Green jobs could rise 85% in a decade

UK renewable energy and clean technology jobs could grow from 128,954 in 2017/18 to 238,000 by 2030 – an 85% increase – if the right policies are introduced, according to a report from the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA). The North of England would see 46,000 of these jobs.

REA said the government must implement effective policies in the short and long term, including a tax system that promotes renewable energy and clean technology, protects natural capital, and provides a route to market for renewable transport, power and heat technologies.

REA chief executive Dr Nina Skorupska CBE said: “We can see that there is political will; however, this needs to be backed up by policy for the renewable energy and clean technology sector. This report provides the government with that insight, and we are calling on them to deliver this urgently ahead of COP26.“

The REA's forecasts come after a disappointing year for industry job growth, which saw an increase of just 1.5% from 2017 figures amid solar PV subsidy cuts. It also follows the National Grid's announcement that the UK energy sector needs 400,000 new workers if it is to meet its target of net-zero emissions by 2050. This will provide employment opportunities across the whole country, particularly in the North of England.

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