We have been preparing for the energy transformation that is planned to be completed in 2050. Much has been said about the great benefits in terms of the environment and quality of life, as well as how favorable it will be in the labor sector. However, the changes in the labor sector during the switch to renewable energy are still not very clear. Today we want to give you a broader view of what could happen to jobs during this transition.
First of all, we need to be understand that by reducing the use of certain materials, fuels and energy, jobs in these sectors will also decrease. It is estimated that the fossil fuel sector will reduce its operations by 27%, eliminating approximately 6 million jobs.
Will the new jobs created by renewables be enough to give jobs to those displaced from traditional energies? According to IRENA’s predictions, there is not much to worry about in that regard. The way in which IRENA visualizes the energy transition scenario in 2050 implies not only a 64% reduction in the demand for fossil fuels, but also the creation of 7 million jobs at the economy level.
The creation of new companies and new long-term contracts is expected, allowing for the creation of part of the jobs mentioned. In addition, people will also be employed for the installation, maintenance and operations of the new facilities required for sustainable energy, and administrative and information technology jobs will be created in the sector, as well as other indirect jobs necessary for its operation.
However, the transition does not only imply the creation of new jobs. It will be necessary to train all those who want to work in renewable energies, which will include recent graduates of related careers, employees of the traditional energy sector and employees of unrelated areas. By avoiding this training, companies could choose to hire experts or recent graduates, especially because they want the change to be agile.
With such an increasing number of candidates from different industries participating in the transition, it is certainly necessary to have a proper plan of action. Recruiters, employers and candidates must have adequate knowledge of the skills that different work sectors share and that are necessary to adequately incorporate lateral talent into the industry.
Fortunately, there has been talk about the creation of educational institutions to educate those interested in the sector, which makes the outlook quite favorable again. For example, governments, such as the United States, make available to the public and companies information on how to build a career in the industry. This, together with the actions and commitments of the transition companies and academia, will help ensure that the goals are properly met without affecting citizens.
