Renewable Energy Jobs Hit Record 16.6 Million Worldwide

The world's shift to clean energy just hit a major employment milestone: 16.6 million people now work in renewable energy, the highest number ever recorded.

The International Renewable Energy Agency and International Labour Organization announced the 2024 figures, showing solar photovoltaic jobs leading the pack at 7.3 million positions. Biofuels follow with 2.6 million jobs, hydroelectricity at 2.3 million, and wind energy employing 1.9 million workers worldwide.

China dominates the global green jobs market, accounting for 44% of all renewable energy employment with 7.3 million workers. The country's integrated supply chains and large-scale manufacturing capabilities have made it the undisputed leader in clean energy job creation.

Brazil reached 1.4 million renewable energy jobs, while the European Union maintained 1.8 million positions. India and the United States each employ around 1.3 million and 1.1 million workers respectively in the sector.

The growth rate did slow to 2.3% compared to 2023's explosive 18% jump, which saw employment surge from 13.7 million to 16.2 million in a single year. Geopolitical tensions, automation, and shifting supply chains contributed to the deceleration, even as clean energy installations continue breaking records.

The Ripple Effect

The renewable energy workforce represents more than just job numbers. These positions span manufacturing solar panels and wind turbines, installing systems on homes and businesses, maintaining power infrastructure, and developing next-generation technology.

Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA, emphasized that governments must place people at the center of climate goals. "The deployment of renewable energies is booming, but the human aspect is as important as the technological," he said.

Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the ILO, stressed the importance of fairness in this transformation. He called for a transition grounded in inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunities for all workers.

China's renewable energy push serves multiple strategic goals beyond employment: reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, improving air quality and public health, and modernizing electrical grids to handle variable renewable power sources. The country aims for carbon neutrality by 2060, setting a pace that exceeds the combined wind and solar construction of the rest of the world.

The sector faces ongoing challenges, including grid management, recycling clean technology components, and ensuring the transition benefits all communities equitably. Yet the steady climb to record employment shows the clean energy economy is building a foundation for millions of livelihoods worldwide.