RECOA.EU - Renewable Construction Academy

Pictured: Inaki Perez, Global Practice Leader, Renewable Energy Generation, Mott MacDonald & Michelle Adamick, Communications Director, RECOA. Photo credit: felixdamian.com Felix Damian Photography.

11 May 2026 – As battery energy storage becomes essential infrastructure for renewable‑led power systems worldwide, developers deliver increasingly complex, safety‑critical projects at greater speed and scale than ever before. Yet many project teams are doing so without a shared, practical understanding of battery storage fundamentals, at a time when skills shortages are putting growing pressure on project delivery. The International Energy Agency has warned that more than half of energy companies globally are already facing critical skilled‑labour bottlenecks that are delaying projects and increasing costs[1].

In response to this challenge, the Renewable Construction Academy (RECOA) is pleased to announce Mott MacDonald as an official Academy Partner, who has joined us to co-develop  Battery Energy Storage Systems – BESS 01, a practical training course designed to equip individuals with the fundamental knowledge needed to make informed decisions and de‑risk utility‑scale battery energy storage projects. Mott MacDonald will contribute its specialist expertise to develop BESS 01, ensuring the course reflects real‑world project challenges, current industry practice and emerging trends in energy storage.

A practical course built for real projects

BESS 01 is designed specifically for professionals who require a robust, practical understanding of BESS in order to manage risk, engage effectively with suppliers and technical specialists, and make better‑informed development and investment decisions. The course will focus on utility‑scale and hybrid projects, including solar‑plus‑storage and wind‑plus‑storage developments, and is grounded in real‑world project experience and advisory insight.

By the end of the course, participants will have a practical understanding of both the technical and commercial aspects of utility‑scale battery energy storage, enabling them to contribute more effectively across development, procurement and delivery. The programme covers how BESS works, how systems are designed and sized, and how technology choices, safety considerations and project configuration affect performance and risk. It also explores how battery storage creates commercial value in real projects, including energy storage markets, revenue drivers and lifecycle risks—giving developers the confidence to challenge assumptions and make more informed project decisions.

Martin Warming, Founding Partner at RECOA, said, 

“With renewable sources expected to account for the largest share of electricity generation worldwide in the coming decades, energy storage will play a significant role in maintaining the balance between supply and demand. The global battery industry has been gaining momentum over the last few years, and investments in battery storage and power grids were estimated to have surpassed 450 billion U.S. dollars in 2025 and is projected to scale further in the years to come. To drive this exponential growth skilled professionals are needed, and we are really pleased that Mott MacDonald has agreed to make their expertise available and co-develop this course with RECOA.”

Inaki Perez, Global Practice Leader Renewables and Energy Storage at Mott MacDonald, stated, 

"Battery energy storage is reshaping the global electricity sector by enabling greater integration of renewables. Addressing the skill shortage is essential to meet evolving market needs as BESS deployment expands. At Mott MacDonald, we leverage extensive experience supporting clients with BESS projects worldwide. Drawing on this real-world expertise, we have created tailored training courses to support the professional development within our organisation. We are pleased to partner with RECOA to now share this knowledge more widely, and help enhance workforce skills and capabilities in our industry."

About Mott MacDonald

Mott MacDonald is a global, employee‑owned engineering, management and development consultancy, working across energy, transport, water, buildings and international development. With more than 19,500 employees operating in over 150 countries, the firm supports public and private sector clients to plan, design, deliver and operate infrastructure that underpins everyday life. Known for its multidisciplinary expertise and focus on sustainable development, Mott MacDonald combines technical excellence with advisory insight to address complex challenges across the full project lifecycle.

About the Renewable Construction Academy (RECOA)

The Renewable Construction Academy develops role-based online training courses and education programmes to educate and upskill the renewable energy industry's workforce. By addressing the resource challenge and fuelling the green transition, RECOA plays a vital role in promoting the adoption of renewable energy solutions. The Academy offers high-quality, engaging e-learning solutions developed in collaboration with Academy Partners, industry-leading experts and organisations, to establish and elevate the standard of education and training for renewable energy professionals. At RECOA, you can tap into a lifetime of accumulated knowledge and experience from experts within the renewable energy industry, offering flexible and affordable training solutions for everyone at any time. 

For media inquiries or more information, please contact:
Michelle Adamick
Marketing & Communications Director
The Renewable Construction Academy
+45 2151 4123
[email protected]

[1] International Energy Agency’s World Energy Employment 2025 report: Energy employment has surged, but growing skills shortages threaten future momentum - News - IEA