A lot of thought goes into picking a job, especially in a fast-growing industry like clean energy. Everyone’s talking about sustainability these days, and it makes sense because more and more people want to look after the planet and ensure that it survives for future generations.
That’s why it’s a great idea to search for a job in clean energy. Whether you’re young and just finishing university or an industry veteran with plenty of credentials, you’re sure to find a great long-term job that will be both fulfilling and full of opportunities in the clean energy field.
But before you start looking around, knowing exactly what you’re getting into is a good idea. So in this post, we will look at 4 clean energy facts that everyone should know before considering applying for a job.
1. The clean energy industry is growing fast
If you’ve ever felt like you were too late for a trend, you should start gearing up to join the clean energy industry. But how would you be convinced?
Many people see numbers like “x% growth in the clean energy industry” but can’t think about that in practical terms. They don’t have much of a foundation on which to base those numbers, so it doesn’t do a great job convincing people.
So what about this: in 2020, 1 in 25 cars sold was electric. In 2023, this is now 1 in 5.
That’s five times more electric cars sold worldwide in just three years. That’s an incredible amount of growth representing just one section of the market–the automotive industry.
So here’s what this tells us:
- The demand for clean energy solutions is growing rapidly.
- Clean energy solutions affect us in more ways than you might think.
- Many industries are adopting clean energy solutions.
If you need some more stats to help out, then take a look at this:
- A new record of over 500 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity is set to be added in 2023 alone.
- More than 1 billion USD is being spent per day on solar deployment, reflecting the incredible speed and scale at which solar modules and batteries are being developed.
So it goes without saying that the clean energy industry is growing in more ways than you might think, and the impact it’s having is far greater than what most people would even be able to properly imagine or think about. There’s an incredible amount of growth in the clean energy sector, and it’s only going to get better.
But instead of waiting for the right opportunity or hoping for a big break, it’s time to start applying for jobs in the sector to pave your own future. These positions and opportunities won’t last forever–so act now if you want to secure yourself a job in the future of clean energy.
2. The world is on track to see fossil fuels peak before 2030
Energy is something that we’ll always need as human beings. Whether it’s keeping the lights on at home or warming us through winter, energy is the foundation of our current civilization.
However, most people understand that most of our power generation comes from sources that aren’t practical to renew.
It’s estimated that our legacy of fossil fuel use may just peak before 2030. This means that we’ll reach the highest usage of fossil fuels ever in our history as a species in the next few years. That’s a huge fact. The idea that renewable energy will soon outpace fossil fuels in demand marks a massive shift in our energy production.
This tells us that in the near future, fossil fuel-adjacent jobs may grow stagnant. The change won’t be immediate, and companies won’t fire everyone involved with fossil fuels overnight.
However, there’s no denying that clean energy jobs will begin replacing fossil fuel jobs in terms of numbers. This makes it even more important to enter the industry as soon as possible.
Clean energy production is just starting, while fossil fuel production has been ongoing for many years. This makes the clean energy sector a fresh and dynamic field to enter.
There are so many established companies and veterans in the industry that it can be a hard one to break into. On the other hand, clean energy production is an entirely different field that is still young in comparison.
If you want to start a brand new career path with countless growth and expansion opportunities, the clean energy world is waiting for you. The industry offers many exciting possibilities for those ready to dive in.
3. The world will have the capacity to manufacture 1,200 GW of solar panels power year by the end of the decade
Solar is likely to become one of the most explosive industries soon due to its practicality in producing renewable energy. By the end of the decade, experts estimate that manufacturers will have the capacity to produce 1,200 GW of solar panels annually.
But despite that, only around 500 GW is to be deployed each year.
This can be a worrying fact for some, as it means there will be a huge surge in solar production and related roles. Yet, it doesn’t necessarily indicate that there will be infinite growth.
Producing more solar panels than can be deployed creates issues, such as expanding and strengthening grids. It also raises challenges in adding power storage and integrating solar energy into existing electrical grids.
In addition, China currently concentrates manufacturing capacity. It’s already the largest producer of solar panels and its expansion plans will easily overtake other countries.
This shows that working in other countries or with companies connected to China and other overseas manufacturers can be advantageous. Solar and related sectors offer excellent job opportunities in such cases. However, it’s worth taking a look into other clean energy roles that go beyond just solar power.
Alternatively, you can also secure a role in solar energy now. This will position you at the forefront of its explosive growth in the coming years. Competition will be fierce in the coming years. Still, there will be a huge demand for solar specialists, engineers, and manufacturers over the next couple of decades.
4. Energy Storage is the Key to Unlocking the Full Potential of Clean Energy
One of the most important aspects of the clean energy sector that often goes overlooked is the importance of energy storage solutions.
Renewable energy sources like solar and wind only work when the conditions are right–they only generate electricity when the sun is shining or the wind is blowing strong enough. This creates a need for effective energy storage systems to ensure a consistent and reliable energy supply no matter the time of day or weather.
This challenge has led to major advancements in battery technology. Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, have become the gold standard for energy storage in both residential and industrial applications.
Global investment in energy storage is projected to grow to over $150 billion annually by 2030. This shows the sector’s role in enabling the clean energy transition. Companies across the globe are racing to develop next-generation batteries that are cheaper, more efficient, and less reliant on scarce materials like cobalt and lithium.
For job seekers, this means there will be a huge growing demand for energy storage solutions. Jobs will likely open in energy management systems and battery technology companies. Whether it’s engineering roles, research, or even sales, there will be many different roles opening up for people with experience and knowledge of clean energy.
It’s also worth remembering that energy storage bridges the gap between renewable energy production and its practical use. Jobs in this sector usually involve working closely with wind, solar, and other renewable energy systems. Understanding how these systems work will give you a competitive edge and help you secure better roles in prestigious companies.
And lastly, it’s worth remembering that energy storage is universal. It will open you up to job opportunities worldwide, both in emerging economies and established ones.
There will likely be a heavy investment in energy storage to expand renewable energy infrastructure. Securing one of these positions now will undoubtedly help grow your career in the future.
Ultimately, energy storage is the backbone of the clean energy revolution. It will play an increasingly critical role in the near future. So, positioning yourself as a key player in this dynamic area of the clean energy industry is worth considering.
