16th August 2022|Company Updates
Renewable energy jobs
According to new calculations, the energy sector employs approximately 18 million people worldwide. It is estimated this figure could rise to 26 million by 2050 provided that a strong climate action is taken. The findings contradict the frequently used reasoning by the supporters of fossil fuels that moving towards more sustainable energy alternatives will decrease the number of jobs available in this industry. Although weaning the energy industry off fossil fuels will result in fewer fossil fuel jobs, new jobs in the renewable energy sector will more than compensate for this.
Provided that all countries meet the Paris Agreement goal of keeping global warming below 2°C, it is estimated that this would result in additional 8 million energy jobs worldwide alone.
Currently, the energy sector employs approximately 12.6 million people in the fossil fuel industry, 4.6 million in the renewable energy, and 0.8 million in the nuclear energy industry worldwide. Out of the 12.6 million jobs in the fossil fuel industry, 10.1 million are in the fossil fuel extraction category meaning the availability of these jobs will sharply decline as further decarbonization efforts are being introduced.
With decarbonization, renewables would account for 84% of total energy jobs in 2050, with fossil fuels accounting for 11% and nuclear accounting for 5%. Globally, fossil fuel jobs may decline from 12.6 million to 3.1 million, while renewable jobs may increase from 4.6 million to a whopping 22 million.
In majority of the countries worldwide, the number of new renewables jobs exceeds the number of lost fossil-fuel jobs. However, decarbonization may result in a net loss of energy system jobs in China and some fossil-fuel exporting countries such as Mexico, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Nigeria, and Angola. On a positive note, manufacturing and installation of solar and wind infrastructure account for more than one-third, or 7.7 million, of the new renewable energy jobs for these countries. These jobs aren’t tied to a specific location like, say, working a coal seam. As a result, countries may compete for what the researchers refer to as a “global pool” of renewables manufacturing jobs.
Advantages of working in the renewable energy sector
Renewable energy jobs can be found across a variety of sectors, from wind and solar energy to hydroelectric and geothermal power. They can include everything from designing and manufacturing renewable energy technology to installing and maintaining the systems that generate clean energy.
One of the biggest advantages of these jobs is their potential to create long-term, sustainable employment opportunities. Unlike traditional fossil fuel industries, which often rely on finite resources and can be subject to market fluctuations, renewable energy sources are abundant and growing rapidly. This means that jobs in the renewable energy sector are likely to remain in demand for years to come.
Another benefit of jobs in this industry is that they tend to pay well and provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment. Workers in the renewable energy sector are often motivated by the knowledge that they are contributing to a cleaner, healthier planet. This can help to create a positive work environment and attract motivated and passionate employees.
Renewable energy jobs are also spread across a wide range of skill levels and experience levels, providing opportunities for people at all stages of their careers. Entry-level positions may include roles in manufacturing, installation, or maintenance, while more experienced workers may find opportunities in management, research and development, or engineering.
In addition to the direct jobs created by the renewable energy sector, there are also numerous spin-off jobs that can be created as a result of the industry’s growth. For example, a boom in renewable energy could lead to increased demand for skilled tradespeople, such as electricians and plumbers, as well as an increase in jobs in related industries, such as transportation and logistics.
Challenges for the renewable energy sector
Despite the many benefits of working in the renewable energy sector, there are still some challenges to be addressed. One of the biggest is the need for adequate training and education programs to ensure that workers are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the industry. This can be especially challenging in regions where the renewable energy sector is just beginning to emerge.
Another challenge is the need for government policies and incentives that support the growth of the renewable energy sector. This can include everything from tax credits and subsidies to regulations that prioritize the use of renewable energy sources over fossil fuels.
Overall, jobs in the renewable energy sector represent an exciting and rapidly growing sector of the global economy. With a wide range of career opportunities, competitive salaries, and a sense of purpose and fulfilment, it’s no wonder that more and more people are turning to renewable energy when looking for new career opportunities.
This is where recruitment services by MAC Projects come into play. We offer staffing solutions to companies in the energy industry, and have a wide database of both white- and blue-collar workers across Europe and the US. Therefore, if you are struggling to find skilled and qualified candidates for your roles in the energy industry, contact us to see how we can help you.
If you are a job seeker interested in advancing your career further in the energy sector, please send us your CV to enquiries@mac-projects.com, and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible. Alternatively, check out the jobs we have available at the moment on this link.
References
DeWeerdth, S. (2021). Council.Science. Employment in the energy sector. Retrieved from: https://council.science/current/blog/employment-in-the-energy-sector-will-dramatically-expand-as-economies-decarbonize/
