Solar energy
In 2024The renewable energy sector has consolidated its strategic role in the global and national economy. Data released by International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) this Sunday (11), they show that the world market reached 16,6 million direct and indirect jobs, maintaining a consistent growth trajectory. In this context, Bioenergy and solar They stand out as the main drivers of green jobs in Brazil, which totaled 1,3 million job openings in the segment.
Brazil is among the global leaders in job creation in the renewable energy sector.Brazil occupies the third position in the world ranking, behind only China and the European Union. Brazil’s performance reflects the strength of its clean and diversified energy matrix, with emphasis on liquid biofuels, photovoltaic solar energy, and hydroelectric power, according to [source needed]. Irena.
The most recent report of the Irena confirms that the expansion of renewable energies continues to drive the creation of green jobs Worldwide, growth in 2024 was supported by the accelerated advancement of technologies such as solar photovoltaics, bioenergy, hydroelectric power, and wind energy, as well as the strengthening of associated industrial and service chains.
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China, BrazilIndia, the United States, and the European Union account for the majority of jobs Globally, these markets stand out not only for their volume of installed capacity, but also for their significant presence in equipment manufacturing, project installation, and technical activities such as engineering, operation, and maintenance.
China leads with 7,29 million jobsdriven by a robust industrial policy and dominance in the manufacture of solar panels, turbines and components. The country alone accounts for more than 4,2 million jobs in photovoltaic solar power, approximately 60% of the world’s total for this technology.
In the national context, the report of Irena shows a more balanced and diverse profile. In 2024, the Brazil added up to approximately 1,3 million jobs in renewable energy, with a strong presence of Bioenergy and solarin addition to hydroelectric and wind power.
According to the agency, the country employed:
This profile positions Brazil as the second largest employer in the world in biofuels.Brazil is second only to China, and is among the top five global markets for solar and hydroelectric power. Bioenergy and solarTogether, they support the majority of jobs of the Brazilian renewable energy sector.
Solar photovoltaic energy was one of the main drivers of growth in green jobs on 2024. O Brazil installed 15,2 GW of new capacity, a historic record, with almost two-thirds of that volume concentrated in distributed generation.
According to IrenaApproximately half of the new installations occurred in the residential segment, considered the most labor-intensive. As a result, the country achieved 323,8 thousand direct and indirect jobs in solar photovoltaics, compared to 265,7 in 2023. Direct jobs totaled 120,3 thousand jobs.
Despite the significant growthThe national production chain still depends heavily on imports. In 2024, the Brazil imported the equivalent of 22,3 GW in solar modulesVolume is 25% higher than the previous record. To stimulate the local industry, the government began applying a 25% tariff on imported modules.
Currently, the country has 153 photovoltaic kit manufacturersHowever, only seven companies produce modules, in addition to seven inverter manufacturers and 18 tracker manufacturers. Domestic production of components such as metal structures, solar glass, and junction boxes plays a significant role in generating… Industrial green jobs.
Even with the rapid advancement of solar and wind power, the bioenergy remains the largest employer among renewable energy sources in BrazilAccording to IrenaThis leadership reflects the historical relevance of ethanol and biodiesel in the national energy matrix and the regional economy.
Bioenergy and solar They form the structural basis of renewable employment in Brazil, combining agricultural, industrial, logistics and service activities. This model expands the socioeconomic impact., especially in regions outside major urban centers, promoting the decentralization of development and stability in the labor market.
Brazilian biodiesel production reached 9,7 billion liters in 2024This represents significant growth compared to the 7,6 billion liters recorded in 2023, according to the Brazilian Association of Vegetable Oil Industries (Abiove). The South and Central-West regions each account for approximately… 40% of national production, also defining the geography of jobs in the sector.
Brazilian biodiesel production is largely dependent on soybeans, which account for approximately 75% of the raw material. Data from Cepea and Abiove indicate that the soybean supply chain employed… 2,28 million people in 2023Since only 3% to 4% of production is destined for biodiesel, the jobs directly linked to the fuel are proportionally smaller.
Nevertheless, the Irena it is estimated that jobs associated with biodiesel have been between Between 258 and 384 jobs in 2024.depending on the methodology adopted. The number is considered conservative., given the strong expansion in production observed during the period.
O Brazil remains the world’s second-largest producer of bioethanol, maintaining a robust base of green jobs, although undergoing transformation. According to Unica, the sugar-energy sector employed 751,4 thousand people in 2024The number is lower than the historical peak of almost 1,3 million in 2008, but has remained stable in recent years.
About half of these positions can be classified as jobs directly linked to biofuels, reflecting the portion of sugarcane destined for ethanol production. The highest concentration of jobs It is in agriculture, with 63%, followed by industry, with 23%.
While sugarcane ethanol remains concentrated in the Center-South region, the growth of corn ethanol has boosted jobs in Mato Grosso, reinforcing the industry’s decentralization and expanding its regional reach. bioenergy.
In wind energy, the Brazil added 3,8 GW of new capacity in 2024…below the 4,9 GW recorded in 2023. As a consequence, jobs have declined to… 62,3 thousand, according to data from Irena.
The reduction is associated with lower activity in construction and equipment manufacturing. However, jobs in operation and maintenance continue to grow, ensuring stability in the medium term. Bahia and Rio Grande do Norte concentrate about two-thirds of the installed capacity, maintaining the Northeast as the main regional hub for this energy source.
The data of Irena confirm that Bioenergy and solar are fundamental pillars of Green jobs in Brazil. With 1,3 million job openingsThe country is consolidating its position as a global leader in the integration of energy transition, economic development, and social inclusion.
The combination of natural resources, industrial expertise, and public policies. This puts Brazil in a strategic position to expand its leadership in the renewable energy sector. By strengthening local production chains and investing in professional training, Bioenergy and solar They continue to be engines of sustainable growth, income generation, and energy security in the country.
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