Syed Munir Khasru

The View | How reskilling Asia’s workforce can secure a more sustainable future

As Asia looks to the future, the continued growth of green jobs in the energy transition will be a cornerstone for building a more prosperous, resilient and sustainable regional economy which outpaces the progress seen in developed countries

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Cars recharge at an electric vehicle charging station in Hanoi on April 8. Asia must develop a skilled labour force capable of supporting its energy transition. Photo: EPA-EFE

Syed Munir Khasru

Published: 3:30pm, 12 Apr 2024Updated: 5:51pm, 12 Apr 2024

As the world increasingly embraces renewable energy sources and sustainable practices, a new and dynamic sector has emerged: green jobs. These positions span a diverse array of industries from solar power to sustainable forestry. They are not only vital for addressing the pressing challenges of climate change but are also a driving force in the transformation of the global labour pool.

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency and International Labour Organization, Asia dominated the global renewable energy employment landscape in 2021, accounting for two-thirds of the jobs while the United States represented 21 per cent and Europe 12 per cent. China in particular had 42 per cent of the global total of renewable energy jobs, underscoring the region’s leadership in this rapidly growing sector.

This impressive figure is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years, with employment in renewable energy projected to exceed 38 million by 2030. The solar photovoltaic industry employs about 4.9 million people, while wind power accounts for 1.4 million jobs. Other key green job sectors in the region include hydropower, biofuels and the emerging decentralised renewable energy market.

The sheer scale of this workforce transformation underscores the critical importance of developing a skilled labour force capable of supporting Asia’s energy transition. As the demand for renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable practices continues to rise, employers are seeking workers with specialised technical skills and a deep understanding of environmental stewardship and sustainability.

China, a global leader in renewable energy, invested a staggering US$546 billion in clean energy in 2022, far surpassing the US. This commitment has not only created vast job opportunities across the sector but has also driven the upskilling of individuals, empowering them with the necessary expertise for the transition towards sustainable energy solutions.

In India, the government signed a memorandum of understanding with Germany to establish nationwide vocational training programmes on renewable energy, e-mobility, energy efficiency and more.