Renewable energy is a rapidly growing industry, with more and more companies and countries committing to transitioning to clean energy sources. As a result, the demand for renewable energy jobs is on the rise.
In this article, we will take a look at the current statistics surrounding renewable energy jobs and what they mean for the industry and job seekers.
Global Renewable Energy Jobs
- According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the renewable energy sector employed 11 million people globally in 2018. This is a significant increase from the previous year, with an 8.5% growth in jobs from 2017.
- Solar PV and wind energy were the largest employers, accounting for 3.6 million and 1.2 million jobs respectively. However, other forms of renewable energy such as hydropower, bioenergy, and geothermal also saw job growth.
Renewable Energy Jobs in the United States
- The United States is also seeing growth in renewable energy jobs. According to the 2019 U.S. Energy Employment Report (USEER), 611,000 people worked in zero-emission technology industries, including renewables and nuclear in the United States.
Renewable Energy Job Growth Projections
- The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) projects that the number of renewable energy jobs will continue to grow. By 2030, IRENA projects that the renewable energy sector could employ 38 million people globally.
Opportunities for Job Seekers
The growth in renewable energy jobs presents opportunities for job seekers in a variety of fields. Renewable energy companies are hiring for positions such as solar panel installers, wind turbine technicians, energy storage system engineers, and energy efficiency consultants. Additionally, with the increasing focus on renewable energy, many traditional energy companies are also expanding their renewable energy divisions and hiring for related positions.
Conclusion
Renewable energy is a rapidly growing industry, with more and more companies and countries committing to transitioning to clean energy sources. As a result, the demand for renewable energy jobs is on the rise. The renewable energy sector employed 11 million people globally in 2018, and this number is projected to increase to 28 million by 2030. Job seekers in a variety of fields such as solar panel installation, wind turbine maintenance, energy storage systems, and energy efficiency consulting can find opportunities in this growing industry.
Find your renewable energy job.