Indicator: Employment in the renewable energy sector | Umweltbundesamt

At a glance

• In 2023, approximately 276,000 people worked in the renewable energy sector.
• This represents an increase of approximately 2.3 % between 2010 and 2023.
• The field of intelligent energy systems and grids registered the highest proportionate increase in employment.

Environmental importance

The use of renewable energies – such as wind, solar, geothermal, hydropower and biomass – is an indispensable contribution to climate protection and resource conservation. Expanding renewable energies not only benefits climate protection and the labour market. It represents an essential contribution to the security of energy supply and reduces dependency on energy imports.

The indicator shows the development of the number of people employed in the renewable energy sector in Germany. Overall, it clearly shows that many people in Germany work in the field of renewable energies and contribute to the energy transition. In addition to the traditional fields associated with renewable energies (solar energy, wind energy, bioenergy, hydropower, geothermal energy), the indicator also records employment related to storage technologies, smart energy systems and grids, and the industry’s electrification. Especially intelligent energy systems and grids have seen a rapid increase in employment since 2010. This highlights the relevance of digitalisation for the energy transition.

Assessing the development

Between 2010 and 2023, the number of jobs in the renewable energy sector increased by approximately 2.3 %. In 2023, the sector employed around 276,000 people.

This trend, however, was subject to fluctuations rather than following a pattern of continuous increase. The decline in the 2010s was initially caused by the slump in domestic production in the solar industry and photovoltaics. Most of it migrated to other countries – in particular to China. In the wind energy sector, the decline in employment was mainly driven by significant losses in foreign trade and a dramatic drop in the number of newly installed wind turbines in Germany. However, employment in the renewable energy sector has been starting to rise again since the end of the 2010s.

Methodology

This indicator was calculated as part of the 2025 GreenTech Atlas and is based on data provided by the Federal Statistical Office. The activities relevant to its calculation were identified using the German Classification of Economic Activities (Federal Statistical Office) and further analysed within the employment statistics provided by the Federal Employment Agency. Only directly employed persons are included (supply-side calculation). Other studies, such as studies commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (O'Sullivan et al. 2019, Ulrich and Edler 2025, in German only), take a demand-side approach. These studies record both direct and indirect employment effects. Despite the differences in methods and partial results, the various studies agree on fundamental trends and core statements.

More detailed information: „Beschäftigung und Umweltschutz" (in German only).