What I'd Actually Test When Hiring an ETRM Business Analyst in 2026

In 2026, the energy space feels very different from what it did a few years ago. It's no longer about big climate promises, it's about whether those promises actually work in practice. Between grid pressure, AI-driven demand, and the rapid growth of the ETRM market (now around $25 billion), expectations from Business Analysts have changed quite a bit.

Honestly, if I were hiring an ETRM BA today, I wouldn't be too impressed by just clean documentation or standard BA skills. I'd look for a mix of practical thinking, technical comfort, and real understanding of how the market is evolving.

Here's what I'd actually test:

1. Data Science Fluency and a Statistical Mindset In 2026 being an "Excel power user" just won't cut it. I'd want to see a "statistical mindset" in action - the ability to get to grips with SQL and python, to clean data and spot trends. I want to see that they can use data tools to turn loads of numbers into something more than just a rehash of the past.
2. Complex PPA and BESS Lifecycle Modelling PPAs and BESS are now the heart of the renewable energy transition. I'd want to see if they can model how intermittent power production works, especially when it comes to price/volume fixing, and what happens when there's "cannibalisation", when lots of solar power coming online drives prices down. A top candidate would have to explain how an ETRM system can handle the detailed delivery schedules for non-standard contracts like these.
3. Carbon Integrity and CBAM Compliance As of 2026, the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will enter its "Definitive Phase," thereby transforming carbon accounting into a binding financial requirement, rather than a mere reporting exercise. A critical assessment would involve evaluating their comprehension of "additionality," which serves as evidence that a carbon project would be financially unfeasible absent the revenue generated from credit sales. Furthermore, they should demonstrate the capacity to incorporate carbon footprint data into an ETRM, thereby facilitating audit-ready ESG disclosures.
4. Real Time Risk Sensitivity The market volatility of 2026 is driving the need for something more than just end of day reporting. I'd use a scenario-based test to really see if they can cut it, "how do you prioritise tasks when a sudden grid congestion event puts multiple service levels at risk?" I'm after a candidate who can design a system for predictive insight, rather than just being a reactive teller of bad news.
5. Global Geopolitical Resilience (LNG and Hydrogen) With energy routes getting fragmented, I'd want a Business Analyst to have a handle on global logistics. I'd test their understanding of the global LNG expansion, and the state of play with hydrogen. I'd ask them to model the "bankability" of hydrogen projects, which rely on long term power at fixed prices through PPAs.
6. AI-Augmented Stakeholder Management By 2026 AI is going to be the "silent assistant" to Business Analysts. I'd test how they use AI to help with drafting user stories, pointing out ambiguous requirements, and suggesting edge cases for testing. A top candidate will be someone who can start to move closer to business strategy, pushing back on unclear objectives and focusing on outcomes, rather than just being a messenger for what stakeholders say.
7. ETRM System Architecture and Integration Finally, I'd want a BA who can demonstrate their knowledge of ETRM system architecture and integration, and be able to walk me through how data is pulled, processed, and presented to stakeholders in a way that makes it actionable.

Hiring in this space right now is less about ticking boxes and more about finding people who can connect the dots between data, systems, and business reality. And honestly, that only comes with continuous learning.

If someone is serious about growing in ETRM, they need to go beyond theory, whether that's through hands-on practice, simulations, or structured training.

Happy recruiting!