By: Irma Pienaar - Chief Operations Officer at Mulilo

South Africa’s renewable energy industry is rapidly emerging as a key driver of economic growth and job creation, offering a wide range of future-focused career opportunities. Research forecasts between 85 000 and 275 000 new green jobs by 2030, particularly in energy and power production. Solar energy alone is expected to generate around 140 000 roles across technical, commercial and operational disciplines.[SK1]  

According to Irma Pienaar, Chief Operations Officer at Mulilo, the renewable energy sector is so diverse, that unless it is a very specialised field of study, there is a place for everyone. “Engineering disciplines – including mechanical, electrical, civil and chemical – are in high demand. Finance professionals, legal experts, project managers and quantity surveying specialists are also highly sought after roles.”

Skills in these areas are essential to ensure renewable energy projects are technically sound, financially viable and delivered on time. Engineers design and optimise energy systems, finance professionals manage budgets and investment, legal teams navigate complex contracts and project managers co-ordinate complex timelines and stakeholder engagements.

“The great thing about these career paths is they can be applied anywhere in the project lifecycle,” Pienaar adds. “This flexibility allows young professionals to find roles that align with their interests and strengths.”

Education and training pathways

For many roles in the sector, a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree or a BSc in Engineering is typically preferred. However, diplomas in relevant fields, coupled with practical experience, can also open many doors. Recognising the importance of hands-on training, renewable energy companies – including Mulilo – are expanding graduate and vocational programmes to support youth as they enter the industry and bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application.

Mulilo’s social impact initiatives include the Danish Vocational Programme (DVP), a flagship skills-development programme launched in 2025 and now entering its second phase with a new intake. The anchor funders of the programme include the Mulilo Community Trusts, namely, the Mulilo Prieska Solar Community Trust, the Mulilo De Aar Solar Community Trust and the Mulilo Wind Community Trust. The program is also delivered in partnership with Mulilo’s majority investor, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), and the Danish government. It enables students from local communities to access specialised vocational training abroad, equipping them with critical technical skills in the sector. In addition, Mulilo runs a two-year graduate programme and will launch an internship programme in 2026.

What SA’s youth can bring to the sector

When asked what sets South African youth apart, Pienaar offers a nuanced view. “Each generation brings its own benefit,” she says. “We notice that the generation coming through is a ‘lazy generation’, which sounds negative, but is actually really positive and welcomed. What we mean is that they are challenging conventional methods of doing things and finding much shorter, innovative ways to achieve the same result.”

She says this ability to think differently, combined with technical or commercial qualifications, will help youth drive innovation across the renewable energy value chain.

South Africa’s renewable energy sector is still young, but its growth trajectory is strong, as the country works towards cleaner, more reliable energy sources. Beyond energy generation, these projects unlock unique opportunities for remote and under-served communities.

“A typical renewable energy plant has an operating lifespan of about 20 – 30 years, which means that it is also a 20 – 30-year investment in the local communities where they are built,” concludes Pienaar. “This unlocks opportunities like bursaries, job creation, vocational training, internship opportunities, support for local businesses and socio-economic development programmes.” 

For young South Africans considering their career paths, the renewable energy sector therefore offers not only exciting employment prospects, but the chance to build sustainable careers that contribute meaningfully to both economic growth and community upliftment.