Renewable Energy and Job Creation: An Automation Risk Assessment

  • Focus Area Productivity and Economic Diversification Productivity and Economic Diversification
  • Type Commentary
  • Date 20 September 2023
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Abstract

The necessity of a green transition from traditional energy sources to renewable alternatives has brought with it optimism regarding the employment benefits of this change. Announcements of major renewable energy projects include forecasts of thousands of associated direct, indirect and induced jobs. International organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) have work streams dedicated to using “green jobs” as a means through which to transform the world of work. The International Renewable Energy Association (IRENA) has been tracking employment in renewable energy for over a decade, noting year-on-year increases, even during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Literature on the topic indicates that renewable energy sources produce more jobs both per gigawatt of energy produced and per dollar invested in the project when compared to traditional energy sources.

Authors

Cian Mulligan

Cian Mulligan

Senior Research Associate Cian contributes to the KAPSARC initiative on Productivity and Economic Diversification in Saudi Arabia. His current work focuses on economic… Cian contributes to the KAPSARC initiative on Productivity and Economic Diversification in Saudi Arabia. His current work focuses on economic diversification in Saudi Arabia, labor dynamics in GCC countries, gender employment gaps in the GCC, and policy recommendations for Saudi Vision 2030 goals. Before joining the center, he worked as an energy analyst in Vienna. Most recently, he served as the editor of Intereconomics Review of European Economic Policy in Hamburg, where he worked with academics all over the world to publish and promote diverse research topics for a policy-oriented readership.

Expertise

  • Labor Economics
  • Demography
  • Policy analysis.

Publications See all Cian Mulligan’s publications

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