IRENA Reports Uneven Global Job Growth As Renewable Energy Employment Reaches 16.6 Million In 2024 Despite Peak Capacity Additions

Renewable energy reached a new installation peak in 2024, but job growth in the sector remained modest. Employment increased by only 2.3% compared to 2023, bringing the total number of renewable energy jobs to 16.6 million. These figures come from the Renewable Energy and Jobs – Annual Review 2025, published jointly by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). The report points out that geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, and rising automation are influencing job creation and shaping the global workforce.

The growth pattern across countries remains uneven, similar to previous years. China continues to dominate both renewable energy deployment and equipment manufacturing, supported by extensive, cost-efficient supply chains. In 2024, China generated around 7.3 million renewable energy jobs, accounting for 44% of the global total. The European Union recorded 1.8 million jobs, the same number as the previous year. Brazil reported 1.4 million jobs, while India and the United States showed only slight increases, rising to an estimated 1.3 million and 1.1 million jobs, respectively.

Commenting on this trend, IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera noted that while renewable energy deployment is growing rapidly, the role of people in this transition must receive equal attention. He emphasised that governments should support the workforce through strong industrial and trade policies that encourage investment, build local capabilities, and strengthen skills across the supply chain. He added that addressing regional imbalances and helping countries that are lagging is essential to meeting the target of tripling global renewable power capacity by 2030 and ensuring that the benefits of the transition reach all communities.

Solar photovoltaic power remains the largest employer among renewable technologies. In 2024, the solar PV industry provided 7.3 million jobs, driven by the continuous expansion of solar installations and panel manufacturing. Asia accounted for 75% of these jobs, with China employing 4.2 million people in this sector alone. Liquid biofuels created 2.6 million jobs, nearly half of which were based in Asia. Hydropower followed with 2.3 million jobs, while the wind energy sector employed around 1.9 million people. Beyond the numbers, this year’s report places strong emphasis on the need for greater inclusion and equity in the renewable energy workforce. It highlights that women and persons with disabilities remain underrepresented in many parts of the industry. A fair energy transition requires diverse voices and equal opportunities to ensure that no group is left behind.

ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo stressed that a just transition must be built on dignity, inclusion, and equal access to opportunities. He noted that persons with disabilities often face unnecessary barriers in labour markets despite having valuable skills and experience. To address this, he called for accessible training systems, inclusive hiring practices, and workplaces designed to accommodate a wide range of needs. He added that disability inclusion is not only a matter of fairness but is also important for long-term economic resilience and sustainable development.

Achieving a more inclusive renewable energy sector will require sustained policy efforts, including accessible education, strong labour market support, and frameworks that encourage participation from all stakeholders. The report also underscores the need to eliminate outdated norms and discriminatory practices to ensure that the energy transition truly benefits entire communities. This 12th edition of the Annual Review is part of IRENA’s broader analysis of the socio-economic impacts of renewable energy. It is the fifth edition developed in collaboration with the ILO, which contributed a special chapter on disability inclusion in the renewable energy workforce.