Renewable jobs lagging behind clean energy deployment

The growth of renewable energy jobs is not keeping pace with the global boom of installed clean energy capacity.

That’s the finding of a new report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Labour Organization.

The study finds that despite renewable energy installations hitting new highs, jobs in the sector have only increased by 2.3% from 2023, reaching 16.6 million in 2024.

“Renewable energy deployment is booming, but the human side of the story is as important as the technological side,” said IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera.

“Governments must put people at the centre of their energy and climate objectives through trade and industrial policies that drive investments, build domestic capacity, and develop a skilled workforce along the supply chain.”

China dominant

The report found there is uneven development in jobs across the world – a trend seen for the past few years.

China remains the dominant force in both deployment of generating capacities and equipment manufacturing, mainly due to its integrated, large-scale supply chains that deliver equipment at unmatched prices.

The research found that in 2024, China created an estimated 7.3 million renewable energy jobs, accounting for 44% of the global total.

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The EU followed suit with the same total as in 2023 at 1.8 million jobs. Brazil’s renewables employment runs to 1.4 million, while that of India and the US barely grew from around one million to 1.3 million and 1.1 million respectively.

La Camera added that the geographical imbalance of job growth “reminds us to get international collaboration back on track”.

“Countries that are lagging behind in the energy transition must be supported by the international community. This is essential not only to meet the goal of tripling renewable power capacity by 2030, but also to ensure that socio-economic benefits become lived realities for all, helping to shore up popular support for the transition.”

Solar jobs stay top

In terms of employment by technology, solar PV is in the lead, owing to the continued rapid expansion of installations and panel manufacturing plants. The industry employed 7.3 million people in 2024. Asian countries hosted 75% of the world’s PV jobs with China garnering the bulk of the employment at 4.2 million.

Liquid biofuels follow solar PV, creating 2.6 million jobs in 2024 with 46.5% of the total jobs generated in Asia. Hydropower was third with 2.3 million jobs, and wind next with 1.9 million jobs.

Beyond the numbers, the report also stresses the need for more inclusion and equity in the renewable energy workforce. It states that “a just transition demands that no population groups are left at the margins. The renewables-based energy future must be shaped by diverse talents and perspectives.”

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The International Labour Organization’s Gilbert F. Houngbo said: “A just transition to a renewables-based future must be grounded in inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunity.

“As countries scale up renewable energy investments and job creation, we have a particular responsibility to ensure that accessibility for persons with disabilities – who too often face barriers to inclusion in labour markets despite their skills, experience and talent - is built into every stage of policy design and implementation.

He added that this “requires accessible training systems, inclusive hiring practices and workplaces that accommodate, welcome and respond to diverse needs and respect every worker’s rights”.

“Disability inclusion is not only a matter of justice: it is essential for resilient labour markets and sustainable development. By removing barriers to equality and promoting decent work, we strengthen economies and ensure that the energy transition truly works for all.”

Enlit has put the energy sector’s workforce challenges high on our editorial agenda in recent years. We see how the energy transition has led to a workforce transformation. Without attracting enough people with the right skills to the sector, the energy transition will lose speed and ultimately, be at risk.

Enlit's 2025 industry report, Making it Work: Tackling the energy transition workforce challenge, highlights the manpower shortages, as well as solutions to address the problems. Access our report here.