Today at IOREC, a global coalition announced the launch of #PoweringJobs, a campaign aimed at creating the skilled, inclusive, diverse and equitable energy access workforce that will be needed to fill millions of new jobs and deliver universal energy access by 2030, aka Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7).

Despite growing demand for rooftop solar, mini-grids and productive use appliances across Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America, there is also a growing shortage of job-ready talent to finance, develop, install, operate, market and manage distributed renewable solutions for homes and businesses. #PoweringJobs will focus on closing that gap, ensuring skills and training are at the center — not the sideline — of international and national development policies. A much higher level of donor, government and private sector commitment is needed to realize those jobs, and accelerate electrification rates.

It is estimated by IRENA that off-grid renewables for energy access can create at least 4.5 million jobs by 2030, but little hard data exists on the sector's full potential and impact. #PoweringJobs will conduct the first comprehensive survey on energy access jobs, with findings launched in the first quarter of 2019, timed with a global focus next year on SDG8 -- Decent Work. The survey will be conducted annually, eventually providing a global picture of energy access jobs (direct, indirect and induced). 

The #PoweringJobs coalition is made up of leading multilateral organizations, educational and training institutions, large and small companies, civil society groups and others. For a list of partners, visit the #PoweringJobs webpage.

For more information, please email poweringjobs@powerforall.org or click the link below.