Welder Shortage - wind farm and nuclear power plans 'at risk'

Wind farm and nuclear power plans ‘at risk’ due to nationwide welder shortage. Renewable energy and water infrastructure projects could be hit by a shortage of skilled labour, with overseas workers needed to fill gaps, a new study found. Government plans for renewable energy, nuclear and water infrastructure projects could be hit by a lack of welders and lineworkers, according to a new report. The study by a former No 10 senior adviser suggested almost 40 per cent of large infrastructure projects could fail or stall over the next five years with the country needing thousands more skilled workers. Labour hopes a planning overhaul will allow the construction of energy infrastructure, new reservoirs, better transport links and mega-projects like the third runway at Heathrow.