Six million extra jobs.

For a future focussed, energy sector recruitment business, that paints a bright future.

But then “an energy transition of exceptional scope, depth and speed”, “an ambitious set of policy measures” and “aggressive efficiency measures” really gets our interest piqued.

The IEA and IRENA have recently published a report Perspectives for the Energy Transition: Investment Needs for a Low-Carbon Energy System commissioned by the German government for their G20 presidency this year. It really makes for exciting reading.

Their analysis shows that the “energy transition can fuel economic growth and create new employment opportunities”. In fact, they claim that global GDP will be increased by around 0.8% in 2050. That amounts to USD $1.6 trillion. And the cumulative gain between now and 2050 will amount to USD $19 trillion.

These extra six million jobs created in the energy and energy efficiency sectors in 2050 will be net job creation. Jobs lost in the fossil fuel industry would be fully offset by new jobs created in renewables and energy efficiency activities. And then of course that overall GDP improvement will create further job growth in other sectors.

I may not be around to see what happens in 2050, but in the meantime, I know the team at Freshwater Group are motivated by the renewable energy recruitment challenges ahead, helping the energy sector transform and helping people find great careers.

What the IEA and IRENA set out is truly exciting and challenging in equal measure. Is it ambition or hopeless optimism? Given Woodside Petroleum’s recent shift in identifying and sharing with investors the financial risks from climate change, I am inclined to think it is both; but just not hopeless.

Freshwater Group is a renewable energy recruitment business that focuses on all renewable and low carbon emission, energy efficiency and disruptive clean technology businesses as well as energy infrastructure, storage and management.

Great People Better Outcomes www.freshwater-group.com.au
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