Current Trends in the Renewable Energy Job Market
The renewable energy sector is experiencing remarkable growth, with 16.2 million jobs expected in 2023, according to IRENA, an increase of 2.5 million compared to 2022. This growth reflects the global energy transition and the considerable economic potential of this promising sector.
Job Growth in Renewable Energy
The renewable energy sector is experiencing remarkable growth in job creation, confirming its status as a major economic driver of the global energy transition. This positive momentum is driven by massive investments and an acceleration in the installation of clean generation capacity.
Historic Growth Confirmed by IRENA Data
According to the joint report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), 2023 marked a turning point, with 16.2 million jobs recorded in the sector, compared to 13.7 million in 2022. This 18% increase in one year represents the largest increase ever recorded, with 2.5 million new positions created.
Geographic Distribution and Dominant Sectors
China is the undisputed leader with 7.4 million jobs (46% of the global total), followed by the European Union (1.8 million), Brazil (1.56 million), the United States, and India (approximately 1 million each). Solar photovoltaic remains the most dynamic sector, with over 63% of its workforce concentrated in China, while wind power maintains its growth with a more balanced distribution between China (52%) and Europe (21%).
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The future of green jobs in France is shaping up with particularly encouraging prospects, supported by ambitious forecasts and structuring regional initiatives.
National Projections: Around 236,000 Jobs in 2028
According to a study conducted by the Renewable Energy Union (SER), renewable energy sources as a whole could represent more than 236,000 jobs in France by 2028. This projection demonstrates the economic dynamism generated by the development of green sectors across the country. Combined annual revenues for wind and solar power exceeded €14 billion ($16.3 billion / £12.1 billion)in 2022 and continue to rise, confirming the economic strength of the sector.
Wind and solar power: drivers of green employment
By 2035, wind and solar photovoltaic power alone could account for more than 100,000 jobs in France. These sectors are actively contributing to the decarbonization and reindustrialization of France, creating skilled employment opportunities throughout the country.
Regional dynamics: the Normandy example
Normandy perfectly illustrates this territorial dynamic by focusing on renewable energy and low-carbon transportation. This regional strategy demonstrates how regions are embracing the energy transition to create local added value and sustainable jobs
Skills and Training Evolution in the Energy Sector
The transformation of the energy sector toward renewable energies is generating unprecedented demands for specialized skills. According to ADEME, this transition will require the creation of 400,000 new jobs by 2030, while eliminating 250,000 positions in traditional sectors. This profound change raises major questions regarding the adaptation of training programs and the development of technical skills.
Current Gaps in Technical Training
The sector faces a major challenge: the mismatch between available skills and real market needs. Traditional engineering training does not sufficiently cover the specificities of renewable technologies. This situation creates particularly pronounced tensions for positions such as wind turbine maintenance technicians and energy storage engineers.
Skills Development Strategies
Companies are developing customized training programs to address these gaps. EDF Renewables, for example, offers specialized training programs for its technicians and engineers. These initiatives include:
- Certified training programs in partnership with engineering schools
- Work-study apprenticeship programs
- Career retraining from traditional sectors
- Continuing training in new storage technologies
This training initiative represents a strategic investment to secure the future of the sector and meet the national energy transition ambitions.
Recruitment Challenges in the Energy Sector
The renewable energy sector is facing growing recruitment pressures despite its appeal to younger generations. Indeed, operations and maintenance positions are experiencing the greatest sourcing difficulties, particularly for maintenance technician positions requiring a two- or three-year post-secondary degree (Bac+3).
The Sector’s Attractiveness
Renewable energies enjoy a positive image among talent, meeting the environmental aspirations of younger generations. EDF Renewables recruits between 200 and 300 people on permanent contracts annually in France, mainly in two areas: project development and engineering roles (Bac+5 profiles), and technical operations and maintenance functions.
Recruitment Challenges
The renewable energy sector is facing a shortage of technical professionals, particularly for maintenance technician positions, which are essential for infrastructure operation. Competition between employers is fierce, particularly in geographical areas far from major employment areas, where many facilities are located.
These tensions paradoxically reflect the vitality of a sector expected to generate 400,000 new jobs by 2030, requiring a rapid adaptation of recruitment strategies to support this exceptional growth.
Talent Retention and Attraction Strategies
To address these tensions, some companies are turning to specialized recruitment firms such as Approach People, capable of identifying and attracting talent on a national and European scale. These partners provide valuable sector expertise and help expand the pool of qualified candidates, complementing internal training strategies and institutional partnerships.
The Global Economic Impact of Renewable Energy
The expansion of renewable energy in 2023 has generated a major economic impact worldwide, with the creation of a record 2.5 million jobs according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Labor Organization (ILO). This 18% growth brings the global total to 16.2 million jobs, demonstrating the structural transformation of the energy sector.
Chinese Dominance and Supply Chain Restructuring
China is emerging as the main driver of this economic expansion, accounting for 46% of global jobs in the sector with 7.4 million positions. The country has installed nearly two-thirds of the world’s new solar and wind capacity, generating 1.84 million new jobs. This concentration is profoundly changing global supply chains, with increasing vertical integration of equipment manufacturing.
Regional Disparities and Untapped Potential
Despite considerable potential, Africa remains underrepresented, with only 324,000 jobs created in 2023. This situation illustrates the challenges of investment and infrastructure development on the continent. The ambitious target of 38.2 million jobs by 2030 will require a more equitable geographical redistribution of investment to fully harness the global potential of renewable energy and strengthen the energy sovereignty of many countries.
A Driving Force for the Future of the Global Economy and the Energy Transition
The renewable energy job market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with 16.2 million jobs in 2023, confirming its central role in the global energy transition and the economic dynamism of the countries involved. This expansion, driven by massive investments, ambitious public policies, and strong demand for specialized skills, positions sectors such as wind and solar at the heart of reindustrialization and the creation of skilled jobs. While China largely dominates the sector, Europe and France show solid prospects, despite persistent recruitment challenges. To fully exploit this potential, it will be important to adapt training, expand talent pools, and better distribute investments globally.
