Extensive changes in federal energy policy, soaring demand and rising electricity prices have upended long-term planning assumptions about energy supply and associated workforce needs for utility leaders, energy executives, government policymakers and workforce development organizations. Pragmatic solutions are needed to navigate these changes and power a resilient energy future for New Jersey.

 

The Sweeney Center for Public Policy and the Rowan Energy Collaborative (ROWEC) convened a daylong conference on September 19, 2025, that brought together experts to discuss solutions for the changing energy landscape. Speakers addressed (1) strategies to expand energy supply to meet rising demand that balance cost, reliability and environmental needs; (2) shifts in the pipeline of energy projects and energy source development and impacts on workforce planning, (3) employers’ perspectives on workforce needs, trends and challenges and (4) how education and workforce training programs in government, academia, business and unions can adapt and excel at meeting changing job demands.