Renewable Energy Jobs Surge To Record 16.2 Million In 2023, Reports IRENA

In 2023, the renewable energy sector experienced a significant rise in employment, with jobs increasing from 13.7 million in 2022 to 16.2 million. This data comes from the Renewable Energy and Jobs – Annual Review 2024 by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The 18% year-on-year growth highlights the expansion of renewable energy capacities and equipment manufacturing.

The report reveals that China was responsible for nearly two-thirds of new solar and wind capacity installations globally last year. China leads with approximately 7.4 million renewable energy jobs, representing 46% of the global total. Following China, the European Union had 1.8 million jobs, Brazil had 1.56 million, while both the United States and India each had close to 1 million jobs.

The solar photovoltaics (PV) sector has been a major driver of job creation, supporting around 7.2 million jobs worldwide. Of these, China accounted for 4.6 million positions as it remains a leading PV manufacturer and installer. Southeast Asia has also become a key export hub for solar PV due to substantial Chinese investments, creating numerous regional jobs.

Liquid biofuels ranked second in job numbers, followed by hydropower and wind energy sectors. Brazil led in biofuels employment, contributing one-third of the world’s 2.8 million biofuel jobs. Indonesia followed closely with a quarter of global biofuels employment due to increased production.

Hydropower faced challenges with a decline in direct jobs from 2.5 million in 2022 to 2.3 million due to slowed deployment rates. Major employers in this sector included China, India, Brazil, Vietnam, and Pakistan.

The wind energy sector saw China and Europe as dominant players in turbine manufacturing and installations, contributing to 52% and 21% of the global total of 1.5 million wind energy jobs respectively.

Geographic Disparities in Job Distribution

Africa's share of global renewables investments remained small despite its vast resource potential, resulting in only 324,000 renewables jobs across the continent in 2023.

Francesco La Camera, IRENA Director-General stated: "The story of the energy transition and its socio-economic gains should not be about one or two regions... Strengthened international collaboration can mobilise increased finance towards policy support and capacity building in countries that are yet to benefit from renewables job creation."

Gilbert F. Houngbo from ILO emphasised: "Investing in education, skills, and training helps reskill all workers from fossil fuel sectors... It is essential if we are to equip workers with the knowledge and skills that they need to get decent jobs..."

The report underscores that achieving a fair transition requires addressing geographic disparities through enhanced international cooperation and investment in education and skills development for workers transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy roles.

With inputs from WAM