The world is witnessing a huge increase in the number of jobs in the renewable energy sector. But much more jobs can be created by working consistently and steadily for the energy transition. Never before has the significance of such a leap been clearer than at this current turning point. While the world still suffers from the damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, humanity is reminded almost every day of what the future holds if we don’t tackle Climate Change.
Green Jobs in growth
A new report from the International Labor Organization confirms the growth in employment in the renewable energy sector despite the crisis. The development of various forms of renewable energy around the world created 700,000 jobs last year, despite “the ongoing effects of Covid-19 and the growing energy crisis,” announced the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
Overall, the number of jobs in the global renewable energy sector (solar, wind, hydro, biofuels, biogas, geothermal) reached 12.7 million in 2021, up from 7.28 million ten years ago (2012) and to 12 million in 2020, two thirds of which are in Asia.
The main growing sector is photovoltaics, which employs approximately 4.3 million people worldwide. Of this total, China accounted for 40% of the new solar projects, followed by the United States, India, Brazil and Germany. Almost all (96%) semiconductor (wafer) manufacturers are still based in China, where they enjoy significant government support, Irena notes.
Last year, according to a report prepared in collaboration with the International Labor Organization (ILO), they increased their global power generation capacity by 93 GW.
Europe and the rest of the world
Europe today accounts for about 40% of the world’s wind infrastructure and is the world’s leading energy exporter. Africa’s role remains limited, but the report notes an increase in decentralized job opportunities in renewable energy.
Mexico is the largest supplier of wind turbine blades. Brazil continues to lead the way in biofuel employment and also generates many jobs in wind and solar photovoltaics. The United States is beginning to build a national industrial base for the promising offshore wind energy sector.
The report points out that renewable energy development requires support in the form of comprehensive policy packages, including employee development and growth. It is training that will make jobs worthy, high quality, well paid and diversified, and will also contribute to a just and much needed energy transition.
Growth continues
Irena predicts that the number of employees in the renewable energy sector will continue to grow and reach 38.2 million by 2030 with increased investments in energy efficiency, electric vehicles and hydrogen. In its scenario, it envisages a further zeroing of CO2 emissions with the decarbonisation of transport, industries and electricity generation.