCompetitive base salary, performance-linked bonus and employee share option scheme (ESOP)Agile, international company culture with flexible working and travel to London and across GermanyIf you're a development leader with deep permitting expertise and a passion for renewable energy, this is your opportunity to drive the transition from the front!Get in touch to find out more...Piper Maddox is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

New
Design Engineer
£55000 - £65000 per annum
London
Permanent
Hybrid

New Opportunity - Design Engineer - £65,000 DOE - London (Hybrid)My client is on a mission to transform the UK's energy landscape-delivering cutting-edge solar, wind, and battery storage solutions that power a cleaner future. Backed by a major investor, they've built a pipeline of over 3GW and are now gearing up to break new ground.My client is seeking a Design Engineer to help bring projects to life. This opportunity is a chance to step into a central role within a passionate, expert team driving the energy transition forward.What You'll Do:As a Design Engineer, you'll be the creative and technical mind behind utility-scale project designs. From mapping and layout concepts to yield modelling and detailed engineering, you'll work across teams and external partners to optimise assets from early-stage concepts to shovel-ready sites.You will:* Lead on layout and concept designs for PV, battery, and wind projects using AutoCAD Map and PVCase.* Produce and analyse yield models using PVSyst and related tools.* Craft high-quality plans and maps using survey data, GIS, and national datasets.* Support planning applications with GA drawings, sections, and visuals.* Collaborate with project teams, contractors, and consultants to fine-tune asset design.* Stay ahead of the curve on new technologies and design techniques.What You Bring* Background in engineering, technology, or design-degree or equivalent practical experience.* 3+ years of experience in renewable energy.* AutoCAD, PVsyst, PVCase, QGIS/ArcGIS.* A strong grasp of project lifecycles and site-specific considerations.* Excellent communication and collaboration skills.* Detail-focused and deadline-driven.If you are interested, please apply or reach out to r.franks@pipermaddox.com.Piper Maddox is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

New
Land Development Manager (Renewable Energy)
£50000 - £60000 per annum
North East England
Permanent
Hybrid

Land Development Manager - Solar, Onshore Wind, Battery StorageNortheast England Office location - hybrid & remote options availableSalary Dependent on Experience: £50,000 - 60,000 + wider packagePiper Maddox are partnered with a highly established name within the UK renewable energy industry to add to their development team. Our client has been a presence in the market for over 20 years and their team is made up of some of the most experienced professionals within the sector. This company are a fully fledged independent power producer (IPP) who focus on the development, construction, and operation of utility scale renewable energy assets. They have a highly diverse portfolio of assets, including Solar, Battery Storage, and Onshore Wind across the whole of the UK.Our client has an excellent culture of team collaboration, community engagement, as well as going about development the "right way". If you combine this with their >2GW development pipeline, and world-class international investment, you are left with a business that is on a strong upwards trajectory despite the changeable state of the current market.In this role as a Land Development Manager, you would be responsible for: > Identification of suitable sites for renewable energy development, and the resultant initial contact with landowners. > Managing complex land acquisition negotiations on matters such as Heads of Terms, Option to Lease Agreements. > Liaising with internal planning, legal, and grid teams to progress projects through the early stages of the development process. > Maintaining and managing key stakeholder relationships. Someone in this role must be confident and comfortable engaging with rural/agricultural stakeholders.This would be a fantastic opportunity for someone working in a Land team within an existing renewable energy developer, or also someone with renewable energy project experience looking to make the shift over from a consultancy background. MRICS chartership is an added bonus but not a must have.If you are looking to join an ambitious company where the pipeline is only set to grow and you will have plenty to get stuck into, this could be a great role for you. You can rest assured that your projects will come to fruition as this company had a number of its projects reach energization just last year! Get in touch to learn more.Piper Maddox is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

1 day ago
Junior Project Developer (Solar & Battery Storage)
£40000 - £45000 per annum
London
Permanent
Hybrid

Junior Project Developer - Solar & BESS ProjectsLondon Office Base - Hybrid Working PatternSalary Dependent on Experience: £40,000 - 45,000 + wider packagePiper Maddox are working alongside one of the top renewable energy developers in the UK market with the growth of their development team. Having been a leading name in the industry for over a decade, and with exciting plans for the organization in the very near future, it is a great time to be joining up with this company. This company are specialists in the development of utility scale Solar and Battery Storage projects from inception through to the RTB stage. They have a diverse portfolio of TCPA and DCO level schemes and this range of projects puts them right at the forefront of the renewables sector in the UK.In addition to their multi-gigawatt portfolio, they have investment from one of the most well known green energy investors globally, so pairing these factors together makes this company a very stable option at a time of uncertainty in the overall sector. Going forward, they are looking to add a delivery & construction function to their team, thus transforming them into a fully fledged IPP.They are looking at adding a Junior Project Developer to the organization who will be responsible for working across their pipeline of projects in various stages of development, assisting in driving their developments through the process towards being ready for delivery. This role would give you exposure to a wide variety of elements within the project development lifecycle as well as the chance to liaise with a huge range of team members with different skillsets.Your role would include aspects such as liaising with internal Land teams when assessing site feasibility, engaging with external planning consultants, representing this company at public consultation events, as well as contributing to wider project updates and milestones such as budgets, timelines, and progress reporting.This company has had a great track record of success in recent times, and their projects are well progressed, so as to protect their grid connection dates in the Gate2 process. You would be joining up with a highly collaborative team with a range of backgrounds, and a company on a highly positive upwards trajectory! This role would be a good fit for someone at the early stages of their career in the renewable energy sector. An understanding of the development process would be ideal, as well as strong communication, organizational, and project management skills being important to success in this role. Get in touch to learn more! Piper Maddox is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

1 day ago
PV Solar Development Engineer
US$100000 - US$120000 per annum + Bonus, Equity
USA
Permanent
Remote

Development Engineer - Solar & Energy ProjectsA growing renewable energy firm is seeking a Development Engineer to support engineering activities across the development and operational lifecycle of solar and solar + storage projects. This role involves coordinating internal teams, managing external engineering partners, and ensuring technical accuracy throughout project execution.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and maintain engineering design standards based on market and project-specific requirementsCoordinate with internal and external teams to ensure consistent use of design standardsIdentify and manage third-party engineering partners, including scope development and proposal evaluationOversee engineering deliverables, schedules, budgets, and contractsReview technical documents for accuracy and completenessCommunicate technical requirements across teams and stakeholdersSupport due diligence, utility interactions, and responses to RFPsTrack and manage engineering invoices and change ordersMaintain organized documentation and clear communication across departmentsQualificationsBachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical or Power Systems preferred)3+ years of experience in engineering, development, or construction rolesStrong analytical, organizational, and communication skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities and stakeholdersExperience with solar PV projects is a plusProficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPointWillingness to travel occasionally for in-state site visits

4 days ago
BESS Consultant
£45000 - £50000 per annum
England
Permanent
Remote

NEW OPPORTUNITY - BESS Consultant - £50,000 DOE - UK Wide (Mainly remote)Looking for a new opportunity in the BESS space which allows you to gain excellent technical skills? Look no further!In this role, you'll work directly with clients to provide expert insight into battery energy storage systems-guiding technical strategy, assessing project viability, and supporting delivery across a range of energy storage initiatives. You'll lead advisory projects from start to finish, working alongside internal specialists and external stakeholders to ensure outcomes that are technically robust and commercially sound.My client is looking for someone with hands-on experience in the battery storage or renewables sector who is confident working with clients, managing projects, and delivering high-quality technical advice.Key requirements:* Solid understanding of battery storage systems and the wider renewables landscape* Previous experience in technical consulting, due diligence, or owner's engineering* Strong communication, reporting, and project delivery skills* A collaborative mindset with the ability to manage multiple priorities* Willingness to travel within the UK and EuropeYou'll be part of a team that's helping deliver the clean energy systems of tomorrow. They offer a supportive, values-driven environment, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to work on projects that truly matter.If you are interested, please apply or reach out to r.franks@pipermaddox.com Piper Maddox is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Need to speak to a consultant?

Adrian Martinez
Adrian Martinez
Principal Consultant
Alex Cohen
Alex Cohen
Senior Director
Alex Horne
Alex Horne
Principal Consultant
Alisha Michaels
Alisha Michaels
Principal Consultant - E-Mobility
Charlie Walker
Charlie Walker
Vice President – Renewables
Charlotte Dungworth
Charlotte Dungworth
Divisional Manager – Client Development & Projects
Desirae Manka
Desirae Manka
Divisional Manager, Commercial Skillsets
Dom Jolly
Dom Jolly
Manager
Harjit Singh
Harjit Singh
Division Manager
Jack Massie
Jack Massie
Head of eMobility - Germany, Austria & Switzerland
Jake Calver
Jake Calver
VP – Emobility
Kasey Dillon
Kasey Dillon
Divisional Principal
Lacey Collins
Lacey Collins
Divisional Manager – Clean Fuels, Carbon Capture, & Energy Storage
Max Fronicke
Max Fronicke
Vice President, Key Accounts and Strategic Client Development
Michael Wald
Michael Wald
VP - Client Development & Commercial Strategy
Nolan Cridge
Nolan Cridge
Manager – Renewables
Oliver Buck
Oliver Buck
Manager Clean Fuels
Samantha Keay
Samantha Keay
SVP – Piper Maddox New York
Sam Dobbins
Sam Dobbins
Principal Consultant - Clean Fuels
Sam Rosenthal
Sam Rosenthal
Divisional Manager - Renewables EPC
Adrian Chippendale
Adrian Chippendale
Principal Consultant
Caitlin McCarley
Caitlin McCarley
Manager- UK & Ireland Renewables
Charles Orr
Charles Orr
Divisional Manager – eMobility, Hydrogen & Clean Fuels
Ethan Williams
Ethan Williams
Principal Consultant
Josh Taylor
Josh Taylor
Associate Director – Head of Clean Energy, Europe
Lucy Henry
Lucy Henry
Head of France, Nordics and UK - eMobility (EV charging)
Sam Brown
Sam Brown
Associate Director - Sustainability & Climate Investment
Sue White
Sue White
Senior Director
Tom Clarke
Tom Clarke
Senior Director

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Read all things Energy Storage

23 Jun 2025
energy storage
insight
23 Jun 2025
Spotlight on Women Engineering the Energy Transition

The clean energy sector thrives on innovation and progress. Every breakthrough in renewables, storage, and sustainable infrastructure depends on those willing to challenge the status quo. As engineers lead the charge toward a net-zero future, it’s critical to recognise the women helping to shape that future, solving complex problems, designing smarter systems, and accelerating real-world change. This International Women in Engineering Day, we’re celebrating the women building the energy transition from the ground up, and highlighting why diverse talent is essential to engineering a better tomorrow. Why Gender Diversity in Engineering Matters A truly sustainable energy system is one designed for everyone, and that starts with the people designing it. Gender-diverse teams bring broader perspectives, improve problem-solving, and help create systems that are more inclusive, resilient, and effective. Still, women remain underrepresented in engineering. Globally, they make up just 16.9% of the UK’s engineering workforce. Leadership roles are even more imbalanced. Closing this gap is vital, as more inclusion means greater innovation. Breaking Barriers: Spotlight on Lacey Collins To mark International Women in Engineering Day, we spoke with Lacey Collins, Divisional Manager of Renewable Fuels, Bioenergy & CCUS at Piper Maddox in New York, to gain her perspective on the barriers women face in technical sectors, and why visibility is essential for progress. Lacey highlights the ongoing barriers women encounter in technical and male-dominated sectors. “The main barriers we see are a lack of representation or role models,” she explains. “It’s difficult for the first woman to pave the path for those behind her.” She also notes that caregiving responsibilities often create added pressures, especially in roles with long hours, inflexible work environments, or limited support systems. For Lacey, spotlighting women in energy and engineering is essential to breaking those barriers. “When women see others succeeding in these spaces, it breaks down stereotypes and shows that we all belong,” she says. She believes visibility isn’t just about recognition, it’s about making space for new perspectives and leadership styles that are vital to a more inclusive, balanced workforce. Supporting Women in Clean Energy and Engineering Careers At Piper Maddox, we’re proud to work alongside the women who are engineering the future of clean energy. From renewable fuels to grid infrastructure and beyond, progress depends on diverse talent, equitable opportunities, and inclusive workplace cultures. We’re committed to connecting forward-thinking organisations with the professionals driving that change.

22 Jun 2025
sustainability
insight
22 Jun 2025
Why rainforests are important to the energy transition

Every second, we lose a piece of our planet’s oldest and most vital ecosystems. Rainforests, home to more than half of the world’s terrestrial species and critical to regulating the Earth’s climate, are disappearing faster than we can replace them. This World Rainforest Day, we’re not just celebrating their beauty. We’re recognising their power. Rainforests aren’t separate from the sustainability mission, they’re central to it. If we hope to build a net-zero future, we need to protect the ecosystems that have been storing carbon and sustaining life for millions of years. Why rainforest protection belongs in every climate strategy Rainforests act as natural carbon-capture machines. These ecosystems absorb billions of tonnes of CO₂ every year, helping offset the emissions we’re still working to eliminate. Their role is quiet but powerful, storing carbon, filtering air, and keeping global temperatures in check. But when we cut them down, they don’t just stop helping, they start hurting. Degraded rainforests release carbon back into the atmosphere, turning from climate stabilisers into sources of emissions. In other words, we can’t build a net-zero future if we’re destroying the ecosystems that have been supporting the climate all along. The skills needed for a sustainable energy future As the climate sector grows, so do the expectations. It’s no longer just about technical skills, it’s about understanding the full picture. The best teams today are made up of people who can think holistically, work cross-functionally, and prioritise long-term impact over short-term wins. That’s where we come in. At Piper Maddox, we help companies find forward-thinking talent, people who bring both expertise and environmental awareness. Whether you're hiring for growth or impact, we’ll connect you with the talent who understand the pace, purpose, and potential of the energy transition.

15 Jun 2025
wind
insight
15 Jun 2025
What Global Wind Day tells us about skills, growth, and opportunity

Every year on Global Wind Day, the world comes together to celebrate the power of wind, not just as a renewable resource, but as a catalyst for economic and environmental progress. This year’s theme, “The power of wind: building a clean and secure energy future,” is a timely reminder that the global energy transition depends on more than just infrastructure. With nearly 4 million wind energy jobs projected by 2030, the future of the industry rests on its ability to attract and develop the right talent. Where wind energy jobs are coming from As the world moves toward a low-carbon future, wind power is playing a leading role in reshaping global energy systems, and creating jobs in the process. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), offshore wind is set to become the largest source of electricity in the European Union by 2040. This rapid expansion is being driven by large-scale investments in both onshore and offshore wind projects, which in turn are fuelling demand across a wide range of roles. Careers in wind turbine installation, operations and maintenance, project planning, environmental compliance, and grid integration are all seeing strong growth. With wind power capacity expected to keep rising over the next decade, the industry is offering more opportunities than ever, especially for those looking to pursue a long-term career in renewable energy. The skills gap threatening wind power growth Despite the momentum, the wind energy industry faces a significant obstacle: a growing skills gap. The number of people entering the sector isn’t keeping pace with demand, especially in technical areas like offshore wind, electrical systems, and marine engineering. The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) estimates that wind power could support nearly 4 million jobs by 2030, but this projection depends on whether the workforce is ready. Many employers are already struggling to fill critical roles, and as the sector grows, so does the pressure to invest in workforce development, reskilling, and inclusive hiring practices. If the world is serious about building a secure, sustainable energy future, closing the talent gap must be part of the plan. Investing in talent, securing the future With nearly 4 million wind energy jobs expected by 2030, the opportunity to build a cleaner, more secure energy future is within reach. But turning that potential into progress means investing in people, attracting new talent, supporting those already in the sector, and building the skills needed to sustain long-term growth. At Piper Maddox, we work alongside the companies and individuals driving this change, helping connect the right people to the right opportunities, and shaping the teams that will power the future of wind energy.

05 Jun 2025
sustainability
insight
05 Jun 2025
World Environment Day 2025: Tackling plastic pollution for a sustainable future

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, impacting our oceans, wildlife, and human health. Despite growing awareness, plastic remains deeply embedded in our daily lives. This World Environment Day, the United Nations is calling for urgent action to end plastic pollution. Achieving this goal requires rethinking how plastic is produced, used, and managed across society. The Broader Impact of Plastic Pollution According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), more than 430 million tonnes of plastic are produced each year, much of it intended for single use. Most of this plastic is never recycled. Instead, it ends up in landfills, rivers, and oceans, where it can persist for centuries. The damage extends far beyond waste. Plastic pollution harms biodiversity, disrupts food chains, and threatens the health of both terrestrial and marine environments. It even ends up in our food systems, with microplastics now found in everything from fish to bottled water. What’s more, the environmental cost of plastic begins before it even becomes waste. Most plastic is made from fossil fuels, and both its production and disposal generate significant greenhouse gas emissions. This means the more plastic we produce, the harder it becomes to meet climate targets, even as we invest in clean energy solutions. What We Can Do: Everyday Changes That Make a Difference Addressing plastic pollution doesn’t have to mean changing your entire lifestyle overnight. In fact, real impact often starts with small, intentional shifts in behaviour. Here are a few practical ways to cut down on plastic use in your daily routine: Choose reusables over single-use plastics: Carry a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, or shopping bag. It’s a simple swap that significantly reduces the volume of plastic you consume without even thinking. Shop more consciously: Look for products with minimal or recyclable packaging. Buy in bulk when possible and support brands using recycled or compostable materials. Repair, don’t replace: According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), maintaining and repairing plastic products, rather than replacing them, helps reduce overall plastic waste. A cracked storage container, for example, may be fixable rather than disposable. Understand your local recycling rules: Not all plastics are recyclable, and guidelines vary by region. Knowing what can and can't go in the bin makes your recycling efforts more effective and prevents contamination. These might seem like minor changes, but when multiplied across communities and countries, they send a powerful message: we’re moving away from a throwaway culture and towards one grounded in responsibility and long-term thinking. What This Means for Us at Piper Maddox At Piper Maddox, sustainability is the core of what we do. From helping build the teams driving the clean energy transition to making conscious choices in how we work, we’re deeply committed to shaping a future that respects the planet and the generations to come. Recently, members of our team spent time at Brixton Orchard in London, volunteering to support biodiversity in the city. From planting for pollinators to clearing overgrown paths, it was hands-on work that reminded us of our duty to protect the world. Inside our offices, we’ve introduced dedicated recycling bins to help reduce waste and make more conscious decisions part of our routine. Across our global teams, we also marked Earth Day with our “Battle of the Plants”, a small step that brought more greenery into our workspaces and served as a visible reminder of our commitment to care for our environment. These actions are supported and driven by our internal SEE (Social, Environmental, and Ethical) community, a community where people across the business come together to lead meaningful change, champion sustainable practices, and hold ourselves accountable to the values we stand for. The path to a more sustainable future isn’t easy, and it won’t happen overnight. But through the choices we make, as individuals, as businesses, and as a global community, we can begin to turn the tide. At Piper Maddox, we remain committed to being part of that change, every step of the way.

04 May 2025
sustainability
event
04 May 2025
Building a platform for Miami’s renewable energy community

Despite Miami’s booming renewable energy sector, it quickly became clear that professionals lacked a dedicated platform to connect and collaborate. “Outside of recruitment, I feel it’s important to build relationships and grow the wider energy community in the local area,” says Tom Cooper, who leads recruitment across renewables finance and investments for Piper Maddox Miami. “This happy hour gives us the opportunity to bring people together, spark insightful conversations, and hopefully make this a regular event.” And so, The Clean Energy Exchange was born; a relaxed happy hour event for clean energy experts and professionals across South Florida to meet, mingle, and build connections. Why networking matters in Clean Energy For many working in renewables in Miami, in-person networking isn’t something that happens regularly. Kylie Leberman, Principal Consultant at Piper Maddox Miami, knows how rare it can be to meet your network face-to-face. “Having a renewable energy happy hour lets us bring together like-minded professionals in a relaxed setting,” Kylie explains. “It’s a chance to build new connections and spark fresh ideas that can only come from in-person conversations.” Kylie moved to Miami from New York last year to help grow Piper Maddox’s footprint in the Southeast and now leads the Development & Origination function. She’s excited about creating real-world opportunities for the clean energy community to thrive. What to expect from The Clean Energy Exchange Happy Hour The event is open to all clean energy professionals, not just industry leaders, and aims to be a welcoming space where anyone working in renewables can network and share ideas. Piper Maddox Miami is excited to welcome you to what we hope will become a regular, must-attend event in the clean energy calendar. A growing hub of renewable energy Miami’s clean energy sector is booming. More businesses and leaders are relocating here, creating a vibrant, fast-growing market. James Borner, Senior Consultant leading EPC & Operations recruitment for Piper Maddox Miami, says the city is missing a regular event for clean energy professionals to come together. “This happy hour gives everyone, from Miami locals to newcomers, the chance to connect with others in the field,” James says. “It’s a chance to build a stronger, more connected local industry.” Save the Date If you work in clean energy in Miami or South Florida, don’t miss out on this great opportunity to meet fellow experts and grow your network. The Clean Energy Exchange – Happy Hour Networking Event📅 Thursday, 26th June⏰ 5-7pm PDT📍 Brickell, Miami

22 Apr 2025
energy storage
insight
22 Apr 2025
Smart Tech, Dirty Footprint? Unpacking ChatGPT’s Environmental Impact

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the world, but at what cost to the planet? As Earth Day 2025 calls on us to triple global renewable energy by 2030, the theme “Our Power, Our Planet” reminds us that progress must come with responsibility. While world leaders and industries push for greener solutions, we also need to examine the digital tools driving that change. AI is one of the most powerful innovations of our time, but its environmental footprint is growing just as fast as its influence. Understanding AI’s Environmental Impact AI tools like ChatGPT may seem effortless to use, operating through a few simple keystrokes, but each interaction depends on an energy-intensive infrastructure. According to Earth.Org, training a large language model like ChatGPT can generate more than 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of five roundtrip flights between New York and San Francisco for over 500 passengers! And that’s just the training. Once operational, these models run on powerful servers housed in data centres that require constant electricity and water for cooling. As the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) explains, these centres often rely on non-renewable energy sources and use significant amounts of fresh water, contributing to resource depletion. The hardware powering these centres relies on rare earth minerals, which are often extracted through mining processes that cause serious ecological harm. A single request made through ChatGPT uses 10 times more electricity than a typical Google search, as reported by the International Energy Agency (IEA). While global data is still emerging, the IEA also estimates that in Ireland, a key tech hub, data centres could consume nearly 35 per cent of the country’s total electricity by 2026. According to a report by BGR, even the simple act of saying "please" and "thank you" to ChatGPT contributes to higher usage costs, an efficiency issue that’s costing OpenAI tens of millions of dollars, highlighting how even seemingly harmless habits can carry a hidden environmental price. As AI becomes more widely adopted across industries and everyday life, so too does its demand for energy and resources. The ease and speed of generating an AI response masks the significant environmental toll behind the screen. A Tool for Climate Solutions Despite its environmental impact, AI also has the potential to support climate action, if used wisely. It can help optimise smart grids, boost the efficiency of wind and solar power, and model the effects of environmental policies. For researchers and scientists, AI speeds up climate modelling, biodiversity tracking, and pollution monitoring. AI is also becoming a valuable tool for environmental education. Platforms like ChatGPT make sustainability information easier to access and understand, helping more people engage with the issues and take action. As UNEP notes, the challenge isn’t the existence of AI, it’s how we design, power, and deploy it. A shift toward “green AI” is not just possible; it’s essential. This includes prioritising energy efficiency in model design, powering data centres with renewables, and ensuring hardware is ethically and sustainably sourced. Building a Responsible Digital Future Earth Day 2025 is a reminder that we all have a role in shaping a more sustainable world, including how we develop and apply technology. As AI becomes more embedded in our daily lives, it needs to be part of the climate conversation. Its impact, positive or negative, depends entirely on the choices we make: how we design, power, and regulate these tools. At Piper Maddox, we’re committed to building a future powered by clean, conscious innovation. This Earth Day, we’re asking: how can we use technology to drive real climate progress, not just convenience?

Ready for next steps? We’re looking forward to hearing from you.