More than 310,000 jobs were created in the clean energy sector in the United States (US), due to a 60 percent surge in clean energy, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The country has witnesses increasing installation rate of solar and energy storage, growing electric vehicle (EV) sales and the number of planned domestic manufacturing facilities.
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), there are five million solar installations in the US, more than half of which have been added since 2020.
Wind dominates the US renewables landscape, with more than 133GW of installed capacity, with solar following behind at 113GW.
However, with the curb on immigration, Nigerians who are seeking opportunities in renewable energy in the US may want to consider working in other countries that have made significant investments in renewable energy, and are welcoming foreign skilled workers.
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How climate change has impacted the global job market
Climate change has caused many countries globally to make the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, thereby reshaping job markets..
This transition to the reduction of carbon emissions has grown globally causing energy sector employment to stand at nearly 67 million as at 2022, with clean energy jobs comprising more than half, according to IEA.
Globally, there was a 9.6 percent rise in renewable energy capacity, adding 295GW, largely driven by solar energy, which accounted for 191GW, or nearly two-thirds of that growth.
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Another report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) noted a historic $1.7 trillion was invested in clean energy technologies, spurred by supportive government policies and the increasing cost-competitiveness of solar and wind power.
These efforts have created many job opportunities in the sector.
Based on figures by Smart City Expo, here are the top eight countries generating the most renewable energy per 100,000 capita and playing pivotal roles in the clean energy transformation.
Italy
Italy generates 86.99MW per 100,000 capita. Its transition from coal to renewable and gas-fired energy is poised to create substantial employment opportunities.
The annual addition of 5GW of new renewable capacity will drive job creation in construction, engineering, and infrastructure development.
Enhancing the transmission grid and establishing Italy as a Mediterranean gas hub will further stimulate employment in logistics and energy services.
Moreover, domestic manufacturing of clean energy components and the ongoing operation and maintenance of energy systems are expected to support sustained job growth across a range of sectors.
Switzerland
Switzerland is advancing its energy transition with renewables now generating 95.84MW per 100,000 people.
Hydropower remains dominant, but solar energy has grown significantly, with both contributing equally to the country’s 4GW installed renewable capacity.
Renewables now make up a quarter of national energy consumption. The IEA notes that faster deployment could help meet climate goals, while the World Economic Forum highlights Switzerland as a clean energy leader.
This transition is also expected to create jobs in areas like construction, engineering, and energy infrastructure.
Belgium
Belgium has placed a strategic emphasis on photovoltaic (solar) energy, with 7GW of installed capacity currently in place, outpacing its 5GW of onshore and offshore wind capacity.
In a significant cross-border initiative, Belgium is partnering with the UK and Ireland to develop an interconnector linking Irish offshore wind farms to the Princess Elisabeth energy island.
This energy corridor strengthens regional collaboration and supports a shared renewable energy infrastructure across the three countries.
According to Tinne Van der Straeten, Energy minister, the focus now lies in converting these ambitions into concrete actions to power a green future.
The expansion of solar energy infrastructure will require skilled labour in installation, maintenance, and manufacturing of photovoltaic systems. Also, the development of offshore wind projects and the energy island will generate jobs in marine engineering, logistics, construction, and operations.
Portugal
Portugal has accelerated its renewable energy ambitions, bringing forward its target of generating 80 percent of electricity from renewable sources to 2026, earlier than initially planned. To achieve this, the country will need to significantly expand its capacity in onshore and offshore wind, photovoltaic (solar) energy, and integrate green hydrogen more extensively into its energy system.
This rapid advancement in clean energy is positioning Portugal as a European leader in the energy transition. Recognised as Euronews’ Green Country, Portugal is now on track to reach net-zero emissions by 2045, ahead of its legal deadline.
The expansion of wind and solar energy infrastructure will require technicians, engineers, and construction workers for installation and maintenance. Offshore wind projects will boost employment in maritime operations and port services, while the growth of green hydrogen will foster roles in chemical engineering, storage, and distribution.
Greece
Greece is committed to phasing out coal-fired electricity generation by 2028 at the latest, marking a significant shift from a coal-dependent energy system.
To support this transition, the government has allocated €5 billion ($5.5 billion) to aid communities and workers affected by the shift away from coal.
The country capitalises on its sunny climate to boost solar power, with installed photovoltaic (PV) capacity reaching 6GW, making it the leading renewable source in Greece.
Wind power follows as the second-largest renewable source, with a capacity of 4GW.
Greece’s transition away from coal and expansion of renewable energy will create numerous employment opportunities across various sectors.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said: “The growth of the economy is inextricably tied to making ourselves as energy independent as we can”.
“Greece can be a paradigm of how energy transition and climate action can create jobs and sustainable growth”, he said.
Spain
Spain has established itself as a frontrunner in renewable energy over the past 15 years, with wind generation capacity doubling and solar capacity increasing eightfold since 2008.
In 2023, the country reached a significant milestone when electricity generated from wind power surpassed that from fossil fuels for the first time.
Currently, more than half of Spain’s electricity is derived from renewable sources, with wind contributing 24 percent and solar photovoltaic 14 percent. Nuclear power and combined-cycle gas make up 20.3 percent and 17.2 percent of the energy mix, respectively, meaning that over 70 percent of Spain’s electricity production is free from CO₂ emissions.
The construction, operation and maintenance of renewable energy installations will require skilled labour, including engineers, technicians and project managers.
The manufacturing of renewable energy components, such as turbines and solar panels, will also support jobs in industrial and supply chain sectors.
Germany
Germany’s Energiewende aims for 80 percent renewable energy by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2045.
With 130GW of renewable capacity, split almost evenly between solar and wind, Germany leads in solar energy production despite lower sunlight levels. The country is phasing out nuclear power in favour of greener alternatives.
This transition will create numerous jobs in construction, engineering, manufacturing, and technology development. It will also generate opportunities in facility decommissioning and innovation, supporting a strong green economy and sustainable employment growth.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands leads Europe in its energy transition, generating more electricity from solar farms than any other major European economy.
The Netherlands boasts a substantial solar capacity of 23GW, largely due to widespread residential solar panel installations, alongside 8GW of wind power from major offshore wind farms such as Gemini, Borssele, and Hollandse Kust Zuid.
Employment opportunities will arise in the manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of solar panels and wind turbines, as well as in engineering, project management, and grid integration. The growth of offshore wind farms also demands specialised maritime and construction roles, supporting local economies and fostering a skilled green workforce.
Manon van Beek, CEO of grid operator TenneT said: “In the Netherlands we want to have a climate-neutral economy in twenty years, so we are busy creating the electricity network that is required for this.”
