Abu dhabi: Despite a record high in renewable energy installations, employment in the sector only saw a modest increase of 2.3% from 2023, reaching 16.6 million jobs in 2024.
According to Emirated News Agency, the latest Renewable Energy and Jobs - Annual Review 2025, released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), underscores the rising influence of geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges, alongside increasing automation, on the renewable energy workforce.
The report highlights persistent global disparities, with China maintaining its dominance in both energy capacity deployment and equipment manufacturing, thanks to its integrated supply chains offering competitive pricing. In 2024, China generated approximately 7.3 million jobs in renewable energy, constituting 44% of the global total. The European Union matched its 2023 employment figures with 1.8 million jobs. Meanwhile, Brazil's renewable sector employed 1.4 million, and India's and the United States' employment slightly rose to 1.3 million and 1.1 million, respectively.
IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera emphasized the necessity of prioritizing human aspects alongside technological advancements in renewable energy. He highlighted the need for governments to focus on trade and industrial policies that drive investments, enhance domestic capabilities, and develop a skilled workforce. La Camera also pointed out the geographical imbalance in job growth, urging for renewed international collaboration to support countries lagging in the energy transition, not only to meet the goal of tripling renewable power capacity by 2030 but also to ensure socio-economic benefits are realized universally.
Solar photovoltaics (PV) continues to lead in employment by technology, with 7.3 million jobs in 2024, predominantly in Asia where 75% of global PV jobs are located, notably 4.2 million in China. Liquid biofuels follow, creating 2.6 million jobs, with Asia accounting for 46.5% of these roles. Hydropower and wind energy employed 2.3 million and 1.9 million people, respectively. The report calls for greater inclusion and equity in the renewable workforce, emphasizing the under-utilization of women and people with disabilities, necessitating targeted and systemic action.
ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo reinforced the importance of a just transition to renewable energy that is inclusive, dignified, and offers equal opportunities. He stressed the need for accessible training and inclusive hiring practices, particularly to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities, thereby enhancing labour market resilience and sustainable development. Houngbo stated that removing barriers to equality and promoting decent work will strengthen economies and ensure the energy transition benefits all.
The report advocates for sustained, inclusive policy frameworks that include accessible education and training, and labour market services, requiring active participation from all stakeholders, especially marginalized groups. The transition to renewable energy should drive successful economies by eliminating discriminatory practices and outdated norms.
The Annual Review, now in its 12th edition, is part of IRENA's extensive study on the socio-economic impacts of a renewable energy transition. This is the fifth edition in collaboration with ILO, which contributed a chapter on the inclusion of people with disabilities, drawing on its expertise in the labour market.
