The recent report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) highlights strong growth in renewable energy jobs in 2023, reaching 16.2 million globally. Within this landscape, wind energy has played a key role, generating approximately 1.5 million jobs, primarily in China and Europe.
China and Europe continue to dominate the wind energy sector, representing 52% and 21% of the workforce, respectively. This growth is largely driven by the manufacturing and installation of turbines, where both regions lead the global market. The expansion of wind energy has not only increased the capacity for clean energy generation but also created job opportunities on an international scale.
It is noteworthy that while the wind energy sector has shown solid growth, challenges remain in other regions. Africa, for instance, accounted for only 324,000 renewable energy jobs in 2023, reflecting an unequal distribution of global investments. Despite this, Africa’s growth potential is immense, particularly through decentralized renewable energy solutions that can bring electricity to remote areas and create local employment opportunities.
The report emphasizes that to achieve sustainable growth in the wind sector, and in renewable energy as a whole, greater investment in training, diversity, and equitable access to employment is essential. With appropriate policies, wind energy can continue to be one of the main sources of employment within the global energy transition, driving not only energy generation but also socio-economic development in key regions.
Wind energy remains a key player in the renewable energy landscape, with strong growth in jobs and installed capacity, and represents a significant opportunity for the future of global energy.