Record year for renewables, but the pace needs to quicken...

The renewable energy industry reached a major milestone in 2024.

According to a new report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), global renewable capacity additions hit 582 gigawatts (GW), the highest annual increase on record.

This figure reflects the growing commitment from governments and businesses worldwide to transition away from fossil fuels and invest in sustainable energy solutions. But while the achievement is significant, IRENA’s findings also come with a clear message: to meet 2030 climate goals, the pace of development must accelerate even further.

Momentum is there, but is it enough?

The global energy transition has been gaining momentum over the last decade, driven by rapid cost reductions in solar, wind, and battery storage technologies.IRENA’s report highlights that solar power accounted for nearly three-quarters of new capacity, with wind energy also experiencing record deployment in multiple regions.

Yet despite these impressive figures, global renewable energy deployment must more than double each year between now and 2030 to align with the Paris Agreement and keep temperature rise below 1.5°C.

That means scaling faster, building smarter, and most importantly, ensuring the right talent is in place to deliver.

What does it mean for workers?

At Samuel Knight Energy, we’re already seeing this shift reflected across our client network.

Our partners are expanding teams and accelerating hiring across multiple disciplines, including:

• Project Management – to lead large-scale solar, wind, and hydrogen developments.Grid and Transmission Specialists – to manage the growing complexity of connecting renewable assets to national grids.
• Energy Storage Engineers – to design and deploy the systems that stabilise renewable power generation.
• Health & Safety Professionals – ensuring safe, compliant operations in increasingly high-paced environments.
• Commercial and Supply Chain Experts – supporting large-scale procurement, contracting, and logistics for new projects.

In short, as renewable capacity increases, so does the need for specialist expertise at every level of the value chain.

The next few years will be defining for the global energy transition.

Every new solar farm, wind project, and storage installation represents not just progress toward net-zero, but also an opportunity for professionals to play a key role in shaping a sustainable future.

Whether you’re an experienced engineer, project manager, or someone looking to transition into the renewable sector, there has never been a better time to make that move.

Explore opportunities with Samuel Knight Energy

At Samuel Knight Energy, we partner with leading renewable energy companies around the world to connect them with the skilled professionals they need to drive change.

We offer:

• Access to exclusive global opportunities across renewable energy and data centers

• A consultative approach tailored to your experience and career aspirations
• Long term partnerships built on trust and industry expertise

If you’re ready to explore your next opportunity in renewables, visit our job search page, or reach out to one of our specialist consultants to discuss how your skills fit into the growing clean energy landscape.