In the renewable energy sector still remains a significant gender gap in access and consumption, as well as in the workforce. Women are underrepresented in the energy sector compared to the global labour force (48%). The numbers are slightly higher in the renewable industry (32%) compared to the conventional energy sector (28%). Most women work in office-related corporate functions such as human resources, finance, and customer service. The numbers in higher positions that could influence decision-making remain especially low. Also, the number of women in technical careers is still very low.

On Tuesday, 20.09. 2022, a virtual GFSE event "Young Women and Green Skills" took place. The event was introduced by GFSE President and former Ambassador MMag. Dr. Irene Giner-Reichl. She sketched a first picture and the contents of the event and emphasized that increasing the involvement of young women in the clean energy sector is very important to advance the energy transition quickly. Women are still highly underrepresented in the energy sector.

Europe needs to reduce consumption of Russian natural gas by diversifying its suppliers, reducing gas consumption and switching to other energy carriers, including renewable energy. This policy brief presents an overview of current developments in the natural gas and the renewable hydrogen sectors in Africa. It provides some suggestions for possible cooperation between the European Union and the African continent on LNG and green hydrogen markets.

Regarding energy in North Africa, all countries have two things in common: growing demand for power and a high potential for renewables, especially wind and solar. While having seemingly similar prospects and needs, their paths and motivations for investing in renewables vary.

Tunisia has significant potential for renewable energy, particularly wind and solar power. However, the country is still heavily dependent on fossil gas for electricity generation and is currently facing an energy crisis. The Tunisian Solar Plan foresees a share of renewable electricity of 35% and an installed capacity of 4GW by 2030.

The GIZ in cooperation with the Tunisian Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy (MIME) has launched the project “Green hydrogen for sustainable growth and a low-carbon economy in Tunisia” (H2Vert.TUN) in June 2022. The project aims at supporting the Tunisian Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy (MIME), which coordinates the development of renewable hydrogen and PtX in Tunisia, with the development of a hydrogen market.

Morocco has a large potential for renewable energy and has made some progress with the development of renewable electricity. In 2021, Morocco had installed 3,522 MW of renewable electricity capacity. This accounted for about 32% of the total installed capacity in the country.

Egypt has a significant potential for renewable energy. The Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy has set the target to generate 42% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2035. Egypt has also plans to develop electricity interconnectors with several African countries. In 2021, the renewable electricity installed capacity was about 6,226 MW, which amounted to about 10.55% of the total installed capacity (approx. 59 GW).

The Global Guidance document provides an overview of Education on Green Jobs. It contains connections to many resources and includes key actions for educators preparing students to participate in the just transition to a green and more inclusive economy. It is targeted at the higher education community, educators, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), governments, employers, and youth organizations. The document's purpose is to support strategic planning and collaborative efforts with higher education and each other.