Renewable energies: a growing sector with 250.000 direct jobs in France by 2024

In France, renewable energies confirm their economic weight with nearly 428.000 jobs in total in 2024 including indirect jobs, according to a reference study carried out by the Utopies consultancies for the Renewable Energy Syndicate (SER).

These jobs, calculated in Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs), correspond to "all production, installation, maintenance, and subcontracting activities related to the development of renewable energies in the region." The study, based on 2024, the last year for which consolidated data is available, identifies precisely 248.785 direct jobs and 178.947 indirect jobs.

"This analysis confirms the major impact of renewable energy sectors on employment in France," emphasizes the SER, highlighting "a diffuse geographical distribution of jobs across the entire metropolitan territory, reflecting the local roots of renewable energy sectors." This territorial dynamic is notably reflected in the strong presence of photovoltaics in the south of France, while onshore wind power is more concentrated in the Hauts-de-France region.

Specifically, direct jobs are primarily distributed among aerothermal energy (heat pumps, 72.021), domestic wood heating (48.675), solar energy (44.392), hydroelectric power (21.113), onshore wind power (16.849), and offshore wind power (7.878). The study also highlights that "nearly 40% of direct and indirect jobs are considered non-relocatable, as they are strongly linked to the territories where the infrastructure is located."

The economic fabric relies heavily on small businesses, with micro-enterprises and SMEs accounting for 47% of direct employment. The sectors most involved are construction and public works, at the forefront of building infrastructure, as well as specialized, scientific and technical services, not forgetting retail.

Beyond direct and indirect jobs, the study also includes "induced" jobs, linked to household consumption (food, housing, services, etc.) and local public spending, such as school services. These are estimated at 207.378 for the former and 140.398 for the latter, bringing the total to 775.507 local full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs. This figure underscores the key role of renewable energies in the economic attractiveness and development of regions in France.

Finally, a previous analysis by the SER, conducted with Colombus Consulting, indicated that renewable energies generated more than 2,1 billion euros in local tax revenue in 2024, benefiting mainly municipalities and inter-municipalities.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.