Renewable energy jobs have nearly doubled in the past decade, rising to 13.7 million in 2022

ABU DHABI/GENEVA (ILO News) – Global employment in renewable energy will reach 13.7 million in 2022, an increase of 1 million from 2021 and 2012, according to a new report from the International Labor Organization (ILO News). That’s up from a total of 7.3 million people in 2019. ) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).10th edition Renewable Energy and Jobs: Annual Review 2023is the result of continued cooperation between the two institutions.

The report found that renewable energy is attracting increased investment and leading to job creation in a growing number of countries. But, as in previous years, most of the jobs are concentrated in a few states, particularly China, which accounts for 41% of the global total. Examples include Brazil, European Union (EU) countries, India, and the United States (USA). Together, they represent a large portion of the world’s production capacity and play an important role in equipment manufacturing, engineering, and related services.

According to the Annual Review, solar photovoltaics (PV) once again became the largest employer in 2022, creating 4.9 million jobs, more than a third of the total workforce in the renewable energy sector. Employment numbers for hydropower and biofuels remained the same as in 2021, at around 2.5 million each, followed by wind power at 1.4 million.

IRENA Secretary General Francesco La Camera said: “2022 has been another great year for renewable energy work, despite the mounting challenges.” To create millions more jobs, we need to further accelerate investment in energy transition technologies. Earlier this month, G20 leaders agreed to accelerate efforts to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030, in line with our recommendations ahead of COP28. I call on all policymakers to use this momentum as an opportunity to adopt ambitious policies that will drive the systemic changes we need. ”

Gilbert F. Humbo, Director-General of the ILO, said: “In these complex transitions, there is an important opportunity for all to achieve full, productive and freely chosen employment, social inclusion and decent work.” In order to grasp this, we need to formulate and implement concrete policies.” Achieving inclusive macroeconomic growth, sustainable enterprises, skills development and other active labor market interventions, social protection, occupational health and safety, and other workplace rights, and creating new solutions through social dialogue. It’s about finding a solution. ”

Research shows that the quality of work is just as important as the quantity. To advance social justice, the transition to a cleaner energy future must be fair and inclusive for all. workers, businesses and communities. A coherent and integrated framework that focuses on wages, occupational health and safety, and rights at work and is based on effective social dialogue is therefore essential. ILO’s Guidelines for a just transition to environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all It provides a central reference resource for policy development and action in support of a just transition that governments and other stakeholders can draw on.

A just and inclusive energy transition must also pursue workforce development and diversity. The report highlights the need to expand education and training and increase career opportunities for young people, minorities and marginalized groups. Improving gender equality is also essential. At the moment, jobs in the renewable energy sector are still unequally distributed between men and women. Currently, solar power technology has the best gender balance compared to other fields, with women accounting for 40% of jobs.

Many countries are increasingly interested in localizing supply chains and creating domestic jobs, supported by appropriate industrial policies. This goes hand in hand with the growing desire to reduce energy supply insecurity. China has been successful in pursuing these broad industrial policies in recent years. Recently, the European Union, India, Japan, South Africa, and the United States have announced initiatives to stimulate domestic manufacturing. However, countries need to find ways to combine localization efforts with continued global cooperation to pursue ambitious energy transitions.

For more information, please contact newsroom@ilo.org.

About the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) IRENA is the leading intergovernmental agency for global energy transformation, supporting countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future, and is a leading platform for international cooperation, center of excellence and renewable energy policy, It serves as a repository of technology, resources, and financial knowledge. . With 169 member states (168 states and the European Union) and an additional 15 countries participating and actively engaged in the accession process, IRENA is committed to sustainable development, energy access, energy security and low power consumption. To pursue the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy. Growth and prosperity in the carbon economy.