A new report published by the International Labor Organization, ILO, and the International Renewable Energy Agency, Irena, points out that the renewable energy sector will employ 12.7 million professionals globally by 2021.

According to the report the figure represents an increase of 700,000 new jobs in one year. Solar energy was identified as the fastest growing industry. Last year it generated 4.3 million jobs, more than a third of the current global renewable energy workforce.

The study which is cited by the UN News agency, states that concerns such as climate change and job recovery, has led a growing number of countries to create jobs in the renewable energy sector. Almost two-thirds of these jobs are in Asia.

"China alone accounts for 42% of the global total, followed by the European Union and Brazil, with 10% each, and the United States and India with 7% each," the ILO study states.

The report highlights certain notable regional and national developments, such as in Southeast Asian countries that are becoming important manufacturing centers for solar photovoltaic power, which uses solar radiation, and biofuel producers.

China is the prominent manufacturer and installer of solar panels and is creating a growing number of jobs in the offshore wind sector. India has added more than 10 Gigawatts of solar photovoltaic power, generating jobs related to its installation, but remains dependent on imported panels, the agency said based on the study's data.

Europe now accounts for approximately 40% of industrial wind production worldwide and is the most important exporter of equipment in the sector, while trying to rebuild its solar manufacturing industry.

Africa's role is still limited, but the report highlights that there are growing employment opportunities in the decentralized renewable energy sector, especially, to support trade, agriculture and other local economic activities.