According to a recent estimate by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), the number of people employed globally in the renewable energy sector reached 13.7 million in 2022, a rise of one million since 2021 and up from a total of 7.3 million in 2012. The Renewable Energy and Jobs: Annual Review, now in its tenth edition, is the outcome of continued cooperation between the two organizations.

According to the report, renewable energy is drawing greater investment, which is creating jobs in an increasing number of nations. However, just like in previous years, most jobs are concentrated in a small number of states, with China making up 41% of all occupations worldwide. Brazil, the nations of the European Union (EU), India, and the United States of America (USA) are among the other nations that make up the bulk of capacity installations worldwide and play important roles in the production of machinery, engineering, and related services.

With 4.9 million jobs, or more than a third of the whole workforce in the renewable energy sector, solar photovoltaics (PV) will continue to be the top employer in 2022. Wind power comes in second with 1.4 million jobs, followed by hydropower and biofuels, which have about 2.5 million jobs apiece.

Director-General of IRENA Francesco La Camera stated that despite many difficulties, “2022 was another outstanding year for renewable energy jobs.” We must speed up investments in energy transition technology if we want to add millions of new jobs. According to our suggestions before COP28, the recent agreement by G20 leaders to treble the world’s renewable energy capacity by 2030 is a chance for policymakers to enact ambitious policies to bring about the required systemic transformation.

ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo said, “Specific policies for inclusive macroeconomic growth, sustainable enterprises, skills development, and other labour market interventions are needed to seize the significant opportunities for full, productive, and freely chosen employment, social inclusion, and decent work during these complex transitions. Additionally, we must prioritize social protection, workplace health and safety, and other labour rights while pursuing fresh approaches through social discussion.

The study highlights that both the number and quality of employment are crucial. The transition to a future of cleaner energy must be equitable and inclusive for workers, businesses, and communities to advance social justice. With a focus on salaries, workplace safety and health, and labour rights, coherent and integrated frameworks that are founded on successful social dialogue are essential. Governments and other stakeholders can rely on the ILO’s Guidelines for a Just Transition towards Environmentally Sustainable Economies and Societies when formulating policies and taking other steps to support a Just Transition.

With the aid of suitable industrial policies, several nations are growing more interested in localizing supply chains and generating domestic employment. This fits with a rising desire to lessen insecurities in the energy supply. For many years, China has effectively carried out a variety of these industrial plans. The EU, India, Japan, South Africa, and the USA have lately made announcements on plans to support home manufacturing. To achieve an ambitious energy transformation, nations will need to figure out how to combine localized initiatives with ongoing global cooperation.