Renewable energy development can drive economic growth, create new jobs and enhance human health and welfare at the national level. The Leveraging Local Capacity series examines the kinds of jobs created and suggests ways to build on existing industries.

Each study outlines the requirements along the whole value chain, particularly in terms of human resources and skills, to produce, install and operate plants or facilities based on a certain renewable energy technology. This involves assessing the materials and equipment needed in each segment, with a focus on identifying potential for local value creation.

The series aims to support policy makers and decision makers, particularly in assessing the feasibility of procuring components and services domestically rather than from abroad.

Increasingly, many countries see socio-economic benefits as a major reason to pursue renewable energy development, recognising job creation as an important co-benefit. Employment opportunities arise throughout the value chain, from project planning, manufacturing and installation, to operation, maintenance and eventual decommissioning.

According to the analysis of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the sector could support 26 million jobs worldwide by 2050, given sufficient deployment of renewables and energy efficiency to meet the goals laid out in the 2015 Paris Agreement. Compared to current plans and policies, such accelerated deployment would boost global GDP by 0.8%.

Report by Irena