Growth of Renewable Jobs Slows Despite Record Installations

Global renewable energy employment continued to expand but at a slower pace, even as new installations reached record levels, according to a report released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

There is a disconnect between rapid deployment and workforce development in the energy market, says Francesco La Camera, Director General, IRENA. He stresses that governments need to align trade, industrial and labor policies to support domestic capacity and skills development, while strengthening international cooperation to help countries lagging in the energy transition. Such efforts, he says, are critical to meeting the goal of tripling renewable power capacity by 2030 and ensuring broader socio-economic benefits.

Green jobs are highly beneficial for both the environment and society as a whole, says Rodrigo Osorio, Director General, Energy Agency of Puebla. “To be considered green, a job must meet high standards that are required to enhance the life conditions of workers,” he says. “Employees with green jobs must have their voice heard at work, equality must be ensured, everyone must receive a fair income for what they do and the conditions at work must be safe and dignifying. It is imperative to push the social agenda together with the environment to be able to move forward without leaving anyone behind.”

The joint Renewable Energy and Jobs – Annual Review 2025 report found that jobs in the sector increased by 2.3% from 2023, bringing total employment to 16.6 million worldwide. The report points to geopolitical and geoeconomic tensions, along with increasing automation across supply chains, as factors shaping labor dynamics in the energy transition.

Beyond employment totals, the report places a strong emphasis on inclusion and equity. It argues that a just transition requires deliberate action to address the underrepresentation of women and people with disabilities in the renewable energy workforce. According to the study, existing barriers continue to limit participation despite growing labor demand across technologies.

Disability inclusion must be embedded in renewable energy policies from design to implementation, says Gilbert Houngbo, Director General, ILO. He calls for accessible training systems, inclusive hiring practices, and workplaces that accommodate diverse needs, noting that inclusion is essential for resilient labor markets and sustainable development.

The analysis highlights persistent regional imbalances. China maintained its position as the dominant player in renewable energy employment, reflecting its large-scale, integrated manufacturing and deployment capacity. In 2024, China accounted for an estimated 7.3 million renewable energy jobs, representing 44% of the global total.

Employment levels in other major markets showed more modest changes. The European Union held steady at 1.8 million jobs, unchanged from the previous year. Brazil reported 1.4 million renewable energy jobs, while India and the United States saw limited growth, reaching about 1.3 million and 1.1 million jobs, respectively.

Inclusive policy frameworks, supported by accessible education, labor market services and stakeholder engagement, are needed to ensure that the energy transition delivers economic opportunities more evenly.