Global Renewable Energy Drive: how youths can access the low hanging fruits

The global shift toward renewable energy is not just a technological transition but a profound socio-economic transformation. Central to this movement are the youth, whose active participation is crucial for achieving sustainable energy goals. By identifying and seizing accessible opportunities—often referred to as “low-hanging fruits”—young people can play a pivotal role in accelerating the renewable energy drive.

Current Landscape of Renewable Energy

As of recent United Nations reports, renewable energy sources have experienced significant growth. However, despite substantial investments, hydrocarbons still dominate primary energy consumption, contributing significantly to rising greenhouse gas emissions. Solar and wind power account for only a small fraction of energy production and do not lower electricity prices due to their intermittent nature, requiring backup from traditional power sources. –reuters.com

However, The global renewable energy landscape is experiencing significant growth and transformation as of March 2025. Investment in energy and natural resources is projected to exceed $1.5 trillion, marking a 6% real-term increase over the previous year. –World Economic Forum

Key Trends:

1. Solar and Wind Expansion: The electricity sector remains the brightest spot for renewables, with strong growth in solar photovoltaics and wind energy in recent years. –iea.org
2. China’s Renewable Initiatives: China has announced plans to initiate significant renewable energy projects, including new offshore wind farms and the development of “new energy bases” in desert regions, as part of its strategy to combat climate change. –reuters.com
3. US Solar Market Challenges: The US solar industry faces challenges amid policy uncertainties and financial concerns, leading to a decline in shares of companies like Sunnova and Sunrun. –Financial Times
4. Green Hydrogen Sector Struggles: High production costs and infrastructure issues have led companies like Fortescue to dissolve partnerships in the green hydrogen market, highlighting broader sector challenges. –theaustralian.com.au
5. Coal Energy Policies in China: Despite renewable initiatives, China plans to boost coal production and reinforce its role as a baseline power source, aiming to balance energy supply and pricing mechanisms. –reuters.com

Investment Focus:

BloombergNEF’s 2025 report indicates that electrified transport, renewable energy, and power grids are the largest investment sectors, with electrified transport at $757 billion, renewable energy at $728 billion, and power grids at $390 billion. –BBHub. While renewable energy continues to grow rapidly, challenges such as policy shifts, financial constraints, and balancing fossil fuel dependencies persist. Ongoing investments and strategic initiatives are crucial to advancing the global transition to sustainable energy sources.

Accessible Opportunities for Youth in Renewable Energy Space

1. Entrepreneurship and Innovation: The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has launched the NewGen Renewable Energy Accelerator (NewGen), aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs in developing innovative renewable energy solutions. This initiative provides capacity building, mentorship, and resources to youth-led projects, enabling them to contribute effectively to the global energy transition. –irena.org
2. Education and Skill Development: Investing in education tailored to renewable energy is vital. Programs like the Renewable Energy Technology Training Institute (RETTI) in Nigeria offer courses on solar photovoltaic system design, renewable energy management, and more. Such training equips youth with the necessary skills to enter and excel in the renewable energy sector. –rmi.org
3. Policy Advocacy and Community Engagement: Youth can engage in policy advocacy to promote renewable energy adoption. By participating in local and national discussions, young people can influence policies that support sustainable energy initiatives. Additionally, community engagement through workshops and awareness campaigns can drive grassroots support for renewable energy projects.
4. Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training: Apprenticeships provide practical experience in the renewable energy sector. For instance, Siemens Energy offers programs where apprentices gain hands-on experience as high-voltage cable technicians and offshore wind technicians. Such opportunities are crucial for developing a skilled workforce essential for achieving net-zero goals. –theguardian.com

Challenges and the Path Forward

Despite the promising avenues, challenges persist. A significant skills gap threatens to impede the energy transition, with the demand for skilled workers outpacing supply. For example, the UK’s offshore wind industry needs to attract 10,000 new workers annually, many with STEM skills. Addressing this requires collaborative efforts between governments, industries, and educational institutions to develop targeted training programs and make the workforce more inclusive. –reuters.com Furthermore, while global commitments to renewable energy are increasing, progress is not uniform across all regions. Continuous efforts are needed to align national policies with global sustainability goals. –The Verge

The renewable energy sector presents numerous accessible opportunities for youth to contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future. Through entrepreneurship, education, policy advocacy, and practical training, young people can harness these low-hanging fruits to drive the global renewable energy agenda forward. Addressing existing challenges, particularly the skills gap, requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders to ensure that the youth are well-equipped to lead in this transformative era.