Clean Energy's Role in the Global Energy Sector

Clean Energy's Role in the Global Energy Sector Global energy sector employment returned to pre-pandemic levels last year due to growth from the clean energy sector, with clean energy workers accounting for half of the total 65 million jobs in the global energy sector.   According to the International Energy Agency (IEA)'s World Energy Employment Report, the first study examining global energy employment by region and technology, the energy sector represented 2 per cent of the global workforce with last year's recovery. Global energy sector employment reached 65 million in 2021, an increase of 1.3 million compared to 2019 levels. Of total employment, 21 million came from fuel supply, 20 million from the electricity sector, and 24 million from energy efficiency and vehicle manufacturing sectors. While employment in the oil and natural gas sector has yet to reach pre-pandemic levels, clean energy workers made up 50 per cent of the global energy sector's total 65 million jobs. Approximately two-thirds of clean energy sector workers are employed in the installation of new projects and the manufacturing of clean energy technologies. Employment in low-carbon electricity generation comprises 7.8 million workers, led by solar and wind, a figure nearly equal to the oil sector. By region, the Asia-Pacific region hosts half of global energy sector employment, while China accounts for 30 per cent of the world's energy sector workforce. The share of women workers in the energy sector stands at 16 per cent, significantly below the 39 per cent global female representation in the broader economy. 6 per cent growth expected in energy sector employment this year Meanwhile, the global energy sector is expected to experience the strongest employment growth in recent years this year, though high costs and inflationary pressures emerge as challenges ahead of employment growth. IEA Director Fatih Birol said: "Countries and regions that take action will see employment growth. Capturing this opportunity requires skilled workers. Governments, companies and educators must come together and develop programmes to create the skilled workforce needed. Of course, this workforce distribution needs to be done fairly." Source: (AA)