With the right skills and knowledge on renewable energy, Filipinos can provide the needed workforce to build and operate RE installations worldwide, according to Danish Ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin. In an effort to accelerate the training, re- and upskilling of workers for the renewable energy industry, Denmark is promoting the JOBS4RE initiative, which aims to expand the labor pool.
Ambassador Mellbin emphasized that JOBS4RE is a global program, not limited to just the Philippines or Denmark. He explained, “There is a huge need for people to actually make the green transition happen all around the world.” This initiative recognizes the growing demand for skilled workers in the renewable energy sector and aims to bridge the gap by providing the necessary education and training.
The ambassador highlighted the significant number of job opportunities that need to be filled in the renewable energy industry. For instance, the offshore wind sector alone is projected to require an additional 700,000 workers by 2027. When considering the solar industry and other areas such as land-based wind farms, transmission, and distribution, the demand for new entries into the workforce reaches millions of people.
RE presents new career opportunities for overseas Filipino workers, and efforts are being made to identify the skills gap in the Philippines. Ambassador Mellbin expressed his belief that this decade could be a turning point for the country, stating, “I believe this would be the decade of the Philippines. You have a young population, a demographic labor pool. Let’s see the Philippines effectively double its economy in the next 10 years. This is your chance to grow.” He further emphasized the need for supportive policies to achieve this goal and highlighted the diverse range of renewable energy sources available in the country, including biomass, wind, solar, and waste-to-energy.
The potential for Filipinos to contribute to the global renewable energy workforce is immense. By equipping individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge, the Philippines can seize the opportunity to become a key player in the renewable energy sector. The JOBS4RE initiative serves as a catalyst for the country’s economic growth, offering a pathway to a trillion-dollar economy.
International collaboration and exchange of expertise are crucial in addressing the global challenges of climate change and transitioning to a sustainable future. The Philippines, with its vibrant labor force and abundant renewable energy resources, stands at the forefront of this transition. By harnessing the potential of its workforce and investing in renewable energy education and training, the country can contribute significantly to the global green transition while reaping the economic benefits of a thriving renewable energy industry.
Source: The Manila Times
