The Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz, BMWK) noted that employment in the field of energy transition is increasing significantly. In 2022, the level of employment in renewable energies reached 387,700 people. Compared to the previous year, employment in 2022 increased by 14.9 % or 50,400 additional employees. This means that 2022 recorded the highest employment level since 2012 and the largest annual increase since 2006.

According to Federal Minister of Economics and Climate Protection Robert Habeck, "With the energy transition, the federal government has not only set the course for a fundamental restructuring of our energy supply. The expansion of renewable energies also secures jobs in Germany and creates new ones. The energy transition makes a decisive contribution to Germany's prosperity and competitiveness."

Differences by technology

There was a strong employment increase of 22,800 people in solar energy (84,100 employees in 2022; 22 % of total renewable energy employment). This particularly affected photovoltaics , but employment also increased significantly in solar thermal .

Employment figures in the onshore wind energy sector (94,100 employees; 24 % share) fell. Here there were around 9,000 fewer employees than in the previous year. In contrast, employment in offshore wind energy (30,100 employees; 8 % share ) increased by more than 6,400 people.

In ambient heat/geothermal (55,000 employees; 14 % share), employment increased by 20,100 people due to the expansion of heat pumps .

In the biomass sector (117,900 employees; 30 % share), employment has been stable for some time. In 2022, employment increased by about 9,900 people. 

The main areas of activity remain stable

According to the BMWK, the main driver of employment demand continues to be investment in new renewable energy systems and components . In 2022, 238,000 people were employed in these activities. That is almost two-thirds of total renewable energy employment. Compared with the previous year, this area increased by more than 23 % . In addition to the expansion in Germany, the expansion of renewable energies abroad and thus the demand for imports from Germany is also relevant.

Employment in system operation and maintenance in all technologies was around 85,200 people in 2022. This is almost 3 % more than in the previous year. In contrast to the more volatile employment through investment activities, this field of activity offers a stable employment base that will grow slowly but steadily. Ultimately, (biogenic) fuel supply provides employment for about 65,500 people.