In 2016, the renewable energy sector was able to provide employment to almost 10 million people. The figure (9.8 million, to be precise) comes from a report published on 24 May by the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena), according to which the level represents a slight increase on the previous year, but a rise of almost 40 per cent compared to 2012, the year in which the agency produced its first report.

"24 million workers in renewables by 2030"

"Falling costs and supportive policies adopted for renewables have made it possible to strengthen investment and employment in the sector," the document reads, underlining how the trend could remain decidedly positive in the years ahead as well. By 2030, the sector is expected to employ 24 million people: "In this way, the loss of jobs in energy production from fossil fuels will be more than offset." Renewables will thus "become one of the most important economic drivers in the world."

Driving the growth is solar photovoltaic which, on its own, accounts for employment for around one third (3.1 million people) of the total workforce and which, over five years, has also recorded the most significant growth: +127 per cent. In second place is the biofuels sector, with 1.7 million jobs, followed by hydropower with 1.5 million and then wind with 1.1 million.

China confirms its global leadership

In geographical terms, it is Asia that accounts for the largest share of the workforce: around 60 per cent of the total. And in particular, China confirms its global leadership, with 44 per cent of workers. Another country that has chosen to invest heavily in renewables (and in solar photovoltaic in particular, following the launch of the International Solar Alliance at the Cop 21 in Paris in 2015) is India, which accounts for 4.6 per cent. The European Union's share stands at 14 per cent, while Brazil's reaches 10.5 per cent and that of the United States 9.3 per cent.

In Europe, it is once again Germany that leads the way, with 334,000 jobs (30 per cent of the continent), followed by France (162,000) and the United Kingdom (110,000). The report does not, however, provide data for Italy. At a global level, it is worth noting that South Africa, which did not even feature in previous reports, is now cited with 61,000 jobs. Furthermore, on the African continent, Irena highlights the fact that decentralised electricity generation systems, such as off-grid solar photovoltaic systems, can guarantee not only numerous jobs but also access to energy and, consequently, local economic development.