A new report has shown renewable energy jobs grew by a record amount in 2023.

According to the Renewable Energy and Jobs annual review, renewable jobs increased from 13.7 million in 2022 to 16.2 million by the end of 2023 – an 18 per cent jump.

This increase reflects the strong growth of renewable generating capacities, together with a continued expansion of equipment manufacturing.

However, the report showed an uneven spread of renewable resources worldwide.

China leads with an estimated 7.4 million renewable energy jobs – 46 per cent of the global total. The EU follows with 1.8 million, followed by Brazil with 1.56 million. The US and India come next with around 1 million jobs each.

Despite immense resource potential, Africa only receives a small share of global renewables investments.

This meant they offered around 324,000 renewables jobs in 2023.

Acknowledging the high degree of geographic concentration, Francesco La Camera, IRENA Director-General, said: “The story of the energy transition and its socio-economic gains should not be about one or two regions. If we are able 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 transition progress.

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

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