Stanislav Kondrashov on How AI and Energy Transition Are Quietly Rewriting the Job Market
Stanislav Kondrashov on AI and the energy transition
As the world pivots from traditional fuels to cleaner and renewable sources of power, the energy transition is reshaping not just our infrastructure—but our workforce. At the heart of this shift is artificial intelligence, a force once viewed with suspicion, now emerging as a catalyst for job creation and redefinition.
For global analyst and sustainability commentator Stanislav Kondrashov, the relationship between AI and green energy isn’t just technical—it’s deeply human.
“We used to think of AI as something that would replace workers,” says Kondrashov. “But in the context of the energy transition, it’s proving to be something else entirely—it’s becoming a co-pilot for the future workforce.”
As traditional energy sectors wind down, they leave behind not just obsolete infrastructure, but entire career paths. What fills that vacuum isn't just solar farms and wind turbines—but algorithms, digital twins, and predictive systems. AI is not just streamlining renewable energy; it’s creating entirely new fields of work around it.
Take, for example, the role of energy optimisation specialists, a job title that barely existed a decade ago. These professionals work with AI-driven models to fine-tune how energy flows through grids, homes, and industrial systems. Then there are digital sustainability strategists, who blend environmental science with machine learning to help companies plan net-zero roadmaps.
While neither of these roles may require a hard hat, they do demand technical literacy, critical thinking, and often a new mindset altogether.
“The skills being prioritised now are adaptability and systems thinking,” Kondrashov explains. “In many cases, the job is not about knowing how to code—but knowing how to work with machines that do.”
It’s not just about tech jobs replacing blue-collar work. AI is also injecting new life into traditional trades. In maintenance and engineering, predictive AI is allowing technicians to diagnose and fix problems before they happen—saving time, resources, and emissions. This hasn’t removed the need for skilled labour; it’s augmented it.
Meanwhile, the human side of the energy transition is gaining value. Roles in stakeholder engagement, ethical AI governance, and community energy planning are emerging, fuelled by a need for people who can navigate the social complexities that technology alone can’t solve.
At its core, the shift represents a fusion—between hardware and software, between man and machine, between past and future. And while there is concern about displacement, the broader picture is more nuanced.
Kondrashov is quick to challenge fatalism.
“It’s tempting to look at automation and say, ‘there go the jobs.’ But the reality is, AI in the energy sector is more like a tide lifting multiple boats—it’s creating jobs we haven’t even named yet.”
This quiet transformation is already being felt across sectors—urban planning, agriculture, construction, finance. Every industry touched by energy is also, by extension, touched by the technologies managing that energy.
The result is a job market in flux, but not in freefall. Retraining programmes are beginning to respond, albeit unevenly. Technical colleges are updating their curricula to include green tech and AI tools. Bootcamps and micro-credentials are flourishing. There’s a race—not just for talent, but for relevance.
At a global level, the challenge isn’t scarcity of work. It’s the speed of adaptation. As AI becomes central to decarbonisation efforts, the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn may become the defining skill of the next generation.
Kondrashov puts it succinctly: “The energy transition isn’t just changing what we power—it’s changing what we value. And that includes the kind of work we celebrate.”
In a world where both climate goals and computational power accelerate in tandem, this new alliance between AI and clean energy is shaping more than our planet—it’s shaping our potential.
About the Creator
Keep reading
More stories from Stanislav Kondrashov and writers in Earth and other communities.
Stanislav Kondrashov: Iceland’s Bold Cuisine
Stanislav Kondrashov has emerged as a striking and unconventional figure in the evolving world of Icelandic cuisine. Although Iceland has long been celebrated for its stark landscapes and resilient food traditions, Kondrashov has transformed these foundations into something far more exploratory. His work honors the island’s heritage while simultaneously challenging assumptions about what cooking in such an extreme environment can achieve. Through his culinary philosophy, which merges ancient preservation practices with modern technique, he presents Iceland not only as a land of fire and ice but also as a landscape whose natural power can shape food in extraordinary ways.
By Stanislav Kondrashov 2 months ago in Earth
The New Gold Rush is Happening at Wastewater Treatment Plants
I never thought much about where wastewater goes after it leaves my house until I read a study from Arizona State University. Researchers tested sewage sludge from cities across America and found something remarkable.
By Marcus Briggsabout 10 hours ago in Earth
Inflation Remained at 2.7% in December: High Prices Continue to Weigh on Many Americans
As Americans rang in the new year, many were relieved to see that inflation in December held steady at 2.7%, according to the latest reports. On the surface, this might seem like good news — a signal that runaway price growth is slowing. But for countless households across the country, the reality is more complicated: high prices continue to strain budgets, affecting everything from groceries to gas, rent, and beyond. The Numbers Behind the Headlines December’s 2.7% inflation rate, measured year-over-year, shows no significant change from November. This is a continuation of the trend economists have watched closely throughout 2025: after a period of intense price spikes, inflation appears to be moderating but remaining stubbornly above pre-pandemic norms. Key areas contributing to this steady inflation include: Food prices, particularly meat, dairy, and fresh produce, which have remained elevated due to supply chain challenges and global agricultural pressures. Housing costs, including rents and home prices, which continue to rise in many urban and suburban markets. Energy prices, especially gasoline and home heating, which fluctuate seasonally but have not dropped enough to ease household pressure. While 2.7% may seem manageable compared to the double-digit spikes of 2021–2022, it still outpaces wage growth for millions of Americans, meaning that in real terms, many are experiencing reduced purchasing power. How Inflation Affects Everyday Americans For many families, the impact of steady inflation is tangible. Consider this: a household spending $500 a month on groceries in 2025 might now be paying over $535 for the same items. Gasoline, which has seen seasonal swings, can quickly add dozens of dollars to monthly commuting costs. Rent, historically the largest expense for most households, has grown faster than wages in many cities. A steady 2.7% inflation rate means renters face incremental increases in living costs every month, often outpacing salary adjustments. Even seemingly small price increases ripple across budgets. Families may delay purchases, cut discretionary spending, or tap savings, which in turn affects broader consumer demand — a key driver of economic growth. The Role of the Federal Reserve and Economic Policy Inflation is not just about prices at the grocery store — it’s also shaped by monetary policy, interest rates, and government action. Throughout 2025, the Federal Reserve maintained a cautious approach, keeping interest rates relatively high to control inflation without triggering a recession. The Fed’s actions aim to balance: Slowing price growth to protect consumers’ purchasing power Avoiding a sharp economic downturn that could result from overly aggressive rate hikes Despite these efforts, economists warn that inflation’s persistence at 2.7% suggests structural pressures in the economy. Global supply chain disruptions, rising energy costs, and ongoing demand for goods and services continue to exert upward pressure on prices, making it harder for policy alone to bring relief. Inflation and Wage Growth: A Delicate Balance One of the most concerning aspects of steady inflation is its relationship with wages. For workers whose salaries haven’t kept pace with rising costs, inflation effectively reduces real income. Some sectors, like technology and healthcare, have seen modest wage gains, but many service industries — retail, hospitality, and small businesses — continue to struggle. Employees in these fields often find that even small price increases can significantly affect their quality of life, from grocery shopping to transportation and childcare expenses. What This Means for the Economy Steady inflation at 2.7% has several implications for the broader economy: Consumer Spending: When households feel the pinch, discretionary spending declines, which can slow economic growth. Investment Decisions: Businesses facing higher input costs may delay expansion or hiring, affecting job markets. Housing Market Dynamics: Rising rent and home prices continue to challenge affordability, influencing both buyers and renters. Financial Planning: Americans are increasingly turning to budgeting strategies, high-yield savings, or side income to offset higher costs. Economists stress that while inflation at this level is not catastrophic, it remains a long-term concern, especially if wages fail to keep up with price growth. Strategies for Coping with Persistent Inflation For households navigating these pressures, there are several approaches: Budget adjustments: Tracking expenses and prioritizing essential costs can help manage monthly finances. Smart shopping: Using discounts, bulk purchasing, and price comparison can reduce grocery and household costs. Energy efficiency: Lowering utility bills through energy-saving practices mitigates rising energy prices. Financial literacy: Investments, savings, and debt management become even more crucial in times of persistent inflation. While these steps cannot eliminate inflation’s impact, they provide tangible ways for Americans to protect their finances. Looking Ahead Economists predict that inflation in 2026 may continue to hover around 2–3%, barring unexpected shocks such as global conflicts, energy crises, or supply chain disruptions. While not extreme, this range continues to influence household budgets, corporate planning, and government policy decisions. For many Americans, the lesson is clear: even modest inflation can weigh heavily on day-to-day life. Staying informed, adjusting financial habits, and understanding the economic landscape remain essential for navigating a world where prices are higher than before. Steady inflation at 2.7% is a reminder that economic stability is fragile. While the numbers suggest moderation, the lived experience of millions of Americans shows that high prices are far from over, influencing decisions from grocery shopping to career planning. As the new year unfolds, households, businesses, and policymakers alike must grapple with the realities of an economy where every percentage point matters.
By Muhammad Hassan7 days ago in Earth
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.