The study presented at the World Economic Forum gathering in Davos, Switzerland, by ManpowerGroup and Cepsa, titled “Green molecules: Imminent revolution in the employment market in Europe,” projects the creation of 1.7 million new jobs and a €145 billion lift to European GDP by 2040 through renewable fuels, green hydrogen, and biofuels.
The report forecasts that Spain will see job growth linked to green hydrogen production over the next twenty years. Spain’s green molecules initiative is expected to generate more than 116,000 new jobs this decade and 181,000 by 2040, representing about 11 percent of total employment across the EU and the United Kingdom. In GDP terms, the sector could contribute an additional €15.6 billion by 2040, marking roughly a 1 percent GDP increase relative to 2022 levels.
Cepsa – Workforce Report – Shutterstock
Cepsa notes that the energy transition requires new skills across the board. The study highlights that Spain will see a significant skills shift with 55 percent of new positions in the energy transition by 2040. It also reports progress in gender parity within the green molecules sector, achieving a 37 percent representation of women. If trends continue, female participation could double male participation between 2030 and 2040, enabling women to hold 51 percent of new direct jobs created in renewable fuels by the late 2040s.
Climate change is described as one of humanity’s greatest challenges, and energy transformation is essential for a sustainable future. As a leader in green molecule production, Cepsa aims to decarbonize transportation and heavy industry by expanding green hydrogen and biofuel capabilities. Alliances and inclusivity are emphasized as critical during this transition. The collaboration with ManpowerGroup is portrayed as a vital step toward building localized opportunities, leveraging data-driven knowledge to shape training programs, identify required profiles, and guide workforce planning and skill development initiatives. The message is clear: together, professionals can be prepared for emerging green roles, ensuring inclusive access and empowerment across thousands of workers.
As the impacts of climate change become more evident worldwide, coordinated action grows more urgent. European nations are accelerating a shift toward renewable energy and striving for net zero emissions. This decarbonization drive is portrayed as the next major shift in employment dynamics, with leadership from ManpowerGroup and its partners highlighting the vast potential for both businesses and millions of professionals. The future of work is green, and concerted effort is needed to secure the planet and its inhabitants.
Cepsa – Workforce Report – Shutterstock
Demand for technical professionals is increasing
Only 20 occupations are responsible for about eight in ten new jobs in the renewable fuel sector. These roles are primarily mid-level and senior technical positions. By 2040, demand will rise for scientists and engineers at mid and senior levels, electricians, administrators and sales leaders, mining and construction workers, IT specialists, metallurgists, and machine operators. Individuals seeking these opportunities should pursue training in one or more of the skills tied to these occupations. At the same time, it is important to reallocate workers from less in-demand roles into high-demand fields.
By 2040, about 88 percent of new jobs created by green hydrogen and biofuels will appear outside the energy sector—in services, industry, or construction—demonstrating a broad impact across the entire value chain. The report calls for upskilling and reskilling to ensure around 60 percent of European professionals gain critical green skills. Countries such as Italy, Germany, and Spain face the largest skills gaps, which need to be addressed through vocational training, workforce mapping, and strong public-private collaboration.
In Europe, Cepsa and its partners are pursuing the development of major green molecule centers, including two 1 GW green hydrogen plants in Spain and the Andalusian Green Hydrogen Valley. The plans also include a green ammonia facility with substantial annual output, a green methanol facility, and a renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel facility, collectively aiming to generate thousands of jobs through direct, indirect, and induced effects.
To access the full report, refer to the original study by ManpowerGroup and Cepsa (citation provided by attribution to ManpowerGroup and Cepsa, 2024).
About ManpowerGroup
ManpowerGroup is a leading provider of talent and technology solutions. It helps organizations adapt to the evolving employment market by selecting, assessing, developing, and managing the workforce needed to achieve business goals. Utilizing the latest tools, it crafts strategies for hundreds of thousands of companies each year, ensuring access to qualified professionals while supporting sustainable employment for millions. With brands including Manpower, Experis, and Talent Solutions, the group operates in more than 75 countries and has a history spanning over seven decades. Its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and responsible business practices is widely recognized by numerous organizations.
More information is available in publicly available corporate materials attributed to ManpowerGroup and its regional operations (citation by attribution, 2024).