The global renewable energy sector saw a record-breaking increase in employment in 2023, reaching 16.2 million jobs, according to the latest Renewable Energy and Jobs, Annual Review 2024, jointly published by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). This represents an 18% rise from the 13.7 million jobs recorded in 2022, driven by the expansion of renewable energy capacity and equipment manufacturing worldwide.
However, the report reveals significant geographical disparities, with China accounting for nearly two-thirds of new solar and wind capacity installed last year. China leads the global renewables workforce with 7.4 million jobs, which represents 46% of the total. The European Union followed with 1.8 million jobs, Brazil with 1.56 million, and the United States and India each recorded approximately 1 million jobs.
The solar photovoltaic (PV) sector continues to be the largest source of employment within renewables, supporting 7.2 million jobs globally, with 4.6 million in China alone. China’s heavy investments have also helped Southeast Asia emerge as a key export hub for solar PV, spurring job creation in the region. Liquid biofuels ranked second in job creation, followed by hydropower and wind energy.
Brazil led the biofuels industry, contributing one-third of the world’s 2.8 million jobs, with Indonesia close behind, accounting for a quarter of global biofuel employment. Meanwhile, hydropower saw a decline in jobs, from 2.5 million in 2022 to 2.3 million in 2023, due to a slowdown in deployments. China, India, Brazil, Vietnam, and Pakistan remain the largest employers in hydropower.
Wind energy also experienced growth, with China and Europe dominating the sector. China accounted for 52% of the 1.5 million wind energy jobs globally, while Europe contributed 21%.
Despite the growth in renewable energy employment, Africa continues to lag behind, with just 324,000 jobs in 2023. The report highlights the potential for decentralized renewable energy (DRE) solutions, particularly in remote regions, to create job opportunities and improve energy access. Encouraging women to pursue entrepreneurship in DRE could also stimulate local economies and enhance energy equity across the continent.
Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA, stressed the importance of a more equitable distribution of the benefits of the energy transition. “The energy transition and its socio-economic gains should not be concentrated in just one or two regions. To meet our global goal of tripling renewable power capacity by 2030, the world must strengthen international cooperation and support marginalized regions in overcoming barriers to progress.”
Gender disparities within the renewables workforce remain a concern. Women represent 32% of the global renewables workforce, and IRENA and the ILO emphasize the need for policies that promote diversity and equity. ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo called for investments in education and skills development to equip workers for the energy transition. “A sustainable and just transition, as required by the Paris Agreement, must ensure that workers, especially women, youth, and disadvantaged groups, are prepared for the opportunities ahead.”
This 11th edition of the Annual Review marks the fourth collaboration between IRENA and the ILO, highlighting the socio-economic impacts of the shift to renewable energy. The report advocates for holistic policies that not only drive technological innovation but also prioritize local value creation, ensure decent job opportunities, and foster inclusive participation in the global energy transition.
Credit: IRENA REPORTS – Abu Dhabi, UAE / Geneva, Switzerland – October 1, 2024
