Fresh research from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) suggests that the size of the renewable energy industry has grown, with 14% growth taking the number of people employed in the sector to 6.5 million in 2013.

Underlining the growing importance of renewable energy in relation to the global economy, the report, Renewable Energy and Jobs – Annual Review 2014, showed steady growth in the sector. With an additional 800,000 jobs created between 2012 and 2013, bumping the number of people employed within the industry from 5.7 to 6.5 million.

Adnan Z. Amin, Irena director-general, said: “With 6.5 million people directly or indirectly employed in renewable energy, the sector is proving that it is no longer a niche – it has become a significant employer worldwide.

“The insights into shifts along segments of the value-chain revealed in the reports are crucial to developing policy that strengthens job growth in this important sector of the economy.”

It’s believed that much of the growth comes as a result of technological advancements and a growing emphasis on renewable energy in countries like China and India.

Engineering company Hardy Services welcomed the findings but added that more needs to be done to boost the UK industry.

A representative for Hardy Services said: “The rise in jobs is great to see as it reflects changing attitudes towards cleaner, smarter energy, particularly in countries such as China, Japan, India and Brazil. However, there’s a lot more that could be done to boost jobs in the UK.

“Recent government statistics tell us that the number of people employed in the renewable energy sector has gone backwards in the UK – that’s something that needs to be looked at.

“Thankfully there are some key projects coming up, most notably a number of large offshore wind farm projects, that are expected to create 8,500 jobs and bring in £12 billion in private sector investment.”

Hardy Services is a Lancashire-based engineering company specialising in electrical, mechanical, utilities and civil. They’ve worked with a number of clients, including United Utilities, YorkshireWater and KIER, and they can help you with all of your green engineering needs.

“As an engineering company we have a crucial role to play in promoting, implementing and taking forward cleaner energies. We’ve helped many businesses, organisations and homes to become greener, and we could help you too.”

For more information about Hardy Services, including the multitude of professional services that they offer, visit www.hardyservices.co.uk.

For quotes contact Paul Hardy on: 0844 209 4565 or info@hardyservices.co.uk