The growth of renewable energy jobs significantly outpaces that of other sectors, including the broader energy industry and the overall U.S. economy. Several key points highlight this dynamic:
Growth Rate Comparison
- In 2023, clean energy jobs in the U.S. grew by 142,000, which represented more than half of all new energy sector jobs and grew at more than twice the rate of overall U.S. employment and the broader energy sector.
- The utilities sector alone saw a 5.0% employment growth rate in 2023, adding nearly 30,000 jobs, while the construction sector added nearly 90,000 jobs, much of which was driven by clean energy projects.
- Globally, renewable energy jobs increased from 13.7 million in 2022 to 16.2 million in 2023, an 18% year-on-year growth rate, which is the highest annual increase ever recorded for the sector.
Scale and Projections
- The U.S. currently has just over 8 million renewable energy jobs, with global job numbers at 16.2 million as of 2023.
- The renewable energy sector is projected to increase employment opportunities by about 40% by 2030, adding nearly 10 million new jobs worldwide over the next seven years.
- Solar energy is expected to account for nearly 75% of all new renewable energy jobs through 2030, followed by wind power with 15% of new job creation.
Geographic and Sector-Specific Insights
- China leads globally with 7.4 million renewable energy jobs, representing 46% of the global total, followed by the EU, Brazil, the U.S., and India.
- In the U.S., significant unionization gains have been seen in clean energy sectors such as construction and utilities, supporting robust job growth aligned with climate and clean energy policies.
Summary
Renewable energy jobs are growing at rates substantially higher than other sectors, including traditional energy and the overall economy. This rapid expansion is driven by policy investments, technological advancements, and increasing renewable capacity installations, especially in solar and wind. The trend is consistent across major economies, with a pronounced concentration in Asia, particularly China. Employment in renewables not only outpaces other energy sectors but also represents one of the fastest-growing employment markets globally.
This data underscores renewable energy’s critical role in future job creation and economic growth compared to other sectors.
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