In our most recent white paper, we explore how climate change is making an impact on job creation around the world. Regardless of your perspective on climate change, the fact is this: businesses are making a significant effort to go green. As a result, jobs in renewable energy (RE) are on the rise. But which nations are leading the charge? Here are the top five.

 

1. China
According to a 2018 Annual Review by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), “China alone accounts for 43% of all renewable energy jobs.” With an 83% stake in solar heating and cooling sector, 66% in solar panels, and 44% in wind power, China leads the world with 3.365 million total RE jobs.

To see the complete list of most popular RE jobs, read our white paper.

 

2. European Union (EU)
Okay, the EU is actually a collection of more than 30 nations, so take this stat with more than a couple grains of salt. Nevertheless, the EU is one of the largest employers in one specific segment of renewable job growth: biofuels (alternatives to traditional forms of fuel such as gasoline and kerosene).

Find out exactly how many RE jobs the EU has amassed in our latest white paper.

 

3. Brazil
In Brazil, hydropower jobs run deep with 63% of these jobs involving operation and maintenance. Despite its prominence in this area, Brazil’s largest RE workforce is actually centered around liquid biofuels. Of the 1.9 million jobs in this sector, Brazil holds by far the largest workforce, accounting for 41% of all biofuels jobs worldwide.

Where do biofuels rank on the list of most popular RE jobs? Find out in our white paper.

 

4. USA
Ah, the good ol’ USA. Not quite first, not quite last. In 2017, the United States created 786,000 RE jobs, which was good enough to account for the two fastest growing jobs in the whole country: solar panel installers and wind turbine service technicians. Even though both these jobs are on the rise, 77% of construction employers still reported difficulty hiring qualified workers.

Learn how employers are preparing old-school workers for a new era of work in our white paper.

 

5. India
India rounds out the top five renewable energy hot spots with 432,000 new RE jobs in 2017. With a heavy emphasis on the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry, India produced more solar panel jobs than Germany, South Africa, United Kingdom, and others—but fewer than China, Japan, and the US. No matter which way you look at it, though, India is one of the most important markets for PV production in the world.

How else does India stack up against global leaders? Read more in our white paper.

 

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