Global Renewable Energy Workforce Hits Record 16.6 Million In 2024 Amid Shifting Dynamics—IRENA Report

In 2024, the global renewable energy sector reached an unprecedented milestone, employing 16.6 million people worldwide. This represents the highest level of employment ever recorded in the industry and marks a 2.3 percent increase compared to the previous year. Despite this growth, the pace of job creation is slowing, largely due to rising labor productivity, increased automation, and economies of scale. These factors mean that fewer workers are needed for each new unit of energy capacity installed, reflecting a shift in how the sector operates even as it continues to expand.

The distribution of jobs across the world remains uneven. China continues to lead the global renewable energy workforce, accounting for approximately 7.3 million jobs or 43.9 percent of the total. Other significant contributors include the European Union with 1.8 million jobs, Brazil with 1.4 million, India with 1.3 million, and the United States with roughly 1.1 million. These five regions dominate the global landscape, particularly in areas such as equipment manufacturing and large-scale project installations, highlighting the concentration of renewable energy expertise in specific parts of the world.

Among different technologies, solar photovoltaics remains the largest employer by a wide margin, supporting 7.2 million jobs globally. China alone accounts for 4.2 million of these positions. The liquid biofuels sector follows as the second-largest employer with 2.6 million jobs, while hydropower supports 2.3 million and wind energy 1.9 million. Other technologies, such as solid biomass, solar heating and cooling, and heat pumps, also contribute to employment, reflecting the diversity of opportunities within the renewable energy sector.

The report stresses that the human element is the true driver of the energy transition. The workforce includes a broad range of occupations, from engineers, materials scientists, and technicians to electricians, plumbers, and administrative staff. However, challenges remain in achieving diversity and inclusion. Women continue to be under-represented, and initiatives to integrate persons with disabilities are still in the early stages. Addressing these gaps is seen as essential for creating a workforce that is both skilled and equitable.

Geopolitical factors and trade policies are also shaping the sector. Countries like the United States, Brazil, and India have implemented tariffs or local-content requirements to protect domestic manufacturing and promote local job creation. While such measures are intended to build domestic expertise and strengthen local industries, they also introduce uncertainties that could affect the pace of global renewable energy deployment if not carefully managed.

Looking ahead, the demand for skilled labor is expected to grow significantly. Education, training, and reskilling programs are seen as crucial to prepare workers for the evolving needs of the sector. If supportive policies are implemented urgently, IRENA forecasts that the global renewable energy workforce could expand to 30 million jobs by 2030 and nearly 40 million by 2050. The report emphasizes that a successful energy transition requires attention not just to the number of jobs but also to their quality, ensuring fair access, decent work conditions, and opportunities for all.

The findings highlight the dual challenge of managing technological efficiency while ensuring that the renewable energy transition is inclusive and sustainable. While automation and productivity gains reshape the sector, the commitment to human capital development, equity, and skill enhancement will determine the long-term success of renewable energy as both a driver of economic growth and a path to a sustainable future.