Renewable Energy and Employment Relationship

The Link Between Renewable Energy and Employment Strengthens with RE-You Project

Encouraging the use of energy obtained from renewable sources in the energy sector, which is seen as one of the most important chapters in Türkiye’s accession to the European Union, is one of the areas that Türkiye has been intensively working on for the last 10 years. In the 2019-2023 Strategic Plan prepared and implemented by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MENR), the first target set with the slogan “More Local, More Renewable”; The aim is to increase the ratio of electricity installed capacity based on domestic and renewable energy sources to the total installed power from 59% to 65%.

Do We Recognize The Potential of Renewable Energy? 

As an overall observation at the national level, as emphasized in the strategy and action plans of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, it is required to invest in renewable energy to reduce Türkiye’s dependence on foreign energy. When we look at the level of knowledge and public opinion in society from a communication perspective, it is seen that renewable energy sources are associated with savings. Unfortunately, the level of awareness on the types of renewable energy sources, their environmental effects, the profitability of clean energy sources in terms of investment, their contribution to social and economic growth is insufficient. In this context, first, we need to raise awareness in the society about renewable energy.

Attractive Power of South Marmara Region

The most prominent region in Türkiye, which is the leader in Europe in terms of renewable energy at the regional level, is the TR22 South Marmara Region. This region, which has a competitive advantage and even superiority with renewable energy sources, is becoming a center of attraction day by day. In this context, the aim is that South Marmara becomes a leading brand in renewable energy sector at the national and international level. The studies to be carried out in the TR22 region will contribute to issues such as qualified workforce and quality social life, sustainable environment and livable areas, strong economy, and the rise of competitive sectors. When we consider the region in terms of social awareness and public opinion, only a few people can identify the region by studies carried out in renewable energy. Within this framework, communication studies are needed to be carried out to show the social and economic effects of investments on renewable energy for the TR22 region besides awareness raising efforts on the national level.

The Search of the Renewable Energy Sector Ends

If we touch on the relationship between the renewable energy sector and employment, which is another issue, there is unemployment in our country, especially among the youth. The renewable energy sector is a relatively new investment area compared to other sectors. Therefore, there is a wide employment opportunity in the sector. At the same time, it is a sector that has the necessary infrastructure for vocational education. However, the relationship between vocational education and employment in the renewable energy field is quite weak. Unfortunately, people with vocational training cannot provide the qualifications required by the market. RE-You Project aims to provide extremely valuable outputs in terms of strengthening the weak link between vocational training and employment, and subsequently increasing employment opportunities.

What Has Been Done So Far?

Studies carried out in similar projects such as the “Youth Energy Meets with Wind Energy Project (GEREB)” that was carried out in the past, and academic studies in this field accelerated the strengthening of employment relations with the renewable energy sector. In this context, great importance is attached to the employment relationship of renewable energy in communication studies, academic studies in this field and the promotion of continuing education centers.