Earlier in the year, we took a look at how the ongoing pandemic has led to calls from business leaders across the world seeking to ensure that a greater focus would be placed on delivering an economic recovery.
Furthermore, the calls were surrounding a focus on delivering a cleaner environment at the same time, with a particular emphasis on creating jobs within the renewables industry. According to recent reports, it seems a certainty, as job creation in the renewable sector continues to grow.
New figures released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) suggest that jobs in the renewable sector surged to 11.5 million globally in 2019. The largest employer in this sector is the solar industry, which had seen an increase of around 4%. This brought total global employment figures to 3.8 million in 2019, although with recent movements within the solar sector, this number is expected to be much higher. Record numbers that have been set throughout the year, particularly in the UK.
Of these 11.5 million global figures, the UK National Grid Net Zero Energy Workforce have reported that the UK’s renewable energy sector employs 144,000 directly. Some 44,100 of these people are employed in the wind sector, which has seen huge growth this year too, with a number of new projects being announced and confirmed, and further employment being also confirmed in this space.
If current goals are met, the International Renewable Energy Agency suggests that a further 5.5 million transition-related jobs could be created over the three years, bringing the total number of people employed in renewable energy to nearly 30 million in 2030. However, it is also expected that this number could be much higher, as a changing attitude has been prevalent in recent months, particularly with growing support in sectors such as the emergent electric vehicle market.
To do your part for net zero and to help the growing renewable industry, check out our clean energy efficiency options that can save you money and reduce your carbon footprint, or get in touch with our experts today for a more tailored experience.
