Renewable energy sector job growth slowed in 2024, with the global workforce reaching 16.6 million, as reported by new data. This suggests a deceleration in employment growth as the industry matures.
An annual report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) highlights a modest 2.3% increase in renewables jobs from 2023 to 2024. This marginal rise is attributed to Chinese solar manufacturers producing an excess of components, leading to workforce reductions to manage costs.
Additional factors contributing to this slowdown include a shift in focus from rooftop solar installations to larger utility-scale systems, particularly in markets such as India and Germany. Moreover, the sector is experiencing increased automation, a trend poised to grow with advancements in robotics, drones, and artificial intelligence.
Since the data series began in 2012, employment in the renewables sector has risen from 7.3 million, driven by solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, and biofuels. However, in 2024, the industry added only 400,000 new jobs compared to a significant increase of 2.5 million in 2023.
IRENA’s Director-General Francesco La Camera and ILO’s Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo, in a foreword to the report, stated that the reduced rate of job creation signifies “the emergence of a new phase in the energy transition”.
“Growing automation and economies of scale mean that comparatively less human labour is required for each new unit of capacity – although impacts vary across countries, technologies and segments of the renewable energy value chain,” they wrote.
IRENA forecasts that with supportive policies, the renewable energy workforce could grow to 30 million by 2030. Nevertheless, recent figures suggest that achieving this target might be challenging, especially without considering the effects of Donald Trump’s 2025 policy changes.
Michael Renner, IRENA’s head of socioeconomics and policy, remarked to Climate Home News that while the renewables sector has traditionally been more labour-intensive than the largely automated fossil fuel industry, the gap is narrowing.
“I think renewables are still looking favourable [for job creation], and I don’t think that advantage will be lost – but I think it will be less massive, less dramatic,” Renner added.
Notes: a) Includes liquid biofuels, solid biomass and biogas. b) Direct jobs only. c) “Others” includes geothermal energy, concentrated solar power, heat pumps (ground based), municipal and industrial waste, and ocean energy. Source: IRENA / Renewable Energy and Jobs Annual Review 2025
Geographical imbalances
To meet the global ambition of tripling renewable power capacity to 11.2 terawatts by the decade’s end, an average of 1.1 terawatts must be installed annually from 2025 to 2030, according to IRENA. This is nearly double the capacity added in 2024.
In a statement, La Camera emphasized the importance of the human aspect alongside technological advancements in renewable energy expansion.
He highlighted geographical disparities in renewable energy deployment and job creation, noting that Africa struggles to attract investment, whereas growth is concentrated in Asia.
“Countries that are lagging behind in the energy transition must be supported by the international community,” La Camera stated, stressing that this support is crucial for achieving the 2030 renewable power capacity goal and ensuring equitable socioeconomic benefits.
Nations like Nigeria are working to enhance their solar equipment manufacturing, with plans to prohibit solar panel imports and establish large assembly plants for public electrification initiatives.
China leads on jobs but solar stumbles
China accounted for almost half of the global renewable energy jobs in 2024, with 44% or approximately 7.3 million positions. However, the solar photovoltaics (PV) sector in China saw a slight job contraction as major manufacturers downsized their workforce.
This reduction was driven by the Chinese government’s measures to reduce excess capacity and enhance product quality by curbing “disorderly” competition within the solar PV supply chain.
Meanwhile, renewable energy employment remained stable in the European Union at 1.8 million jobs, with India and the US experiencing minor increases, reaching 1.3 million and 1.1 million jobs, respectively. Brazil, with a significant biofuels industry, employed 1.4 million people.
Renner noted that Trump’s rollback of green energy incentives will likely slow down new renewable installations in the US. The report highlights instances of halted or canceled solar and wind projects in 2025.
Limited opportunities for women and people with disabilities
The report highlights the stagnant progress for women in the renewables sector, where female employment remains at about one-third of the workforce. Women are predominantly employed in administrative roles, which make up 45% of their positions, and in non-technical roles like legal work.
The report urges companies and educational institutions to create more opportunities for women and people with disabilities, who globally face high barriers to employment, with only 30% being employed.
Positive examples include India’s electric vehicle industry, where women hold significant management roles, and Brazil’s legislation requiring companies to reserve 2-5% of jobs for people with disabilities.
In Spain, Endesa and local municipalities trained over 300 individuals with intellectual and psycho-social disabilities in roles like vegetation management at solar sites, with nearly 40% securing jobs within six months.
ILO’s Houngbo emphasized the importance of disability inclusion in the energy transition, advocating for accessible training, inclusive hiring practices, and accommodating workplaces to foster resilient labour markets and sustainable development.
Climate Home News received support from IRENA to travel to Abu Dhabi to cover its 16th Assembly.
