Europe’s Green Job Growth Slows as Solar Workforce Expansion Stalls in 2024

The growth of green jobs in Europe is slowing, with the solar sector predicting only a 0.4% increase in workforce in 2024. After a 27% rise in 2023, the sector is expected to grow modestly, from 826,000 workers in 2023 to 830,000 in 2024, due to slower solar deployment and difficulties in manufacturing. The workforce stagnation is attributed to reduced solar installations as the energy crisis subsides and system inflexibilities hinder expansion. Additionally, European solar manufacturing has faced significant challenges over the past year, leading to production slowdowns and job cuts.

Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe, said, “Solar can offer more than 1 million workers a meaningful, quality career in their local communities. These job opportunities can’t be taken for granted. We urge the new EU leadership to improve regulatory conditions to add more solar, support EU solar manufacturers, and develop Europe’s strategy around solar skills.”