New jobs opening in the renewable energy sector. Source: Kenueone, Pixabay
As the global energy crisis continues, countries have been racing to develop alternative, renewable sources of power. This brings with it some good news, as more and more jobs in renewable energy sectors become available.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), jobs grew by 700,000 between 2020 and 2021, reaching 12.7 million.
A report created by Renewable Energy and Jobs: Annual Review and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) shows that more and more countries across the world are creating new jobs in renewable energy, and that the job figures could reach over 38 million by 2030.
According to data from IRENA, China is far ahead of the rest of the world, making up 42% of the world’s renewable energy jobs. This is followed by Brazil and the EU at 10% each, then the US and India at 7%.
China also manufactures the most solar PV systems, with strong support from the government and substantial research and development.
The biggest employment increase in the renewable energy sector has been in the solar photovoltaic (PV) sector. This increase is seen particularly in Asia, employing 79% of the worldwide total.
The rest of the increase in renewable energy jobs come from the wind and hydropower sector.
IRENA data shows that most offshore wind power construction and development takes place in Europe, with Germany and Denmark leading the way with the most global exports in wind power systems.
Other growing renewable energy sectors included hydropower and liquid biofuels.
IRENA’s data has also concluded that the renewable energy sector is also a much more gender balanced industry, particularly in the solar power sector.
ILO Director-General Guy Ryder says, “The increasing share of female employment suggests that dedicated policies and training can significantly enhance the participation of women in renewable energy occupations, inclusion and ultimately, achieve a just transition for all.”
