The global renewable energy sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the latest report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) revealing a record-breaking addition of 2.5 million jobs in 2023. This increase brings the total workforce in the sector to 16.2 million, an 18% rise from 2022.
Driving Employment Growth
This surge is fuelled by expanding renewable energy capacity and equipment manufacturing worldwide. Solar photovoltaics (PV) remains the largest employer, with 7.2 million jobs globally, including 4.6 million in China. Other key contributors include:
- Liquid Biofuels: 2.8 million jobs, led by Brazil and Indonesia.
- Wind Power: 1.5 million jobs globally, with China and Europe leading.
- Hydropower: A slight decline to 2.3 million jobs due to slowed deployment.
Unequal Regional Progress
China dominates the clean energy workforce with 7.4 million jobs, nearly half of the global total. The EU follows with 1.8 million jobs, while the U.S. and India each employ about one million. Africa lags, with only 324,000 renewable energy jobs across the continent, highlighting the need for equitable growth.
Building a Skilled, Inclusive Workforce
The expanding sector demands diverse talent. However, women account for less than a third of workers, underscoring the need for greater gender equity. Investment in education and training is also critical to reskill workers from fossil fuel sectors and ensure a just transition.
A Call for Global Action
Francesco La Camera, IRENA’s director-general, emphasizes that the energy transition must include all regions to achieve the goal of tripling renewable power capacity by 2030. Targeted investments and international collaboration are essential to unlock the potential of marginalized regions.
The renewable energy revolution is more than an environmental imperative—it is an economic opportunity to build a cleaner, fairer, and more inclusive future. Now is the time to act and power a sustainable tomorrow.
