The renewable or clean energy sector has seen significant growth in recent years. It is because burning fossil fuels to produce electricity is increasingly contributing to climate change. Approximately 75% of greenhouse gas and 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions globally are due to burning fossil fuels.
This has increased the need for clean energy production. It refers to electricity generation through more sustainable sources, such as wind or solar power, leading to little or no greenhouse gas emissions and environmental effects. Some clean energy sources include hydropower, solar, wind, and more. Using them can reduce carbon emissions by at least $4.2 trillion yearly by 2030, which is why they are gaining popularity.
Let’s examine the current trends, problems, and future goals and predictions for the clean energy sector.
Current Trends in Clean Energy
Currently, renewable energy accounts for 20% of electricity production in the US. Wind power produces the most energy (9.2%), followed by hydropower (6.3%), solar (2.8%), biomass (1.3%), and geothermal (0.4%). It is expected to increase to 30% by 2024.
Another popular trend in the clean energy sector is the use of electric vehicles. Many automobile manufacturers are also producing electric vehicles (EVs). They are not only cost-effective but are also good for the environment.
Due to the increasing demand for EVs, sales doubled in 2021 and reached 6.6 million units. Moreover, the global market value of EVs is expected to reach 26 million units by 2030. This growth is driven by the high cost of gas, reduced battery costs, and government subsidies and incentives to encourage the adoption of EVs.
The increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally-friendly energy has also increased the demand for labor in the clean energy sector. Renewable energy recruiters are looking for talent to fill the job positions in the industry.
There are 12.7 million jobs in the renewable energy industry as of 2021, compared to 7.3 million in 2012. It shows there will be a steady increase in the demand for workers in the coming years. Therefore, environmental recruitment agencies and executive search firms must find suitable candidates to fulfill this demand.
Challenges in the Clean Energy Sector
With growth comes challenges too. From the limited availability of renewable energy sources to the high investment in clean technologies, let’s talk about some challenges for the clean energy sector.
Limited Availability of Renewable Energy Sources
The availability of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, is dependent on weather conditions. It makes it difficult for companies to provide a stable supply of electricity.
High Investment
Setting up solar panels, wind turbines, and other energy grids can be costly. The cost of electricity from clean energy sources has fallen significantly in recent years. However, the implementation cost of the system can still be more expensive than fossil fuels. It makes it difficult for clean energy to compete with fossil fuels in some markets.
Labor Shortage
The renewable energy department requires skilled and professional employees to develop innovative solutions. The clean energy industry will need an additional 1.3 million employees to meet sustainability goals and projected capacities of 2030. It includes project managers, engineers, project developers, and more.
However, the labor shortage in the industry is increasing due to a lack of people with relevant skills and experience. Moreover, most workers switching to different industries.
Energy Storage
Producing energy is a challenge, and storing it for a stable supply is another. Other than investing in green energy technologies, companies also require additional capital to invest in developing energy storage technologies.
Future Goals and Predictions for the Clean Energy Sector
The goal is to achieve net zero global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. It is expected to be done by increasing the use of renewable energy sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. However, it will require significant investments in renewable energy technologies and infrastructure.
However, the industry also plans to improve energy storage technologies. They are critical for ensuring a stable supply of electricity. Therefore, as the industry increases clean energy production, it will also need the resources to store and efficiently supply that energy. Improved energy storage technologies will enable the integration of renewable energy into the grid and provide a more reliable supply of electricity.
The future looks promising for the clean energy sector. According to the IEA, the production of renewable energy will increase as much in the next 5 years as it did in the last 20 years. It will also be the fastest-growing source of electricity generation in the next five years and is expected to produce more electricity than coal. It will lead to the creation of more jobs, a lower cost of electricity, and an economic boost.
The industry is looking for the best talent to achieve these goals and overcome the challenges, and our energy industry recruiters can help provide it.
We Find Talent That’s Off the Grid
Whitham Group is one of the leading environmental recruitment agencies that help renewable energy companies find skilled, specialized, and experienced candidates for multiple job positions. Our energy industry recruiters follow a comprehensive search and recruitment process to find the best talent in the industry for your company.
With 12 years of experience in the clean energy sector, our renewable energy recruiters can give your company a hiring advantage and help you reach all your production and development goals by supplying the best talent.
If your company is having difficulty in finding suitable candidates to fill job positions in the clean energy market, book a consultation and get immediate help. Contact us now!