Renewable energy related jobs reach 12mn globally in 2020; Report

Renewable energy related jobs reach 12mn globally in 2020; Report

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According to the report by International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the number of renewable energy jobs worldwide increased to 12 million last year, up from 11.5 million in 2019.

The eighth edition of Renewable Energy and Jobs: Annual Review 2021 was released by the IRENA in collaboration with the International Labor Organization (ILO).

The report confirms that COVID-19 caused delays and supply chain disruptions, with impacts on jobs varying by country and end-use, and among segments of the value chain. While solar and wind occupations continued to lead global employment growth in the renewable energy sector, with 4 million and 1.25 million jobs respectively, employment in liquid biofuels plummeted as demand for transportation fuels fell. Off-grid solar lighting sales suffered, but companies were able to limit job losses.

According to the report, China commanded a 39 percent share of renewable energy jobs worldwide in 2020, followed by Brazil, India, the United States, and members of the European Union.

“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. The only path forward is to increase investments in a just and inclusive transition, reaping the full