The renewable energy industry is still considered a novelty industry even though it has been known for so long. The last 10 years have been crucial to its development, as significant growth in the industry was noticeable. Without a doubt, this increased recognition of the industries’ importance and value goes hand in hand with the impact on the labor and economic sector.
Thanks to the energy transition, we can observe drastic changes that bring global benefits. In 2017 alone we saw an increase of almost 58 million new jobs in the energy sector, half of which came from previous jobs in fossil fuels. New jobs will continue to increase due to the gradual reduction in the use of traditional energies by 2050.
The creation of these jobs, as well as the impact of renewables on the economy, will determine the growth of the industry. A determining factor to predict how each sub sector will impact society and the economy is the amount of labor that it will require. Most of the new jobs are expected to be related to the manufacture of electrical machinery, biomass crops, as well as transport and energy services. However, we must remember that not all renewable energy sub sectors are at a mature stage.
This means that energies such as geothermal, which are still under development, do not have a significant impact today, but they may have it in the future. Hence, the most requested job profiles will be varied. In addition to engineers and mathematicians, staff trained in problem solving, communication, and teamwork will be needed. Technicians and machine operators, among other professions -depending on each sub sector- will also be required.
Private companies already have training programs and have acted in partnership with the public and education sectors to influence education and skills policy in the context of the clean energy transition. However, the private sector faces various challenges that have to do with organization strategies, planning and adjustment to climate or government policies, mainly.
The most important thing is to ensure adequate preparation for workers, which allows them to properly perform their duties. Otherwise, the growth of the green economy could stagnate. The road will be long, but without a doubt this change will benefit everyone in the long term.
