January 26, 2026
Global Renewable News

INTERNATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY AGENCY
Record Employment in Renewables, Emerging Challenges and Pathways to an Inclusive Workforce

January 23, 2026

Record Employment, but Challenges Emerge

Global renewable energy employment hit 16.6 million jobs in 2024, yet growth slowed to just 2.3% despite record capacity additions.

This highlights the increasing impact of geopolitical and geoeconomic frictions, as well as growing automation, on the renewable energy workforce.

Jobs Remain Geographically Concentrated

Renewable energy jobs are still heavily concentrated in selected countries and regions, with the top five holding over 85% of the share.

China continues to lead in deployment and manufacturing. The country alone accounted for 44% of global employment in 2024.

The remaining top four employers are the Rest of Asia (2.47 million), European Union (1.8 million), Brazil (1.38 million) and India (1.28 million).

This geographical imbalance reflects differences in investment, policy support and availability of skilled labour.

For more information

International Renewable Energy Agency
336 East 45th Street, 11th Floor
New York New York
United States 10017
www.irena.org


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