Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Ramadan 17, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Renewable energy sector is a major job generator

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Despite the crises resulting from the Russian-European-American conflict and its adverse effects on international relations between the political and economic blocs in the world, the hostilities have increased global interest in the search for new energy and gas sources. At the same time, we see countries of the world are focused on advancing their renewable energy projects and making use of solar and wind energy, among other alternative sources.


Reports issued in this regard confirm the growth of new jobs in renewable energy, as global employment in these sectors has risen to 12.7 million jobs in 2021, an increase of 70,000 jobs, despite the continuing effects of Covid-19 and the growing energy crisis. Today, the global market is expanding in these sectors with solar energy becoming one of the fastest growing sectors in the world, providing about 4.3 million jobs in one year. In fact, more than a third of the latest growth in the global workforce has come from the renewable energy sector.


A report by IRENA, in cooperation with the International Labor Organization, revealed that with the increasing concerns about climate change and the post-pandemic recovery, international interest is in the localization of job opportunities related to clean energy manufacturing and the development of technology export capabilities. IRENA believes that in the face of many challenges, renewable energy jobs remain resilient as it has proven to be a reliable driver of new job creation. It has encouraged governments around the world to pursue industrial policies that encourage the expansion of renewable energy jobs for individuals and communities. It also urges countries to enhance supply chain reliability and contribute to greater overall energy security.


Figures indicate that an increasing number of countries are creating jobs in renewable energy sources, with two-thirds of all these jobs coming from Asia. China alone accounts for 42% of these jobs, followed by the European Union and Brazil with 10% each, while the United States and India provide 7% each.


Guy Ryder, Director-General of the International Labor Organization, sees an increasing focus on the quality of jobs and working conditions in renewable energy. The data shows that female employment is increasing in these sectors and in the field of training, and these trends can be reinforced through greater participation of women, which requires encouraging governments, workers' and employers' organizations to commit to this for the future.


Some Southeast Asian countries today have become major centers for the manufacture of solar photovoltaic cells and biofuel production. Europe today represents about 40% of the production of the wind industry’s requirements, and it is also trying to reshape the solar PV industry as well. Countries of Africa and the Middle East need to play an enhanced role in renewable energy. Expansion in these areas needs to be firmly supported by comprehensive policies, including training of workers and good wages to achieve this goal.


haiderdawood@hotmail.com


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