In 2023, global employment in the renewable energy sector reached 16.2 million jobs, up from 13.7 million in 2022.
This data comes from the report “Renewable Energy and Jobs: Annual Review 2024,” co-published on October 1, 2024, by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Labor Organization (ILO).
The report notes that 2023 marked the strongest annual increase in job creation within the renewable energy sector.
China led the way, accounting for 7.4 million jobs, or 46% of the global total. The European Union followed with 1.8 million jobs, Brazil with 1.56 million, and both the United States and India recorded close to 1 million jobs each.
The biofuel sector created 2.8 million jobs globally, while wind energy added 1.5 million jobs. In the wind energy sector alone, China held 745,000 jobs, followed by Europe with 316,300.
Despite Africa’s vast renewable energy potential, the continent only captured 324,000 jobs in 2023 due to limited global investment.
The report highlights decentralized renewable energy (DRE) systems as a potential solution to bridge Africa’s energy access gap while creating jobs in underserved regions.
Additionally, removing barriers for women to engage in entrepreneurial ventures within the renewable energy sector could enhance local economies and promote energy equity, the report suggests.
