SHANGHAI, May 4 – In an illustration of China’s commitment to green energy, a fisheries company on Changxing Island in Shanghai operates cold storage facilities alongside a vital energy storage power station, which helps manage electricity costs by utilizing stored energy during peak demand periods.

This dual operation exemplifies the evolving landscape of the workforce in China’s transition to green development.

Wu Xiaochun, serving as an energy storage power station maintenance administrator, is one of 19 newly recognized professions included in China’s official occupational list as of July 2024. Wu and his peers are often referred to as 'green-collar' workers, a term highlighting their role in fostering sustainable practices within the industry.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security has listed a total of 137 green professions, signaling a significant growth in low-carbon industries.

By the end of 2024, there will be over 3.4 million practitioners in the ecological and environmental protection sector across China, indicating a robust demand for individuals skilled in these areas.

Recent trends show that graduates from various universities are increasingly pursuing careers in green fields such as environmental engineering, renewable energy technology, and environmental policy analysis.

Yu Aitao from Shanghai Jiao Tong University's School of Environmental Science and Engineering notes that both personal interests and favorable governmental policies are attracting students to these professions.

Recent graduate Qin Jiawei, now a carbon capture technician at a power station on Changxing Island, is engaged in a notable 100,000-tonne carbon capture and storage project launched in 2023. This initiative aims to capture carbon dioxide emissions produced by the power plant for use by local marine equipment manufacturers.

Qin is part of a young workforce, averaging 25 years of age, dedicated to advancing this project.

The growing green economy has prompted many educational institutions to enhance their curricula to produce competent green professionals.

Xu Juan, vice dean at East China Normal University’s School of Ecological and Environmental Science, emphasizes that green talent is being trained with comprehensive interdisciplinary skills that integrate science, engineering, finance, and management.

At Tongji University’s College of Civil Engineering, professor Zhang Fengshou leads research into CO2 sequestration using basalt, illustrating the broader application of civil engineering beyond construction.

He advocates for developing expertise in low-carbon technologies among civil engineering students.

In light of this accelerated growth in green jobs, there is an identified need for improved occupational standards and certification systems.

Lei Ting from State Grid Shanghai Municipal Electric Power Company stresses that establishing new green professions is merely the beginning.

He highlights the importance of regulations by government and enterprises to ensure qualifications for these emerging roles, as well as to promote vocational training and enhance employment opportunities in this burgeoning sector.