Renewable Energy
Supporting a Renewable Energy Developer's Growth in the USA
Our client, a global leader in renewable energy project development, operates across multiple countries including Spain, the USA, Brazil, the Caribbean, Italy, Colombia, Romania, and the UK. Since its founding in 2006, the company has steadily expanded, focusing on three core renewable technologies: photovoltaic, photovoltaic-wind hybridization, and green hydrogen. Covering every stage of the project lifecycle—from origination and development to execution and asset management—they bring an all-encompassing approach to renewable energy solutions.
With over 15 years of experience, the company consistently delivers top-quality, environmentally conscious projects worldwide, adhering to the highest industry standards. Their remarkable international expansion has strengthened their global presence, empowering them to make a larger positive impact.
Partnership Initiation
The partnership began in October 2023, when Oliver Hastie, Vice President of our USA Renewable Energy team, was introduced to the company through our Valencia office. At the time, they were in the early stages of planning their US expansion and seeking to build a local team. As they explored direct advertising for initial hires, they were quickly overwhelmed by a flood of irrelevant resumes and inquiries, which distracted them from their primary goal—growing their US presence. By January 2024, our partnership was officially launched.
Our collaboration thrived because we swiftly developed an efficient recruitment process, gaining a deep understanding of the company's specific needs and timelines. This allowed us to provide top-tier candidates with quick turnaround times.
One of the first roles we filled was the Head of Development. Within seven days, four candidates were shortlisted, and within three weeks, the position was successfully filled. Thanks to our vast network and expertise in the USA renewable energy sector, we were able to exceed standard recruitment timelines, which usually span two to four weeks. In addition, we offered valuable guidance on budget and bonus structures, leveraging our network to identify the best strategies for incentivizing senior hires. Ollie’s insight into the company ensured that the selected candidates aligned with their values, ambitions, and growth plans.
Overcoming Expansion Challenges
Despite the client’s international presence, entering the US market posed challenges due to their limited brand recognition locally. Competing in a market dominated by well-established players made their expansion more difficult.
To successfully navigate this landscape, it was clear that they needed seasoned professionals with proven experience in managing large-scale renewable energy projects. We adopted a strategic approach to recruitment, tapping into our deep industry knowledge and extensive network to find candidates who could not only contribute to the company’s growth but also enhance its presence in the US.
As the client’s US footprint expanded, we scaled our recruitment efforts accordingly. After the initial Head of Development role, Sam Smart, our Senior Consultant for USA Renewable Energy, took on three additional positions: two Senior Project Development roles and one Project Development role. Sam successfully placed candidates in all three roles, helping them advance their careers while supporting the client’s long-term growth objectives. Through this successful collaboration, we crafted competitive offers that benefited both the company and the candidates.
Tailored Recruitment Solutions
Since the start of 2024, we’ve maintained a close consultative partnership with the client, delivering a range of recruitment services including permanent recruitment, retained search and market analysis. Our holistic approach has enabled us to consistently find top talent, working exclusively with the company as they establish themselves in the competitive US market.
For each recruitment project, we regularly consult on role specifications, explore the unique benefits the company can offer, and fine-tune their competitive positioning. We go beyond merely advising on salaries, recognizing that top talent often seeks opportunities for professional growth, a sense of purpose, and a collaborative work culture. Our consultative approach ensures that candidates see the full value of joining the company.
Results and Impact
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Our exclusive partnership has positioned the company as a recognized leader in attracting top talent in the renewable energy sector. Through our competitive pricing structure and tailored approach, we’ve successfully filled four key roles and are currently working on more.
Since the start of the partnership, we’ve consistently delivered top-quality candidates for both junior and senior positions across the renewable energy project lifecycle. Whether filling technical engineering roles or senior leadership positions, we have leveraged our network and expertise to meet the client’s diverse needs efficiently.
Our collaboration, rooted in a shared commitment to advancing clean energy, has been crucial in helping the company build a strong presence in the US. We are proud to be their recruitment partner of choice, playing a vital role in their continued success since 2024 and into the future.
Interested in partnering with us? Let’s work together to drive positive change. Discover more about our USA Renewable Energy services here.
Other success stories
Renewable Energy
Driving EDP Renewables' expansion in France
EDP Renewables (EDPR), a global leader in renewable energy, has made remarkable strides in the sector, building a robust presence in the French market. Since 2018, EDPR has partnered with Climate17 to secure specialised talent, enabling the company to expand operations, meet project demands, and drive its mission to transition the world to clean energy.
About EDPR
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Madrid, EDPR is the fourth largest wind energy generator globally. The company designs, develops, manages, and operates renewable energy power plants worldwide, focusing on onshore and offshore wind as well as solar energy, contributing significantly to the clean energy transition. EDPR has expanded its operations to regions such as Europe, North and South America, and Asia, solidifying its reputation as a renewable energy powerhouse. The firm has been accredited with a listing in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index and named a Top Employer 2024 in Europe, Singapore, Brazil, Colombia and Chile.
Partnership Initiation
Climate17’s partnership with EDPR began in 2018, initiated by Carlos Soria, Climate17’s Director and Co-Founder. EDPR came to us looking to expand into the French Renewable Energy market. They required candidates who had experience working within the renewable sector with skills suitable to support their growth ambitions to expand within the French market.
Initially focusing on recruitment in France and Spain, the partnership expanded over the years to support EDPR’s international growth in other regions such as Colombia, Greece, the UK, Vietnam, Italy, Poland, Romania, and Germany. The need for international hires reinforced the necessity to collaborate with a recruitment specialist capable of targeting candidates directly and delivering comprehensive market insights.
Despite this international coverage, the core of the collaboration remained focused on France where Damien Mura, Head of France, was instrumental in managing and growing the account, partnering with EDPR on an exclusive basis.
Challenges and Our Consultative Solutions
As EDPR continued to focus on their growth plans within the French market, their expansion was met with difficulties as their specialist roles were unable to be filled due to a finite number of professionals with experience working within the renewable energy sector. As well as struggling with limited talent, the rapid growth of the renewable energy industry in France meant demand for accomplished executives was excessive. Without filling their roles with suitable candidates, EDPR would be unable to meet its growth objectives and struggle to expand and become an industry leader within France. Subsequently, the need for a specialised recruitment partner was crucial to be able to identify and head-hunt suitable candidates.
We addressed these challenges by consulting with EDPR about their expansion aims and business objectives and the required skills and desired attributes for each vacancy. This supported us in identifying candidates from diverse sectors such as agriculture and real estate, leveraging our expertise to highlight transferable skills suited to the renewable energy sector. This approach expanded the talent pool, providing expert market insights and gaining a competitive advantage over other contenders, enhancing the resulting outcomes.
Recruiting for a growing company like EDPR in a competitive industry within France posed challenges, but we were able to navigate these effectively. EDPR required a variety of roles in the French Market throughout our partnership, from Country Manager to Origination Managers. Our teams’ advanced renewable energy expertise combined with extensive market knowledge and our retained search & selection process assisted in fulfilling permanent recruitment.
We consistently maintained flexibility in our approach, adapting our services to meet EDPR's evolving needs. By staying in close communication, regularly seeking feedback, and refining the search process as necessary, we developed a strong rapport with key team members and hiring managers, helping us form an exclusive basis with EDPR throughout our relationship.
Outcomes and Impact
“Damien is a highly professional, detail-focused consultant. He is passionate about the renewable energy market and proven to be an expert. He is very focused on quality, always striving to find the best talent for our business.”
Javier Gomez, Head of HR
“Damien was very professional and understood what I was looking for when I changed jobs. I’d like to thank him again for giving me this opportunity.”
Kevin Wavelet, Head of Asset Management
Climate17’s tailored consultative solutions played a pivotal role in fulfilling EDPR’s need for top-tier candidates to support their growth in the French market. By thoroughly understanding EDPR’s specific requirements and long-term objectives, we were able to identify talent with the right attributes and experience to drive their expansion efforts. Our bespoke recruitment strategies not only ensured that EDPR had access to a diverse talent pool but also provided insights into market trends and hiring best practices. This partnership has been instrumental in helping EDPR meet their ambitious growth targets while positioning them for continued success in the renewable energy sector.
In a similar position as EDPR and looking to expand or enter a market with finite talent? Let's work together to drive change. Learn more about our French services and team here.
Renewable Energy
Powering Fotowatio’s Growth in Italy
About Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV)
Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV), a leader in renewable energy solutions, has consistently driven innovation and excellence in the renewable energy sector. Founded in 2006, the company rapidly expanded its operations globally, including into Italy in 2008. Italy's renewable energy market is primarily focused on photovoltaic (PV) solar energy, but FRV has also emerged as a leader in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Their commitment to renewable energy has positioned them as a key player in the transition to a clean energy future.
Our Partnership Initiation
Our strategic partnership was initiated in 2015 by Carlos Soria, Climate17 Director & Co-Founder, by signing an agreement with FRV’s HR team at their headquarters in Madrid, Spain. At the time, FRV faced challenges in attracting top-tier talent in regions where they had minimal presence or brand recognition. The need for international hires in these underserved markets made it crucial to engage with a specialised recruitment partner who could proactively approach candidates and provide strategic market mapping.
Our teams’ advanced renewable energy expertise, combined with our extensive network and deep market knowledge, made us the ideal partner for FRV. The excellent communication between both parties further solidified our partnership, leading to the successful placement of key roles in Spain, Mexico, Australia, and Dubai. The initial focus was on Project Managers for PV solar plants.
In 2023, our collaboration expanded to support FRV’s Italian growth, marking a significant milestone in our partnership.
Expanding into the Italian Market
As FRV continued to grow and the need to source specific talent was also on the rise, this presented both opportunities and challenges for FRV. Despite these obstacles, Martina and Claudia, our Italian Renewable Energy team, successfully placed eight key roles over a year and a half. These placements included positions in legal, project development, project management and project engineering, construction, and accounting—all based in Rome, where FRV has fostered a dynamic, welcoming, and innovative workplace culture.
The successful placement of a Grid Connection Specialist, a critical role in the renewable energy sector, highlights the team’s ability to overcome the significant challenge of finding the appropriate candidates willing to join a new and growing company in a competitive market, who aligned with FRV’s vision, growth plans and ambitions.
The strong relationship between our team and FRV, as well as our deep understanding of the candidates’ profiles and the company’s needs, has contributed to a high retention rate within FRV’s Italian market. The collaboration has been key in building a strong team that continues to drive FRV’s success in Italy.
Our Tailored Recruitment Solutions
Our partnership with FRV is built on a foundation of close collaboration and flexibility. We have provided tailored recruitment solutions, including comprehensive salary surveys in each international market where FRV operates outside of Spain: Mexico, Australia, Dubai, and Italy. Our approach is entirely adaptable, tailoring our services to meet FRV’s specific needs and requirements.
The Italian team has developed a deep connection with both the candidates and FRV, ensuring that every placement aligns perfectly with the company’s goals and culture. Our tailored recruitment solutions have been key to our success in filling diverse roles across the organisation.
The Outcomes
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Our ongoing partnership with FRV continues to thrive. We remain committed to supporting FRV’s growth and success, consistently delivering top-quality candidates who contribute to the company’s mission of advancing renewable energy solutions.
We look forward to continuing our collaboration with FRV, helping them build and expand their teams globally as they lead the change in the renewable energy sector.
Interested in partnering with us? Let’s work together to drive positive change. Discover more about our Italian services and team here.
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