Renewable Energy Jobs: How Renewable Sources are Reshaping the Job Market

What Energy Sources are Renewable? 

Renewable energy sources are those that can be replenished naturally and are not finite. These sources include wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal, tidal and biomass energy.  

• Solar energy: Solar energy is the most abundant form of renewable energy on Earth. Solar panels can be used to generate electricity, and solar thermal collectors can be used to heat water. 

• Wind energy: Wind turbines can be used to generate electricity from the wind. Wind energy is a clean and renewable source of energy that can be used to generate electricity in many parts of the world. 
• Hydropower: Hydropower is the use of water to generate electricity. Hydropower is a mature technology that can be used to generate large amounts of electricity. 
• Geothermal energy: Geothermal energy is the heat that comes from the Earth’s interior. Geothermal energy can be used to generate electricity, heat water, and cool buildings. 
• Biomass energy: Biomass energy is the energy that comes from organic matter. Biomass can be used to generate electricity, heat water, and create transportation fuels. 

All of these sources are renewable and can be used to generate electricity without depleting finite resources. 

Renewable energy sources have seen a rapid rise in popularity in recent years. As of 2021, renewable energy accounts for approximately 29% of the world’s electricity generation. This is expected to increase to 50% by 2050, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). The growth of renewable energy sources is driven by a number of factors, including the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change, as well as the increasing cost competitiveness of renewable energy technologies. 

 

The Impact of Renewable Energy on the Job Market 

The growth of renewable energy sources is having a significant impact on the job market. In 2022, renewable energy jobs rose by 700,000 in a year, bringing the total number of jobs in the sector to 12.7 million. The sector is creating jobs at a faster rate than any other industry in the United States, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The report estimates that by 2030, the renewable energy sector could create up to 30 million new jobs globally. 

The United States is the world’s second-largest market for renewable energy, after China. In 2022, the U.S. renewable energy sector added 300,000 jobs, bringing the total number of jobs in the sector to 3.3 million. 

 

Renewable Energy Jobs and In-Demand Careers 

 There are many different jobs and careers in the renewable energy sector. One of the main areas of job growth in the renewable energy sector is in the installation and maintenance of renewable energy systems. This includes jobs such as  

• Solar panel installers,  
• Wind turbine technicians,
• Hydropower plant operators.  

These jobs require a range of skills, including technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work at heights. 

 

Another area of job growth in the renewable energy sector is in research and development, including: 

• Energy analysts,  
• Electrical engineers,  
• Mechanical engineers,  
• Project managers,  
• Energy researchers. 

These jobs require advanced degrees and specialized training, but they also offer higher salaries and the potential for leadership roles. 

 

Education Options and Renewable Energy Certificates 

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the renewable energy sector, there are many education options available. Many universities and colleges offer degree programs in fields such as renewable energy engineering, sustainability, and environmental science. There are also many online courses and certificates available that can provide specialized training in areas such as solar energy, wind energy, and energy efficiency. 

In addition to traditional education options, there are also many renewable energy certificates available. These certificates provide specialized training and can help individuals develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the renewable energy sector. Some of the most popular renewable energy certificates include the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Solar PV Certification and the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) Certified Energy Manager Certification. 

 

Companies Leading the Way in Renewable Energy Job Creation 

There are many companies around the world that are leading the way in renewable energy job creation. Some of the largest companies in the renewable energy sector include NextEra Energy, Iberdrola, and Enel. These companies are investing heavily in renewable energy and are creating thousands of jobs in the process. 

In addition to these large companies, there are also many smaller companies that are making a big impact in the renewable energy sector. These companies are often focused on developing innovative technologies or providing specialized services, and they are creating many new jobs in the process. 

 

Thanks to its abundant sunshine and supportive policies on Arizona, there are a number of renewable energy companies that have announced plans to move to Arizona in recent months. 

• JA Solar, a global leader in solar cell and module manufacturing, has announced plans to open its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Phoenix, Arizona, creating 600 new jobs by Q4 2023. 
• Enel Green Power, a leading renewable energy company, announced in January 2023 that it would be opening a new office in Tucson. The office will create 100 new jobs in the area. 
• LG Energy Solution, a leading Korean manufacturer, invested KRW 7.2 trillion to build two battery manufacturing complexes in Arizona to support EV and ESS battery production in North America. 
• Meyer Burger made the strategic decision to establish its first solar module factory in Goodyear, Arizona. With the investment from IKEA, MB is increasing the company’s annual production capacity from around 1.6 gigawatts (GW) to an impressive 2 GW per year. 

• Salt River Project is partnering up with Clenera to bring Arizona its largest solar plant in 2024. Upon completion, it will offset 1 billion pounds of carbon dioxide each year while generating power for 80,000 Arizona homes. 

 

The future of energy is looking bright, and the growth of renewable energy sources is leading the way. As these sources of energy continue to grow, they are reshaping the job market in a big way. From solar panel installers to wind turbine technicians, the demand for skilled workers in the renewable energy industry is on the rise. 

While there are challenges that need to be addressed, such as the need for investment in infrastructure and the need for skilled workers, there are also many opportunities in the renewable energy job market. The sector is growing rapidly, and there is a growing demand for skilled workers in a range of different areas. 

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the renewable energy sector, there are many education options available, as well as renewable energy certificates that can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed. 

Additionally, if you’re new to the renewable energy industry, view our current openings and look for entry-level renewable energy jobs. With good job prospects and the potential for career advancement, the renewable energy sector is an exciting and rewarding field to work in. 

 

For additional hiring advice on jobs in the renewable energy industry, follow HotFoot Recruiters on LinkedIn or book an intro session with HotFoot Recruiters. If you’re a candidate interested in any technician position in the industry, please call 480-633-3392 and ask to speak with a recruiter or apply today online!