Links between Renewable Energies and Employment in Senegal

In this study the link between renewable energies and employment in Senegal is analyzed. The Sustainable Livelihood Approach is used to understand the investigated situation in a holistic view. To successfully implement renewable energies in Senegal and to have a significant impact on the employment market, the governmental framework and the technical education has to improve, to match the needs of the labor market. Rural communities do not have all the assets to lift themselves out of poverty and disadvantages by the usage of renewable energy. Solar irrigation, off-grid systems and solar devices impact the level of education and the labor force in rural areas in Senegal. Moreover, access to a reliable energy source improves people’s livelihood in terms of health, education, income and employment. The resulting employment effect of adding 20 MW with the solar power plant Senergy 2 can be estimated with 28.686 created jobs (0,54 % of total employment). Upcoming power projects offer employment opportunities for graduates of the master study renewable energies. Furthermore, the demand of specialized engineers and technicians in the distribution and project planning sector will rise