Germany's green employment doubles but lack of staff threatens growth

A study released on Thursday showed that the number of German jobs related to energy transition has increased by more than two-thirds since 2019. However, the shortage of skilled workers is threatening a sector which has so far managed to resist the recession in the country.

Berlin's drive for solar and wind energy expansion has helped the sector. It is helping Berlin meet its climate goals, and it compensates for a decline in Russian fossil fuels imports.

According to a study by the German Economic Institute for the Bertelsmann Foundation, the number of job opportunities related to energy transition increased to 372,500 in 2018 from 173,000 the previous year.

The study revealed that as Europe's largest economy entered its third year in recession, cutting jobs in steel, automotive and chemicals, the share of energy transition in the job market increased to almost 4% by 2024, from just 1.5% in 2019.

The number of solar energy job advertisements increased from 41,500 to 102,000 by 2024.

The study revealed that the industry has been struggling with a lack of qualified workers. Employers have had to hire candidates without the traditional education and experience, as only half of the positions were filled.

(source: Reuters)