Page 14 - AfrElec Week 42 2021

AfrElec NEWS IN BRIEF AfrElec

JOBS China commanded a 39% share of wage, workplaces are safe, and rights at work
renewable energy jobs worldwide in 2020, are respected. A just transition requires a
Renewable energy jobs followed by Brazil, India, the United States, workforce that is diverse – with equal chances
for women and men, and with career paths
and members of the European Union. Many
reach 12mn globally other countries are also creating jobs in open to youth, minorities, and marginalised
groups. International Labour Standards and
renewables. Among them are Viet Nam and
Report by IRENA and ILO underscores the Malaysia, key solar PV exporters; Indonesia collective bargaining arrangements are crucial
jobs potential of an ambitious climate strategy and Colombia, with large agricultural supply in this context.
and calls for comprehensive policies in chains for biofuels; and Mexico and the Fulfilling the renewable energy jobs
support of a just transition Russian Federation, where wind power is potential will depend on ambitious policies to
Renewable energy employment worldwide growing. In Sub-Saharan Africa, solar jobs are drive the energy transition in coming decades.
reached 12mn last year, up from 11.5mn expanding in diverse countries like Nigeria, In addition to deployment, enabling, and
in 2019, according to the eighth edition of Togo, and South Africa. integrating policies for the sector itself, there
Renewable Energy and Jobs: Annual Review “Renewable energy’s ability to create jobs is a need to overcome structural barriers in
2021. and meet climate goals is beyond doubt. the wider economy and minimise potential
The report was released by the With COP26 in front of us, governments misalignments between job losses and gains
International Renewable Energy Agency must raise their ambition to reach net zero,” during the transition.
(IRENA) in collaboration with the says Francesco La Camera, IRENA Director- Indeed, IRENA and ILO’s work finds
International Labour Organization (ILO) at a General. “The only path forward is to increase that more jobs will be gained by the
high-level opening of IRENA’s Collaborative investments in a just and inclusive transition, energy transition than lost. An ILO global
Framework on Just and Inclusive Transitions, reaping the full socioeconomic benefits along sustainability scenario to 2030 estimates that
co-facilitated by the United States and South the way.” the 24-25mn new jobs will far surpass losses
Africa. “The potential for renewable energy to of between six and 7mn jobs. Some 5mn of
The report confirms that COVID-19 generate decent work is a clear indication the workers who lose their jobs will be able
caused delays and supply chain disruptions, that we do not have to choose between to find new jobs in the same occupation in
with impacts on jobs varying by country and environmental sustainability on the one hand, another industry. IRENA’s World Energy
end use, and among segments of the value and employment creation on the other. The Transition Outlook forecasts that the
chain. While solar and wind jobs continued two can go hand-in-hand,” said ILO Director- renewable energy sector could employ 43mn
leading global employment growth in the General, Guy Ryder. by 2050.
renewable energy sector, accounting for a total Recognising that women suffered more The disruption to cross-border supplies
of 4mn and 1.25mn jobs respectively, liquid from the pandemic because they tend caused by COVID-19 restrictions has
biofuels employment decreased as demand for to work in sectors more vulnerable to highlighted the important role of domestic
transport fuels fell. Off-grid solar lighting sales economic shocks, the report highlights the value chains. Strengthening them will facilitate
suffered, but companies were able to limit job importance of a just transition and decent local job creation and income generation,
losses. jobs for all, ensuring that jobs pay a living by leveraging existing and new economic
activities. IRENA’s work on leveraging local
supply chains offers insights into the types
of jobs needed to support the transition
by technology, segment of the value chain,
educational and occupational requirements.
This will require industrial policies to form
viable supply chains; education and training
strategies to create a skilled workforce;
active labour market measures to provide
adequate employment services; retraining and
recertification together with social protection
to assist workers and communities dependent
on fossil fuels; and public investment
strategies to support regional economic
development and diversification.
IRENA

ESKOM
Eskom takes legal action

over Nersa tariff row

Eskom has filed an urgent application in the
Gauteng High Court to prevent a situation
where it will be unable to generate any

P14 www. NEWSBASE .com Week 42 21•October•2021