Renewable energy employment and progress toward a just transition in the US and EU
Renewable energy employment and progress toward a just transition in the US and EU

Summary/Abstract: The rapid growth of renewable energy, driven by technological innovation and energy security concerns, is reshaping global electricity generation. This supports climate change mitigation and has significant implications for employment in the power sector. This study examines employment impacts of renewable deployment scenarios in the US and EU, which pursue ambitious policies such as the Inflation Reduction Act and the EU Green Deal. In the first scenario (Continued Trends), regional disparities persist, with leaders advancing and laggards falling behind. The second (Low Carbon Translation) involves leaders in one low-carbon technology extending their expertise to others (e.g., wind to solar), thereby capturing employment gains. In the third (Proportional Benefit), benefits are distributed proportionally to total regional generation. Analysis reveals disparities: while renewables create net job growth, fossil-dependent or lagging regions may benefit little without targeted interventions. Proportional strategies offer equitable outcomes but may raise system costs. The sharp variation in job distribution highlights the need for a just transition that equitably shares economic and social benefits. Achieving this requires harmonized policies across scales, as well as attention to distributive, procedural, and restorative justice. US and EU efforts provide models, but progress must be measured beyond carbon reductions. Prioritizing equity and inclusivity can maximize global and local benefits, ensuring sustainability and resilience.

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