A study by the European Commission (EmployRES) suggests that if the EU target of 20% penetration of renewable energy was reached it would create 2.8 million jobs in Europe.

Reaching the target for renewable energy by 2020 will not only create about 2.8 million but grow GDP by 1.1%. The Commissioner for Energy Andris Piebalgs said: "This is proof that the benefits of renewable energy at the level of supply security and the fight against climate change can go hand in hand with economic benefits."

In 2005, the renewable energy sector employed 1.4 million people and generated 58 billion Euros. The importance of the sector varies considerably from one Member State to another. The areas of biomass and hydro and wind technologies are currently the largest source of jobs.

In the future, a much higher number of people should find employment in the renewable energy sector, especially in Member States which joined the EU in 2004 and 2007.

The study emphasizes the need for stronger policy if one wants to derive maximum economic benefits of renewable energy. The use of more innovative technologies such as photovoltaics, wind offshore, solar thermal electricity and second generation biofuels, requires more money in the short term, but these technologies are essential if the EU wants achieve the 2020 target because they enable it to maintain its current competitive position in the global market, creating jobs and increasing GDP in the medium term.

For more details, please consult : study EmployRES.