Which country led renewable energy employment in 2023?

Over half of RE jobs were in this major market.

Just like how China is a major player in renewable energy development, it also dominates the global clean energy workforce, claiming almost half of the 16.2 million jobs in 2023, according to a study by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Their report “Renewable Energy and Jobs – Annual Review 2024” said that 7.4 million renewable energy jobs were in China last year as nearly two-thirds of new global solar and wind capacity were installed in Beijing in 2023.

China was followed by the EU with 1.8 million, Brazil with 1.56 million, and the US and India, each with close to 1 million jobs.

Overall, the report found that the renewable energy jobs sector logged its highest growth in 2023, increasing by 18% from the previous year. This  “reflects the strong growth of renewables generating capacities, together with a continued expansion of equipment manufacturing.”

Solar photovoltaic (PV), still led by China, drove global renewable energy job growth, supporting 7.2 million jobs worldwide in 2023. Southeast Asia, with Chinese investment, became a key solar PV export hub, creating regional jobs.

Liquid biofuels had the second-largest number of jobs, followed by hydropower and wind. Aside from China, other major players in these sectors were Brazil, India, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Europe.

“If we are all to fulfil our collective pledge to triple renewable power capacity by 2030, the world must step up its game and support marginalised regions in addressing barriers impeding their transitions progress,” IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera said.

“Strengthened international collaboration can mobilise increased finance towards policy support and capacity building in countries that are yet to benefit from renewables job creation,” he added.

ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo encouraged investing in education, skills, and training to help reskill all workers from fossil fuel sectors, address gender or other disparities, and prepare the workforce for new clean energy roles.