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Green Economy Offers Path for Older Workers
A study published on Friday 30 October 2026 by SAVIA, a project led by the Endesa Foundation in collaboration with the Máshumano Foundation, identifies the green economy as a major opportunity for professionals over 50 in Catalonia. According to OECD data cited in the report, green employment accounts for more than 20% of total jobs in Catalonia, with renewable energy and sustainable mobility sectors offering significant potential for career transitions among older workers. The report, titled Activating Experience: Senior Employment and Entrepreneurship Opportunities in the Green Economy, draws on Spain’s National Institute of Statistics (INE) data from the third quarter of 2026. It reveals that 767,000 people over 50 are unemployed across Spain, representing 30% of the total unemployed population. In Catalonia, green jobs make up 20.1% of employment, ranking second nationally after Madrid, where the figure stands at 22.1%.
Willingness to Retrain, But Barriers Remain
Despite high unemployment, the study finds strong motivation among older workers to re-enter the labour market through green sectors. Over 90% of surveyed professionals over 50 said they would work in ecological transition roles and were willing to undergo training to do so. However, only 3% of those surveyed have received specific training for green jobs, highlighting a significant gap in access to reskilling opportunities. Carlos Mur, Head of Green Employment and Entrepreneurship at the Endesa Foundation, stated:
The ecological transition must also be an opportunity for senior talent. The transformation of productive sectors requires new skills but also experience, knowledge, and adaptability.
The report notes that renewable energy projects, particularly photovoltaic and wind installations, and sustainable mobility initiatives in Barcelona are key growth areas where experienced workers could contribute.
Job Forecasts and Regional Differences
Spain’s National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) forecasts the creation of up to 560,000 green jobs by 2030. Madrid leads in green job concentration, followed by Catalonia, Cantabria, the Basque Country, and Galicia, all hovering around 20%. In Madrid, opportunities lie in building energy rehabilitation and waste management, while in Galicia, sustainable aquaculture is a growing field. Despite this potential, the report identifies ageism as a major barrier, with 71% of senior respondents perceiving age discrimination in hiring processes. The full report is available via the Endesa Foundation’s official portal at endesa.com.
Sources: Europa Press, endesa.com, cronicaeconomica.com, ine.es.
