Solar

We are Solar recruitment specialists

The Solar industry has expanded significantly in recent years, and this upward trend shows no indication of slowing down. Solar energy is all around us and we’re only just scratching the surface of its potential.  

In this dynamic and rapidly evolving sector, our mission is to bring exceptional people to integral roles, that will change the course of the world. We are dedicated to connecting talent with opportunities in the dynamic solar sector, contributing to the ongoing transformation of the energy landscape. 

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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
Senior Analyst, Finance
US$95000 - US$115000 per annum + Bonus, 401k
San Francisco, California
Permanent
Hybrid

JOB PURPOSEIn this unique role traversing development, analysis, project finance and valuation activities, this person will be directly contributing to transitioning the world to renewable energy. This position is primarily responsible for structuring transactions, due diligence support, financial analysis, and modelling. Work duties include research, data analysis, valuation, and risk assessment across a broad range of energy finance and M&A transactions, primarily in wind, solar and transmission. This role often collaborates with team members cross functionally in areas such as development, construction, origination, asset management, legal, and corporate finance. Key AccountabilitiesDevelop financial models and analysis for renewable energy projects.Assist with structured finance product development, including developing structural solutions for tax equity investments.Develop and deliver internal / external investment presentations and briefs.Identify and quantify key investment drivers and perform sensitivities.Support development activities and asset due diligence efforts, driving internal consideration of project value and risk.Perform general research duties and statistical analysis.Analyze market risk factors, pricing and risk management products, including hedges.Support treasury and capital planning functions.Participate in meetings with internal/external clients.Respond to information requests from financial institutions and over time, be the contact person for lenders and tax equity investors, including responding to requests for additional analysis.Provide transaction support as a junior team member throughout financing processes. Experience/Qualifications/Education RequiredBachelor's degree in Finance, Mathematics, Engineering, Economics or related area combined with at least 2-4 years of project finance analytical/modelling experience within a financial firm or energy operating companyAdvanced degree and/or CFA certification is optional.Project Finance acquisition, management or transaction experience preferred.Exceptional analytical skills and understanding of relevant financial and mathematical modelling techniques.Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to express ideas effectively and fluently.Ability to work in a collaborative environment where teamwork and independent work ethic are essential.Ability to synthesize and organize large amounts of data.Ability to organize time well and set proper priorities.Advanced knowledge of spreadsheets, presentation software and the Internet search.

New
Grid Engineer
€50000 - €55000 per annum
Lombardy
Permanent
Hybrid

Grid EngineerGrowing IPP working across Europe.Lombardy- hybrid model, 3 days in the office€50,000 and benefits The Company:We're continuing our long term partnership with a growing IPP working in over 4 countries across Europe. They've over 10 years of market presence, and have gone through a series of success in recent years to reach new growth points. Recently, they have received strong funding from a major player in the industry to support their delivery of over 1,000 projects by 2030. They currently have of 650MW of assets in construction or operation stages. They also have over 140GWh in production too.They now work across Italy, France, Greece and Sweden, with substantial pipelines over each stage of the project lifecycle. Their pipeline is mainly solar, however they are progressing into BESS projects and hybrid sites. This pipeline covers early stage developments, construction, financing and operation and maintenance stages. The Role:This is a brand new role for the group at the heart of their Italian development function. The main purpose of this role is to work on projects at late stage development, through grid connection stages and into early construction phases. The main responsibilities will include: - Generating grid connections with TERNA & ENEL. - Ensuring they are grid compliant and meet milestones to ensure project success. - Supporting projects through late stage developments and permitting stages and through grid connection stages, into project handover.What we need from you: - A background in engineering and project management, including grid connection work & grid code compliance knowledge. Permitting knowledge and late stage development work. - Working with large scale solar projects. - Experience with negotiations and deadlines. Autonomous characterApply to this advert to learn more!Piper Maddox is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

1 day ago
Managing Director
€110000 - €160000 per annum
Milan
Permanent
Hybrid

Titolo della posizione: Managing DirectorSede: Milano, Italia (lavoro ibrido)Retribuzione: Competitiva, basata sull'esperienza + 20% di premio di risultatoSettore: Energie Rinnovabili (Fotovoltaico, AgriPV, BESS)Seniority: C-Level | Riporta direttamente al CEO del GruppoLa PosizioneGuidare la filiale italiana di un gruppo multinazionale. Il candidato ideale avrà almeno 5 anni di esperienza in ruoli direttivi, una solida preparazione tecnica e/o economico-finanziaria, e una comprovata esperienza nella realizzazione di progetti nello Sviluppo e EPC complessi in Italia. Il Direttore Generale avrà la responsabilità completa del P&L, guiderà un team multidisciplinare ben strutturato e sarà il punto di riferimento del gruppo sul mercato italiano.Responsabilità principali* Guidare la crescita e le operazioni della filiale italiana, con supervisione diretta su EPC, sviluppo e attività commerciali* Gestire lo sviluppo e la realizzazione di progetti rinnovabili (fotovoltaico, BESS, AgriPV) dalla fase di origination alla costruzione* Curare i rapporti con stakeholder pubblici e privati, autorità regolatorie (es. TERNA, Enel), fornitori e clienti* Negoziare contratti EPC, O&M, PPA e sviluppare nuove opportunità di business sul mercato italiano* Coordinare e valorizzare il team italiano, promuovendo una cultura aziendale orientata alla performance e all'innovazioneProfilo del candidato* 10-15+ anni di esperienza nel settore delle energie rinnovabili, di cui almeno 5 anni in ruoli direttivi o di country management* Laurea in Ingegneria (elettrica, civile, industriale) o Economia; un MBA o titolo post-laurea è considerato un plus* Solida esperienza in progetti EPC su larga scala; è apprezzata anche esperienza nello sviluppo* Conoscenza approfondita del quadro normativo italiano (AU, connessioni alla rete, GSE, aste FER)* Madrelingua italiana con ottima conoscenza della lingua inglese; lo spagnolo è un plus* Residenza a Milano o disponibilità a lavorare stabilmente nell'area; esperienza in contesti internazionaliCompetenze chiave* Visione strategica unita a capacità operativa sul campo* Forte orientamento economico e gestione completa del P&L* Eccellenti doti relazionali con stakeholder istituzionali e privati* Mentalità imprenditoriale, voglia di crescere e di affrontare nuove sfide* Capacità di guidare la trasformazione aziendale e l'espansione nel mercatoPiper Maddox is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

2 days ago
Technical Specialist, Energy Storage Fire Testing
Up to US$144000 per annum
Sanford, North Carolina
Permanent
Hybrid

Piper Maddox has been exclusively retained by a global leader in product testing, inspection, and certification, seeking a Technical Specialist to join their team in advancing safety and performance standards for energy storage systems. Job Summary:The Technical Specialist will serve as an expert in energy storage fire testing, driving commercial development of new and existing accounts. This role ensures customer satisfaction while promoting expanded services, mentoring staff, and managing certification projects. Key ResponsibilitiesProvide technical guidance and mentorship in energy storage fire testing.Manage testing laboratory projects to maximize throughput and client satisfaction.Conduct certification project reviews to maintain technical qualifications.Collaborate with sales teams to identify and pursue new business opportunities.Build and maintain client relationships to meet sales targets.Prepare pricing proposals and represent the organization at industry events.Maintain accurate client records and provide periodic activity reports. QualificationsProfessional Engineer designation or a 3-year college diploma in a relevant technical discipline.3+ years of experience in the energy storage industry.Extensive knowledge of energy storage fire testing standards (e.g., UL, IEC, or similar).Familiarity with testing procedures and certification programs.Sales or marketing experience is a plus. SkillsStrong problem-solving and attention to detail.Excellent verbal and written communication.Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.Proven sales or account management experience.Public speaking and presentation skills.Strong organizational and project management abilities.Proficient in word processing and client database management.Flexible and responsive in a dynamic work environment.

2 days ago
Development Manager - Solar, BESS, Onshore Wind
£60000 - £70000 per annum
London
Permanent
Hybrid

Development Manager - Solar, BESS, and Onshore Wind ProjectsLondon Office LocationSalary Dependent on Experience: £60,000 - 70,000 + wider packagePiper Maddox are currently working with one of the top global renewable energy companies to add to their headcount in the UK. Our client has been a presence in the market for close to 20 years and in the UK alone, they are coming up on a decade in operation. This company are a full Independent Power Producer who focus on Solar & Battery Storage technology. They take their portfolio through from inception, development, into the RTB stage and out towards construction and operation. The facts and figures here are impressive and show that this company has a strong track record of project delivery so you can rest assured you will see your projects come to fruition. Our client has over 20GW of pipeline in development and >10GW under operational management. More specific to the UK, you would be working on a development pipeline that sits at >1GW in various stages of development. You would primarily be working on Solar and Battery Storage projects but this company are aiming to add Onshore Wind capabilities to their team going forward. They are looking to add a Development Manager to their UK operations who will be responsible for taking projects on from the land acquisition team, and manage projects through development and into the RTB stage. For this role, you must have good experience in tying together key aspects of development, including land, grid, and planning - ensuring these factors all knit together to form a viable development. Strong commercial acumen is also required as this role will be responsible for managing budgets, timelines, and project reporting matters.You would have a nice balance of being a part of a compact and tight knit team in the UK, while having the stability and assurances that come with a big international company in the background when it comes to finances and pipeline. This company's UK team are in an exciting period of growth so this is a great time to be joining up with the team. This role would be a good fit for an experienced development manager looking to join one of the global leaders in the renewable energy sector and grow their technology expertise. Apply to learn more.Piper Maddox is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

3 days ago
Grid Connection Manager
€55000 - €60000 per annum
Milan
Permanent
Hybrid

Grid Connection Manager Milan or Potenza Offices - Hybrid model, able to get into either of these offices Independent Power Provider with a global presenceUp to €60,000 + 10% bonus DOE We've recently partnered with a leading IPP, who are on a mission to progress the future of our energy forever. With over 30 years of experience, they have come a long way in this time. They now have high targets that they're on track for of over 3GW of renewable energy assets by 2027. They've expanded their operations across 21 countries globally, establishing themselves in Italy in 2019. Here, they began developing greenfield projects of PV and onshore wind. Now, they have over 1.5GW of these projects in permitting stages and the team have began looking at new technologies to focus on including energy storage, offshore wind and agriPV. This role will be at the centre of the Italian operations, and would have a focus of assessing these new technologies. The group has also been on a journey over the last 30 years, now running operations from end -to-end for these projects. Now, they finance, develop, build and operates across their renewable projects. This means that the group is considered a full IPP, offering multiple services and generating revenue through multiple streams. This also means that your work will be varied and agile. The group has also focused on their culture for the last 30 years, fine tuning and progressing their environment to one that has 3 main values. Fair working for all stakeholders, both internal and external. Caring about the industry, planet and their people. Finally, inclusion of their vision, insight and knowledge to all. This role is a brand new position for the group, so the full scope of the position is still to be determined by the candidate. The team is ambitious and eager to grow, and this role is really important for this. The main responsibilities will include:* Managing connections from start to end, regularly liaising with TERNA and ENEL. * Managing applications as well as completing these for the connection agreements. Ensuring that they meet optimal milestones and are compliant.* Working closely with development team and EPC teams for the projects. * Supporting through EPC phases with connection agreements. If you have experience of the above and are ready for a new opportunity where you'd be able to determine your progression and long term role, then apply and we can discuss further!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
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
man smiling
Jordan Hayward
Principal Consultant
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
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
Man with glasses on
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 Solar

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.