Today, the beneficial impact of green energy on the global economy can be clearly felt. This sector significantly contributes to the creation of new jobs, reduced dependence on fossil fuels and the accelerated development and introduction of innovation. Renewable energy development programs help attract investment into the economy and reduce the cost of energy production. Accordingly, green energy is not only a path to a prosperous future, but also an opportunity to achieve economic growth through innovation and new technologies. 

Global experience shows that the transition to green energy is leading to significant changes in the labor market. As a result of the development of an innovative economy, the importance of jobs associated with the extraction and processing of fossil fuels is declining, and demand for professions, related to the development and operation of renewable energy sources, is growing. The report “Renewable Energy and Jobs: Annual Review 2024”, developed by IRENA in collaboration with the International Labor Organization (ILO), shows that an increasing number of countries are creating jobs in the renewable energy sector. According to the data, a large number of engineers are currently being employed at solar and wind power plants, performing equipment maintenance and repair. The green energy sector also employs over 16.2 million professionals worldwide, of which 7.1 million work in solar energy, 2.8 million in liquid biofuel production, 2.3 million at hydroelectric power plants, 1.5 million at wind power plants, over 0.3 million in biogas production and almost 0.2 million in geothermal energy. 

The report notes that the majority of jobs in the green energy sector are created in densely populated countries such as China, India, the United States, the European Union, Brazil, Japan and Vietnam.   

It is worth noting that solar energy is the most dynamically developing area of ​​green energy development. According to the “Renewable Energy 2025: Global Status Report” developed by REN21, a subdivision of a major global public-private partnership, established to support the rapid transition to renewable energy in the 21st century, solar power plants with a total capacity of 741 gigawatts will be installed worldwide in 2024. This represents 81% of all new installations in the green energy sector for the year. Solar power is followed by wind power at 16%, hydroelectric power at 2% and other sources. The overall growth rate of renewable energy sources worldwide in 2024 was 18%. 

It is also planned to more than double the volume of electricity generation from renewable energy sources worldwide by 2030, from the current 4,770 gigawatts to 11,000 gigawatts. By this time, the share of electricity generated by solar energy is expected to be around 6,000 gigawatts, and that of wind power – 3,000 gigawatts. Electricity consumption for socioeconomic purposes is growing every year. According to the International Energy Agency’s World Energy Balance 2025, which provides an overview of electricity production and consumption worldwide, in 2024, electricity consumption worldwide reached a very high level, increasing by 2.2% compared to 2023. The main reasons for this are the needs of economically developing countries, global warming, the creation of large data centers for artificial intelligence and other technologies and the growth of electricity consumption in industry and transport. According to data for 2022, 34% of global energy consumption is accounted for by industry, 31% by buildings and structures, 31% by transport, and 2.5% by agriculture. 

One of the main advantages of renewable energy sources is the gradual reduction in the costs of energy production and consumption. As technology improves, the efficiency of solar panels and wind turbines increases, and their prices decrease. This, in turn, reduces the cost of electricity generation.

According to IRENA’s 2023 analysis, the cost of green energy has been steadily declining since 2010. The cost of fossil fuel energy production has increased with every passing year over the same period. Compared to 2010, the cost of electricity in 2023 has decreased by 90% for photovoltaic panels installed on buildings and structures, by 70% for onshore wind farms, by 63% for offshore wind farms and by 70% for solar energy collection systems. 81% of newly installed green technologies in 2023, with a total capacity of 473 gigawatts, produce electricity cheaper than fossil fuels. Lower electricity prices for consumers create favorable conditions for economic and business development. 

It should be noted that the initial introduction and development of renewable energy sources requires time, resources and significant investment to modify the existing infrastructure. However, the creation of new jobs, reduced energy costs, environmental friendliness, safety for human health and, most importantly, the inexhaustibility of renewable resources ultimately demonstrate the economic benefits of green energy.

Developing countries have the opportunity to implement the latest achievements of global experience accumulated over many years and the most modern green solutions in the transition to green energy. In this regard, Turkmenistan has set specific goals and objectives and is implementing large-scale projects. Our country, endowed with extensive natural resource resources, is currently taking confident steps toward transitioning to green energy by diversifying its energy sources. 

The abundance of sunny days a year and the potential for using wind, hydro, and geothermal energy in certain regions create broad preconditions for the development of this sector. Great importance in this area is also attached to cooperation with specialized international organizations and financial institutions. The implementation of modern green solutions in the city of Arkadag, the construction of a 10-megawatt multifunctional solar and wind power plant in the Gyzylarbat etrap of the Balkan velayat and the use of energy-saving and renewable energy technologies at newly constructed and commissioned industrial and social facilities are striking examples of this. 

Under the leadership of our esteemed President, initiatives such as increasing green space, preserving natural diversity, developing a circular economy, harnessing the potential of renewable energy sources, reducing methane emissions and enhancing citizens’ environmental awareness – all of which are priorities of state policy – promote a brighter present and future and the preservation of the richness of our picturesque nature and a healthy environment for future generations.

Ahmet GELDIYEV,
Editor at the department of the Watan Newspaper