16.6M Now Work in Renewable Energy Despite Slower Growth

Renewable energy hit a historic milestone in 2024, employing 16.6 million people as the world races toward cleaner power. But the celebration comes with a reality check: job growth slowed dramatically to just 2.3%, raising important questions about how we build an energy future that creates opportunity for all.

The International Renewable Energy Agency and International Labour Organization released their annual jobs report this week, painting a picture of uneven progress. China leads the pack with 7.3 million renewable energy workers, nearly half the global total, thanks to its massive manufacturing and installation networks.

Solar energy remains the job creation champion, employing 7.3 million people worldwide in panel manufacturing and installation. Liquid biofuels follow with 2.6 million jobs, while hydropower and wind round out the top employers with 2.3 million and 1.9 million workers respectively.

The European Union held steady at 1.8 million jobs, while Brazil, India, and the United States each saw modest growth reaching 1.4 million, 1.3 million, and 1.1 million jobs. The slowdown stems from geopolitical tensions, trade friction, and increasing automation in manufacturing.

But Francesco La Camera, head of IRENA, sees this moment as a turning point rather than a setback. "Renewable energy deployment is booming, but the human side of the story is as important as the technological side," he explained, calling for governments to put people at the center of climate action through smarter trade policies and workforce development.

The Ripple Effect

The report highlights an often overlooked opportunity: renewable energy could become a model for workplace inclusion. Women and people with disabilities remain underrepresented in the sector, yet bringing diverse talents and perspectives into the industry would strengthen both economies and communities.

Gilbert Houngbo, Director-General of the ILO, emphasized that disability inclusion isn't just about fairness. "It is essential for resilient labor markets and sustainable development," he noted, calling for accessible training programs and hiring practices that welcome everyone's contributions.

The path forward requires countries to work together rather than compete in isolation. Nations lagging in the energy transition need international support to build their own renewable industries and skilled workforces, ensuring the benefits of clean energy reach every corner of the globe.

As the world aims to triple renewable power capacity by 2030, putting people first will determine whether the green economy delivers on its promise of shared prosperity.