16.6 million global jobs in the renewable energy sector by the end of 2024
Abu Dhabi, January 11, 2020: Despite renewable energy capabilities reaching a new record level, jobs in this sector only increased by 2.3% from 2023, reaching 16.6 million jobs in 2024.
A recent report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Labor Organization, Renewable Energy and Jobs: Annual Review 2025, highlights the increasing impact of geopolitical and geoeconomic tensions, as well as rising automation, on the renewable energy workforce.
As in previous years, the renewable energy sector continues to develop unevenly around the world; China remains the leading force in both expanding its renewable energy generation capacity and manufacturing its own equipment, mainly due to its extensive, integrated supply chains that provide equipment at unparalleled prices.
In 2024, China will create an estimated 7.3 million jobs in the field of renewable energy, or 44% of the global total. The European Union followed suit, recording the same total as it recorded in 2023 at 1.8 million jobs, while the number of jobs in the field of renewable energy in Brazil reached 1.4 million jobs, and jobs in India and the United States rose from about 1 million to 1.3 million and 1.1 million jobs, respectively.
The Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Francisco La Camera, said that the expansion of the use of renewable energy is booming, but the human side of the story is no less important than the technological side. Governments must put people at the heart of their energy and climate goals, through trade and industrial policies that stimulate investment, build local capacity, and develop a skilled workforce along the supply chain.
He added: “The geographic imbalance in job growth reminds us of the need to get international cooperation back on track. Countries that are lagging behind in the transition to renewable energy must receive support from the international community. This is essential not only to achieve the goal of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, but also to strengthen public support for this transition, especially as the social and economic benefits become tangible realities for all.”
In terms of employment by technology, solar PV maintains its lead, thanks to the rapid and continuing expansion of facilities and solar panel factories. This expansion contributed to the creation of 7.3 million jobs in 2024, and Asian countries accounted for 75% of the photovoltaic energy jobs in the world, with China alone having the largest share with 4.2 million jobs.
Liquid biofuels come in second place after solar photovoltaic energy, providing 2.6 million jobs in 2024, of which 46.5% are in Asia. Hydropower came in third place with 2.3 million jobs, followed by wind energy with 1.9 million jobs.
Beyond the numbers, this edition of the annual report underscores the need for greater inclusion and equity in the renewable energy workforce; A just transition requires that no population groups, especially women and people with disabilities, be marginalized, and that the future of renewable energy be shaped by diverse talents and perspectives. To this day, the potential of these two groups remains underutilized, which calls for thoughtful, multifaceted and systematic actions.
In this regard, the Director-General of the International Labor Organization, Gilbert F. Hongbo said that a just transition to a future based on renewable energy must be based on inclusion, dignity and equal opportunities, pointing out that as countries increase their investments in renewable energy and provide job opportunities, the organization has a special responsibility to ensure the participation of people with disabilities, who often face barriers to their inclusion in labor markets despite their skills, experience and talents, at every stage of policy design and implementation, which requires accessible training systems, inclusive employment practices, and workplaces that accommodate needs. Diversity, welcomes, responds to, and respects the rights of all categories of workers.
He said that the inclusion of persons with disabilities is not only a matter of justice, but is essential for flexible labor markets and sustainable development, and that removing barriers to achieving equality and promoting decent job opportunities strengthens economies and ensures that the energy transition truly serves everyone.
Promoting a culture that respects diversity and supports inclusion and equity requires sustainable and inclusive policy frameworks, including access to education and training, labor market services, and other measures. Designing and establishing such policies requires all stakeholders to have a place at the table, especially those who are easily marginalized, as well as abandoning discriminatory practices and outdated social and cultural norms so that the energy transition can drive more successful economies that serve all members of society.
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