A report released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) confirmed the renewable energy sector is not only increasing numbers in global employment, but also expanding regional diversification for employment opportunities in key markets beyond China, the United States and the European Union. Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam supported Asia’s position as a global employment hub for renewables jobs in 2018, boasting a 60 percent share worldwide.

Among specific renewable energy industries, solar photovoltaic (PV) represents a third of the workforce in 2018, ahead of liquid biofuels, hydropower, and wind power.

Following a dynamic trend is the wind industry with China representing 44 percent of global wind employment with the U.S. and Germany closely following. Land wind activity accounts for a majority of the 1.2 million jobs identified in the sector, while biofuel jobs were reported with a 6 percent growth in jobs in regions such as Brazil, Colombia, Southeast Asia, European Union, and United States.

“Beyond climate goals, governments are prioritizing renewables as a driver of low-carbon economic growth in recognition of the numerous employment opportunities created by the transition to renewables,” said Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA. “Renewables deliver on all main pillars of sustainable development – environmental, economic and social. As the global energy transformation gains momentum, this employment dimension reinforces the social aspect of sustainable development and provides yet another reason for countries to commit to renewables.”

To read the full report, visit: IRENA.org

Source: International Renewable Energy Agency