Until recently, employment in the renewable energy sector has increased at an unprecedented rate due to the growing global demand for sustainable energy solutions. In their 2024 review, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reported an increase in global renewable energy jobs of over 18%, up from 13.7 million in 2022 to 16.2 million in 2023. However, following such rapid market growth in 2023 and the first half of 2024, we have seen a noticeable slowdown in the Europe’s renewable energy job market, correlating to wholesale electricity prices and investment in new and existing clean energy projects.  

Much of the role demand Europe has experienced over the last few years has been driven by the increase in investment on Solar PV (projects and products), which accounted for more than one-third of the total renewable energy workforce in 2022 (IRENA). However, a report from Solar Power Europe showed that 2024 brought only 4% annual growth to the EU solar market. Which represents a 92% growth deceleration compared to previous years. This has been impacted by rising inflation rates and costs of raw materials squeezing margins, as  the price of energy comes  down whilst the cost of producing it increases. Similarly, a lack of viable bids for new offshore wind projects in the UK and Denmark can be attributed to insufficient margins between construction costs and the existing energy price cap, with similar results for Spain and Germany. Additionally, much needed enhancements to Europe’s grid infrastructure is slowing down the rate at which projects can be realised and causing further reduction in profit margins for development companies.

Despite these challenges, the transition to Net Zero across Europe is still driving investment in clean energy transition and continuing to support demand for skilled labour, spanning a variety of roles, from technical and engineering to administrative and policy-focused positions. In the UK, the government's Net Zero Strategy has an ambition to support 440,000 green jobs by 2030 and is ‘underpinned by cheap clean electricity, made in Britain’.

Outside of Europe, while federal policy under a second Trump term may impose some challenges to the US renewable job market, numerous factors such as state-level initiatives, technological advances, and private sector commitment, are likely to somewhat mitigate these impacts and continue to sustain growth. This is supported by the US Bureau of labour statistics, who predict the US renewable energy industry employment rate to grow by 3.7% in the next decade. Additionally, further growth is predicted across emerging markets including China, Brazil, and India, which are among the top 5 nations leading the way in the renewable energy job market, with 7.79 million, 1.57 million and 1.02 million jobs respectively.  

While economic and political influences are varying rates of growth across regional renewable energy landscape, the common trends we expect to see driving the global job market throughout in 2025 include:

Advancements and innovation

Rapid advances in technology will require a workforce that is continuously learning and developing. Blockchain enables safe data management and transparent energy trade, IoT allows real-time monitoring and automation, and AI forecasts energy demand and optimises maintenance schedules. Skills sought by employers are changing at a 25% higher rate in occupations most exposed to AI, according to PWC report.

Decentralisation of energy systems

There is a trend towards decentralised energy systems, such as residential solar installations and community wind projects, potentially creating jobs in both urban and rural areas, and requiring skills in installation, maintenance, and community engagement.

Sustainability and environmental impact roles

As companies focus more on sustainability, roles related to environmental impact assessment, sustainable practices, and corporate social responsibility will become more prominent. The renewable energy job market is likely to be poised for sustained expansion, propelled by technological innovations and an international move towards sustainability. According to recent statistics, green jobs have surged by an impressive 8.4% from 2021.

Policy and regulatory expertise

Market forces and governmental policies have a substantial influence on the employment market for renewable energy. Initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act introduce tax incentives and financial support, encouraging investment in renewable energy projects therefore promoting job creation within the sector. Events such as COP28 further stress the importance of global cooperation to improve policy support for clean energy. With governments globally pushing for greener policies, there will be a growing need for professionals who understand complex regulatory environments and can navigate energy compliance and advocacy roles.

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

 

To tap into the full spectrum of talent, emphasis on diversity and inclusion, creating opportunities for underrepresented groups from technical and engineering positions to administrative and policy-oriented roles. The expansion in renewables is a testament to its contribution to global energy sustainability and represents a critical part of economic development in regions committed to a low-carbon economy. Research from Mckinsey  found that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity outperform  those without gender diversity by 21%. companies in the renewable energy space will need to place a heightened.

 

Green hydrogen economy

 

The development of a hydrogen-based energy economy is expected to create new roles in production, distribution, and application technologies for hydrogen fuel. According to Hydrogen Uk’s analysis, the UK could support approximately 30,000 direct jobs annually by 2030.

 

Education and training programs expansion

 

In response to the growing demand for skilled professionals, there will be an expansion of training and educational programs focusing on emerging renewable technologies and sustainable energy practices.

 

Grid reform

The importance of electrical engineering skillsets in adapting the outdated electrical grid infrastructure across Europe are required if countries are going to be able to hit their renewable energy goals through the roll-out of solar, wind and storage projects. In the UK, National Energy System Operation (NESO) is aligning its objectives with the Government's plan for clean energy by 2030, and the introduction of the first Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) aims to ensure that by 2030, everyone has access to reliable, clean, and affordable energy. This initiative could also lead to the creation of new jobs as part of the grid enhancements.

Re-training from oil & gas

With no new licenses for oil & gas sites in the North Sea, what impact will this have on the sector as a whole and how can these workers be retrained and redeployed into the renewables sector. The growth of renewables is a crucial component of economic growth in areas dedicated to fostering a low-carbon economy. For instance, leading wind, wave, and tidal power trade association, RenewableUK’s research shows that delivering 30GW of onshore wind by the end of decade would boost the UK economy by £45bn and create 27,000 jobs.

Despite sector challenges and a slowdown in the job market, these trends indicate a potentially positive job market with significant opportunities for those trained in innovative technologies and sustainable practices. By identifying the best people available, JD Ross can assist organisations in navigating these market challenges and the growing need for skilled personnel.

At JD Ross, we provide market-leading, global talent solutions, working solely within the renewable energy sector and integrating our team at every stage of the recruitment lifecycle and across all areas of clean energy transition. Acting as an extension of your business, JD Ross enables innovation by taking time to understand your recruitment ambitions and using our deep market expertise, global networks and diverse talent pools to deliver them. Find out more at jdrossenergy.com or send an email to hello@jdrossenergy.com to learn how we can work with your company to develop and implement your talent strategy.