Renewable energy sector jobs hit 12mln in 2020

The number of jobs in the renewable energy sector reached 12 million last year, up from 11.5 million in 2019, and could potentially hit 43 million by 2050, a new report said.

Solar and wind sectors accounted for 4 million and 1.25 million jobs, respectively, the report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), said.

However, the number of jobs in the liquid biofuels sector has decreased.

“Renewable energy’s ability to create jobs and meet climate goals is beyond doubt. With COP26 in front of us, governments must raise their ambition to reach net zero,” said Francesco La Camera, IRENA director-general.

“The only path forward is to increase investments in a just and inclusive transition, reaping the full socio-economic benefits along the way.”

Guy Ryder, the director-general of ILO noted that given the potential for renewable energy to generate jobs, environmental sustainability and employment creation “can go hand-in-hand”.

“We do not have to choose between environmental sustainability on the one hand, and employment creation on the other.”

Where the jobs are

China accounted for 39 percent share of renewable energy jobs worldwide in 2020, followed by Brazil, India, the United States and members of the European Union, the report said.

Many