Record Solar Power Capacity Reached Globally in 2023

October 14, 2024

In 2023, the world added 347 gigawatts (GW) of solar energy, marking a 74% increase from the previous year. This rapid growth was driven by the falling costs of solar panels and supportive government policies, as noted in a report by IRENA and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Key Contributors

China played the biggest role in this solar energy boom, contributing 63% of the new capacity, which amounted to 216.9 GW. Other leading countries, like the United States, Germany, Brazil, India, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, and Australia, added a total of 83.4 GW. Europe alone increased its solar energy capacity by over 54 GW, while the US added about 25 GW.

Employment Growth

The surge in solar energy also led to a sharp rise in jobs. Global employment in the solar photovoltaic (PV) sector grew to 7.1 million jobs in 2023, up from 4.9 million in 2022. Most of these jobs were in China, which accounted for 4.6 million positions. Europe had around 757,500 solar jobs, mainly in the EU, while India employed 318,600 people in this sector. The United States and Brazil also saw significant job growth, with 280,000 and 264,000 solar jobs, respectively.

Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE)

Decentralized renewable energy (DRE) is vital for bringing clean energy to remote areas. In 2023, about 307,000 jobs were created in countries like India, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, and Ethiopia, thanks to DRE technologies. However, detailed data in this area is still somewhat limited.

Policy Recommendations

The report stresses the need for comprehensive policies to maintain this growth and ensure a fair energy transition. Public, private, and civil society organizations must work together to create environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable energy systems. The focus should not only be on new technology but also on creating good jobs and involving communities in the energy transition.

The solar energy sector saw remarkable growth in 2023, showing how crucial strong policies and community involvement are in building a sustainable energy future.

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