The demand for HV/LV professionals is increasing at a disproportionate pace compared to supply, due to the extreme market expansion of the data centre industry causing a competition for talent.
HV/LV talent are skilled professionals who specialise in the electrical systems that bring power to data centre facilities. They are crucial to the project lifecycle, and most essential 12-24 months before energisation.
According to CBRE, the data centre market is forecasted to reach 13GW of capacity by the end of 2026 (approximately a 20% year-on-year growth). This has placed significant pressure on the existing data centre talent pool, with skilled professionals increasingly required to be mobile and work across multiple locations. This has made the specialised HV/LV expertise particularly sought after, further intensifying demand in an already limited talent pool.
The number of candidates possessing HV/LV skills is failing to keep pace with the rapid growth of the sector, forcing hyperscale employers to look internationally to secure the skilled talent required to fill their critical roles.
This is particularly the case in emerging markets – such as Denmark, Sweden and Finland – where national talent availability is severely limited because there are limited training and development opportunities available locally, making it difficult to build a pipeline of qualified HV/LV professionals quickly enough to meet the sector’s growing demand.
The Competition isn’t just Data Centres
Project leads are facing greater demands to secure the right talent to keep projects on schedule and minimise delays, particularly as even a few hours of downtime or a single mistake can result in significant financial losses for the company.
However, HV/LV talent is essential across a range of industries – particularly BESS, renewable energy and grid infrastructure projects – meaning that many projects are fighting over the same qualified candidates. Given the complexity of these projects and the need to meet the highest standards of safety and quality, demand for experienced professionals is becoming increasingly strong, as employers compete for the specialist expertise required to deliver projects safely, efficiently and successfully.
Candidate Expectations are Changing
As demand for skilled candidates continues to outpace supply, professionals have become increasingly selective about the opportunities they pursue, seeking more competitive packages and attractive terms when considering new projects.
Whilst local talent may primarily be attracted by competitive rates, streamlined recruitment processes, clear project pipelines, and opportunities for career development, international candidates typically also require a more comprehensive package, including rotation options, accommodation and travel support.
Offering competitive packages is becoming increasingly important when it comes to securing skilled talent, particularly professionals with mission-critical experience, as they are likely to be approached by multiple employers simultaneously.
Our Partnership
g2 Recruitment has access to a strong network of HV/LV professionals with proven experience working within data centre environments across Europe.
Whether a project requires experience with mission-critical systems or with hyperscale projects, we can source compliant local and international talent for projects requiring HV/LV professionals. Post sourcing, we also negotiate the packages that today’s professionals often expect, ensuring that clients both clients and candidates are happy with the partnership.
“In today’s highly competitive data centre market, securing experienced LV and HV professionals can be the difference between project success and costly delays.
Through an unrivalled network across Europe and a detailed understanding of the sector’s talent landscape, we provide clients with rapid access to the specialist expertise required to keep critical infrastructure projects moving forward.” – Adam Walsh – Regional Head of DACH Engineering
Conclusion
The challenge facing Europe’s data centre industry is no longer simply building capacity, it is securing the specialist electrical talent required to energise and operate that capacity safely.
As demand for HV/LV professionals continues to outstrip supply, organisations that engage talent early and partner with specialist recruitment providers will be best positioned to deliver projects on time and avoid costly delays.
If you are looking for premium, compliant HV/ LV talent, follow the link to our Contact Page.
