The number of jobs being created in the renewable energy sector is growing four times faster than the overall job market in the UK, it has emerged.
Data shows that 2.2% of all new jobs in the UK have been classified as ‘green’, although concerns are growing over London’s dominance in the sector.
The number of advertised green jobs nearly tripled in the past year, equivalent to 336,000 jobs, according to the second edition of consultancy PwC’s annual Green Jobs Barometer.
However, more than a third of these roles are based in London and the South East, particularly in professional and scientific roles.
Scotland, which dominates the UK onshore and offshore wind market, has the highest proportion of green jobs, at 3.3%, up from 1.7% last year.
In England, where a the moratorium on new onshore wind projects in England is coming to an end, London has seen the second highest increase in green jobs as a proportion of its labor market. PwC said that in terms of employment volume, London and the South East were “driving away from the rest of the country”.
In Wales, where progress is being made in the development solar and tidal powerthere was a 150% increase in the number of advertised green jobs, with strong demand for green roles in manufacturing, construction and professional services.
Yorkshire and the Humber, along with Northern Ireland, fell in the rankings, each with a green jobs share of 1.9% – although both improved from 1.2% in the last year.
Across all regions of the UK, green jobs accounted for a larger share of the labor market than in previous years, and the number of green jobs more than doubled in the year to June 2022.
Carl Sizer, Head of Regions at PwC UK, said: “While Wales and Scotland are among the top performers, it is striking that one in five new green roles are based in the capital.
“If growth continues on this trajectory, the cumulative effect means that the green economy will increase London’s dominance over other cities and regions. If we are to achieve our net zero ambitions while driving growth, the green economy must be national.
Industry leaders have expressed concerns that while the case for renewables has been underscored by high prices and energy security concerns since the invasion of Ukraine, developers face significant hurdles in getting their projects off the ground.
The government has been criticized for not moving fast enough on green energy and helping to create jobs in the sector. Labor is committed to create thousands of jobs in renewable energy and throw a public energy company.
In May, the government said its new Green Jobs Delivery Group would aim to support the creation of “up to 480,000 skilled green jobs” by 2030. By then, ministers hope that 95% of electricity will be low-carbon and £100bn of private investment. can be unlocked.
Graham Stuart, Minister for Energy and Climate, said: “Today’s report shows how public and private investment in new renewable energy and the fight against climate change is creating growth and opportunities for development. employment across the country.
“These new green jobs are part of a growing industry that will be crucial to the future net zero economy, but we need to ensure that all regions of the country benefit as we continue to increase opportunity.”
Ed Miliband, the shadow climate change secretary, said: ‘This report is further proof that Britain’s best days can be ahead of us, if only we seize the huge opportunities for jobs and wealth that the transition will bring. green can bring.
“But in the way green jobs are being created, it is also a warning that the government is not taking the necessary steps to ensure that all regions benefit.
“The truth is we have a government that is failing to shape and accelerate the green transition, so we are creating good jobs in every corner of Britain.”