Mental health in renewables: The part we don't talk about enough

There’s a lot of conversation in renewables around performance, output and delivery. What tends to get less attention is the pressure that sits behind it, particularly for the people responsible for keeping everything moving.

Across the industry, whether you’re on site, managing assets or supporting operations, the

pace is high and expectations are constant. Long days, tight deadlines and a level of responsibility that doesn’t always switch off at the end of a shift are all part of the reality. For many, that’s just accepted as normal, but it doesn’t mean it should be overlooked.

At Solar Group Utilities, this is something we are very aware of. Our work often places people in high-pressure environments where focus, safety and performance are critical, and we recognise that supporting mental wellbeing is part of maintaining those standards. It’s not treated as a separate initiative or a tick-box exercise, but as something that sits alongside how we operate day to day.

As the sector continues to grow, so does the demand on individuals. Larger portfolios, tighter timelines and increased accountability all contribute to a working environment that can be rewarding, but also challenging. While the industry has become more sophisticated in how it measures performance, it hasn’t always kept pace with how it supports the people delivering it.

One of the biggest challenges is that many people still don’t feel comfortable speaking up when something isn’t right. That can come down to culture, perception or simply not knowing where to turn. In environments where reliability and competence are highly valued, there can be an unspoken pressure to keep going, even when it becomes difficult.

Mental health is closely linked to performance, decision-making and safety. When people are supported properly, they are more focused, more resilient and better equipped to do their jobs well. Creating that support does not require a complete overhaul of how businesses operate, but it does require a shift towards more open, consistent conversations and visible points of support.

This is where Mental Health First Aiders can make a real difference. Within AMP Trust, the aim is to build a network of individuals who are approachable, informed and able to provide an initial layer of support. Their role is not to diagnose or treat, but to listen, recognise when something may be wrong and help guide people towards appropriate support where needed.

At SGU, we’ve seen the value of having people within the business who can take on that role. It helps create an environment where conversations feel more normal and where support is easier to access, particularly in moments where it might otherwise be avoided.

The broader goal is to contribute to a more open and supportive industry. One where people feel able to speak honestly, where support is visible, and where wellbeing is understood as part of long-term performance rather than separate from it.

If this is something you care about and you’d like to be involved, we are always open to individuals who want to step forward as Mental Health First Aiders within the AMP Trust network. It is a practical way to contribute and to support others across the industry.

If you’re reading this and you’re not feeling at your best, it’s important not to sit with it alone. Reaching out, even in a small way, can make a difference, and there are people within the network who are there to listen and help point you in the right direction.

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Jo Baber is one of our Mental Health First Aiders and is Senior Client Manager

at Solar Group Utilities - Jo brings a client-focused perspective, ensuring strong relationships, clear communication and consistent service delivery.