Wind jobs predicted to double

Jobs in the wind energy sector are expected to double in Europe by 2020, according to the latest report by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA).

The largest increase in the sector was recorded in 2007, where wind energy overtook other renewable technologies in generating power in the EU. The growth has been matched by an increase in jobs, with the sector employing 154,000 people in 2007, 108,600 of which was through jobs related directly to the industry.

The report, entitled ‘Wind at Work’, predicts that this trend will continue and expects that the number of jobs in the wind energy sector will increase from 154,000 to 325,000 by 2020.

In terms of job profiles, turbine manufacturers account for around 37 per cent of all direct jobs. This was followed by component manufacturers and project developers.

Denmark, Germany and Spain were highlighted as the three leading countries in the sector. However, other countries such as the UK, France and Italy show signs of catching up.