The 18% year-on-year growth can be attributed to the expansion of renewable energy generation capacity and the manufacturing of related equipment, the agencies said. However, the distribution of these jobs presents a mixed global landscape, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in the sector.
“Investing in education, skills and training helps reskill all workers from fossil fuel sectors, address gender and other disparities, and prepare the workforce for new clean energy roles,” said ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo.
“It is essential if we are to equip workers with the knowledge and skills that they need to get decent jobs, and to ensure that the energy transition is a just and sustainable one,” said Houngbo.
China continues to dominate the renewable energy job market, accounting for approximately 7.4 million jobs or 46% of the global total. The European Union follows with 1.8 million jobs, while Brazil contributes 1.56 million jobs.
The United States and India have nearly one million renewable energy jobs each, reflecting significant investment and growth in these regions, the agencies explained.
The solar photovoltaics sector emerged as the strongest contributor, supporting 7.2 million jobs globally, with 4.6 million of those jobs located in China, which has established itself as a major player in PV manufacturing and installation.
Despite this growth, the report reveals concerning disparities. Despite its vast renewable resources, Africa continues to attract only a small fraction of global investment, resulting in just 324,000 renewable energy jobs in 2023.
For a continent that is looking to be involved in sustainable and reliable energy solutions, decentralized renewable energy systems present a viable opportunity, the agencies said. By removing barriers for women to engage in entrepreneurship in DRE, local economies can benefit, leading to enhanced energy equity and job creation.
“The story of the energy transition and its socio-economic gains should not be about one or two regions,” said IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera.
“If we are all to fulfil our collective pledge to triple renewable power capacity by 2030, the world must step up its game and support marginalised regions in addressing barriers impeding their transitions progress. Strengthened international collaboration can mobilise increased finance towards policy support and capacity building in countries that are yet to benefit from renewables job creation,” added La Camera.
A key aspect of the renewable energy job market is the necessity for a diverse and skilled workforce, the agencies added. Women currently represent only 32% of the total renewables workforce, indicating a need for policies that promote greater workforce diversity and gender equity, they said.
The 11th edition of the Annual Review is part of IRENA’s extensive analytical work on the socio-economic impact of a renewables-based energy transition. This edition is the 4th edition developed in collaboration with ILO.