Page 10 - Energize October 2022

INDUSTRY NEWS

Francesco La Camera, IRENA’s
Director-General, said: “In the face
of numerous challenges, renewable
energy jobs remain resilient, and
have been proven to be a reliable
job creation engine. My advice to
governments around the world is
to pursue industrial policies that
encourage the expansion of decent
renewables jobs at home. Spurring
a domestic value chain will not only
create business opportunities and new
jobs for people and local communities.
It also bolsters supply chain reliability
and contributes to more energy
security overall.”
The report shows that an increasing
number of countries are creating jobs
in renewables. Almost two-thirds of
all these jobs are in Asia. China alone
accounts for 42% of the global total, 40% of the world’s wind manufacturing output and is the most important exporter
followed by the EU and Brazil with ten of wind power equipment; it is trying to reconstitute its solar PV manufacturing
per cent each, and the USA and India industry. Africa’s role is still limited, but the report points out that there are growing
with seven per cent each. job opportunities in decentralised renewables, especially in support of local commerce,
ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder, agriculture, and other economic activities.
said: “Beyond the numbers, there In the Americas, Mexico is the leading supplier of wind turbine blades. Brazil
is a growing focus on the quality of remains the leading employer in biofuels but is also adding many jobs in wind and
jobs and the conditions of work in solar PV installations. The USA is beginning to build a domestic industrial base for the
renewable energies, to ensure decent budding offshore wind sector.
and productive employment. The The report highlights that the expansion of renewable energy needs to be
increasing share of female employment supported with holistic policy packages, including training for workers to ensure jobs
suggests that dedicated policies and are decent, high quality, well paid and diverse in pursuit of a just transition.
training can significantly enhance the
participation of women in renewable Click here to read Renewable Energy and Jobs:
energy occupations, inclusion and Annual Review 2022
ultimately, achieve a just transition
for all. I encourage governments, About the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
workers’ and employers’ organisations IRENA is the lead intergovernmental agency for global energy transformation that
to remain firmly committed to a supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future and serves as
sustainable energy transition, which is the principal platform for international cooperation, a centre of excellence, and a
indispensable for the future of work.” repository of policy, technology, resource and financial knowledge on renewables. With
The report highlights some notable 168 Members (167 States and the European Union) and 16 additional countries in the
regional and national developments. accession process and actively engaged, IRENA promotes the widespread adoption
These include Southeast Asian and sustainable use of all forms of renewables in pursuit of sustainable development,
countries becoming major solar energy access, energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity.
photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing hubs
and biofuel producers. China is the About the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
pre-eminent manufacturer and installer Established in 1919, the ILO is the only tripartite U.N. agency. ILO brings together
of solar PV panels and is creating a governments, employers and workers of 187 Member States, to set labour
growing number of jobs in offshore standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all
wind. India added more than 10 GW of women and men.
solar PV, generating many installation
jobs, but remains heavily dependent on Contact Nicole Bockstaller, IRENA, nbockstaller@irena.org, https://www.irena.org
imported panels. Twitter: www.twitter.com/irena
Europe now accounts for about Facebook: www.facebook.com/irena.org

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