Abu Dhabi-based renewable energy organisation International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has stated that 6.5mn people were employed in the renewable energy industry in 2013, which is a 14 per cent increase from 2012
According to the IRENA report, trends in renewable energy prices and investment in the sector has led to the increase in jobs. Statistics from Bloomberg New Energy Finance has stated that US$175bn was invested in renewable energy power in the first nine months of 2014 ? a 16 per cent increase compared with the same period last year.
In addition, the sector?s employment pattern is heavily influenced by regional shifts, industry realignments, growing competition and manufacturing processes.
Adnan Z Ameen, director general of IRENA, said, ?Declining technology costs, clear examples of success around the world, better business models and available investment have created a momentum of opportunity that is increasingly being seized. This is reflected in renewables investment worldwide.?
The bulk of employment opportunities in renewable energy is concentrated in China, Brazil, USA, India, Germany and Spain, added the report.
