11m People Work for Global Renewable Sector

EghtesadOnline: An estimated 11 million people were employed in renewable energy worldwide in 2018, according to the latest analysis by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). This compares with 10.3 million in 2017.

News ID: ۷۴۷۵۸۰

17 June 2019

As more and more countries manufacture, trade and install renewable energy technologies, the latest Renewable Energy and Jobs—Annual Review finds that renewables jobs grew to their highest level despite slower growth in key renewable energy markets, including China,

Diversification of the renewable energy supply chain is changing the sector’s geographic footprint, Arab News reported.

Until now, renewable energy industries have remained relatively concentrated in a handful of major markets, such as China, the US and the European Union, according to Financial Tribune.

Increasingly, however, East and Southeast Asian countries have emerged alongside China as key exporters of solar photovoltaic panels. Countries including Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam were responsible for a greater share of growth in renewables jobs last year, which allowed Asia to maintain a 60% share of renewable energy jobs worldwide.

“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,” said Francesco La Camera, director-general of IRENA.

Solar photovoltaic and wind remain the most dynamic of all renewable energy industries. Accounting for one-third of the total renewable energy workflow, solar PV retains the top spot in 2018, ahead of liquid biofuels, hydropower, and wind power.

Geographically, Asia hosts over 3 million PV jobs, nearly nine-tenths of the global total.