Renewable energy creates a record 2.5 million jobs in 2023

In 2023, the renewable energy sector generated 2.5 million new jobs, reaching a total of 16.2 million globally, driven by massive capacity growth in China, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena).

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

The renewable energy sector experienced a record increase in job creation in 2023, marking the strongest growth observed by the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena). According to the joint report by Irena and the International Labour Organization (ILO), the total number of jobs in the sector rose from 13.7 million in 2022 to 16.2 million, an 18% increase.

This growth was primarily driven by China, which added 1.84 million jobs, representing nearly 46% of the global total in the sector. The country now has 7.4 million jobs in renewable energy, followed by the European Union (1.8 million) and Brazil (1.56 million). The United States and India also rank among the key players, each accounting for nearly one million workers.

Significant regional disparities

The report highlights major disparities between regions. Africa, despite its considerable energy potential, had only 324,000 jobs in 2023. Irena expressed concern about the lack of investment on the continent, despite significant opportunities for renewable energy development.

Conversely, photovoltaic solar energy continues to dominate the global employment market with 7.2 million jobs, more than 63% of which are concentrated in China, the world’s leading producer and installer of these systems. The liquid biofuels segment occupies second place with 2.8 million jobs, primarily led by Brazil and Indonesia.

Wind energy rises while hydropower declines

Wind energy ranks as the third employment segment with 1.5 million jobs, 52% of which are based in China and 21% in Europe. This growth is supported by the multiplication of wind projects, mainly in Asia and Europe. However, hydropower, traditionally a cornerstone of renewable energy, is the only subsector to have seen a decline in its workforce. The number of jobs in this segment decreased from 2.5 million in 2022 to 2.3 million in 2023, reflecting a drop in activity in key markets due to increased competition from wind and solar energy.

Challenges and opportunities for the future

Despite strong overall growth, the report highlights several challenges. Insufficient investment in certain regions, evolving public policies, and the ability to train a skilled workforce remain priorities. To achieve global energy transition goals, Irena emphasizes the need to support job growth in all regions, particularly in Africa and Latin America, and to develop local supply chains for green technologies.

In the long term, the renewable energy sector could continue to generate more jobs, driven by the growing demand for low-carbon solutions and the commitment of many countries to achieve carbon neutrality. The expansion of emerging segments such as hydrogen and energy storage could also diversify and stabilize the geographic distribution of jobs in the sector.

EDF confirms it is exploring capital openings and calls for strict investment prioritisation, facing €54.3bn ($57.5bn) in debt and massive funding needs by 2040.
A consortium led by Masdar and CPP Investments proposes to acquire all of ReNew at $8.15 per share, representing a 15.3% increase over the initial offer.
In Kuala Lumpur, Huawei Digital Power unveiled its grid-forming technologies, positioned as a strategic lever to strengthen power interconnections and accelerate energy market development across ASEAN.
Voltalia has entered a strategic partnership with IFC to develop tailored renewable energy projects for the mining sector across several African countries.
Repsol has launched a pilot platform of AI multi-agents, developed with Accenture, to transform internal organisation and improve team productivity.
ABB recorded double-digit growth in sales of equipment for data centres, contributing to a 28% increase in net profit in the third quarter, surpassing market expectations.
UK power producer Infinis has secured a £391mn ($476mn) banking agreement to support the next phase of its solar and energy storage development projects.
The Nexans Board of Directors has officially appointed Julien Hueber as Chief Executive Officer, ending Christopher Guérin’s seven-year tenure at the helm of the industrial group.
JP Morgan Chase has launched a $1.5 trillion, ten-year investment initiative targeting critical minerals, defence technologies and strategic supply chains across the United States.
Amid rising global demand for low-carbon technologies, several African countries are launching a regional industrial strategy centred on domestic processing of critical minerals.
Maersk and CATL have signed a strategic memorandum of understanding to strengthen global logistics cooperation and develop large-scale electrification solutions across the supply chain.
ABB made several attempts to acquire Legrand, but the French government opposed the deal, citing strategic concerns linked to data centres.
Aramco becomes Petro Rabigh's majority shareholder after purchasing a 22.5% stake from Sumitomo, consolidating its downstream strategy and supporting the industrial transformation of the Saudi petrochemical complex.
Chevron India expands its capabilities with a 312,000 sq. ft. engineering centre in Bengaluru, designed to support its global operations through artificial intelligence and local technical expertise.
Amid rising energy costs and a surge in cheap imports, Ineos announces a 20% workforce reduction at its Hull acetyls site and urges urgent action against foreign competition.
Driven by growing demand for strategic metals, mining mergers and acquisitions in Africa are accelerating, consolidating local players while exposing them to a more complex legal and regulatory environment.
Ares Management has acquired a 49% stake in ten energy assets held by EDP Renováveis in the United States, with an enterprise value estimated at $2.9bn.
Ameresco secured a $197mn contract with the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory to upgrade its energy systems across two strategic sites, with projected savings of $362mn over 21 years.
Enerflex Ltd. announced it will release its financial results for Q3 2025 before markets open on November 6, alongside a conference call for investors and analysts.
Veolia and TotalEnergies formalise a strategic partnership focused on water management, methane emission reduction and industrial waste recovery, without direct financial transaction.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.