Renewable Energy Companies to Watch in 2026

As renewable energy investment accelerates across the globe, many of the most exciting opportunities are emerging outside traditional markets. While the focus has centred around Europe, the US and China, countries such as Azerbaijan and Mozambique are attracting significant international investment into wind, solar and clean energy infrastructure, creating demand for engineering, construction and project professionals.

This blog will look at what’s driving the renewable surge and highlight some of the leading renewable energy companies that are helping to drive the energy transition through investment in emerging markets. They aren’t ranked in order of size, number of projects, investment or output but are listed from Orion’s own perspective and what we are seeing across the market in general.

We’ll also explore where these organisations are expanding, the projects they’re delivering, the renewable energy careers they’re creating, and how Orion, as a specialist recruitment partner, supports clients and professionals across the global renewable energy industry.

Leading Companies and Projects at a Glance

The renewable energy companies featured in this article are investing across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. Their activity spans solar, wind, bioenergy and wider low-carbon infrastructure.

Why Are Emerging Markets Driving Renewable Energy Growth?

Before looking at emerging energy markets, it’s important to focus on the global renewables market and understand how that is affecting growth in other geographic regions.

Led by solar PV, wind power and battery storage, global renewable energy projects are expanding at record speeds, with global capacity projected to jump nearly 4,600 GW between 2025 and 2030. This will more than double the deployment pace of the prior five years.

The latest data published in the Energy Institute’s Statistical Review of World Energy also shows that renewables made the largest contribution to growth in total energy supply worldwide in 2025.

Why Is Global Renewable Energy Investment Increasing?

• Global net-zero commitments: Many countries are committed to reducing their carbon output and reliance on traditional hydrocarbons and remain focused on carbon neutrality by 2050.
• Energy security: Recent activity in the Middle East has highlighted the reliance on oil and gas and how renewable resources can lessen that dependency.
• International investment: Energy companies are seeing the potential for renewables across the globe, including emerging markets.
• Government-backed renewable strategies: These initiatives are public programmes funded or managed by the state to support clean energy, such as the UK’s Great British Energy.
• Growing demand for engineering talent: With renewable projects on the rise and traditional energy production declining, the transition and upskilling of an experienced workforce are already underway. In emerging markets, this also creates opportunities for local workforces.

While many leading investors are headquartered in high-income countries, they are adding more and more new capacity in regions including Latin America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East because of resource quality and growing demand.

For example, in Sub-Saharan Africa, while it is in the early stages of its energy transition, with fossil fuels still playing a large role in the energy mix, approximately 250 projects totalling 140 GW are slated to come online by 2030, according to research from EICDataStream.

Similarly, the EIC predicts that the Middle East is on track to receive over $75 billion in investment for renewable energy projects by 2030.

The scale of this activity is creating new opportunities for companies, investors and professionals while changing where growth is emerging across the renewable energy industry.

Which Renewable Energy Companies Are Investing in Emerging Markets?

The following companies have been selected based on:

• Investment in emerging renewable energy markets
• Large-scale renewable energy projects
• International expansion
• Contribution to the energy transition
• Career opportunities for engineering professionals

Enel Green Power

Enel Green Power is widely cited as the world’s most active foreign investor in renewables, with more than 1,200 plants across 30 countries on four continents and the highest number of overseas projects in 2022. It has major portfolios in Latin America, including Chile and Brazil, Africa and other emerging markets.

Project of note: Ngonye Solar Plant
Stage: Operational

The 34 MW Ngonye solar photovoltaic plant is the company’s first power plant in Zambia. It was the first site in Sub-Saharan Africa to use tracking technology to track the movement of the sun throughout the day.

BP

BP is among the largest investors in renewable projects globally, allocating a growing share of capital expenditure to renewables and low-carbon power, typically in the 3–5% range of total investments and rising over time. BP participates in major solar and wind developments in Africa, Asia and Latin America and is part of a $500 million joint commitment to energy-access projects in Sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia.

Project of note: BP Bioenergy
Stage: Operational

Located in Brazil, it operates 11 sugarcane ethanol and biopower plants across five states, with a production capacity near 50,000 barrels a day of ethanol equivalent. It also generates roughly 1,400 GWh of electricity annually from leftover sugarcane bagasse and includes a biogas facility under construction in Goiás state designed to produce 70,000 m³ of biomethane daily.

Eni

Eni, like its peers, invests in solar and wind developments in Africa and other emerging regions and is cited among the largest investors in renewables globally. 

Many of its new energy ventures are integrated with wider decarbonisation and gas-to-power strategies in emerging-market and developing economies.

Project of note: Bir Rebaa North
Stage: Operational

The Bir Rebaa North photovoltaic park supplies renewable energy to the field’s production facilities, with two plants and a third under construction.

Ørsted

Ørsted is a leading global renewable energy company, but unlike Enel or Iberdrola, its growth is more concentrated across a mix of mature markets, including Europe and the US, and a few key emerging Asian markets such as Taiwan and South Korea. By 2024, it had around 18.2 GW of renewable capacity installed across Europe, the Americas and APAC, with offshore wind as its core business.

Project of note: Greater Changhua 1 Offshore Wind Farm
Stage: Operational

The wind farm is a 605.2 MW project located 35 to 60 kilometres off the coast of Changhua County in Taiwan and co-owned by Ørsted and a Canadian-led consortium.

Equinor

Equinor is another oil and gas major turning into a significant renewable investor, focusing on offshore wind, solar and hybrid projects. It co-funds energy-access initiatives for emerging markets, including Latin America, with other majors. Its strategy includes growth in selected emerging-market regions, particularly for offshore wind and solar where resource conditions are strong.

Project of note: Esquina do Vento Onshore Wind Complex
Stage: Early construction

The Esquina do Vento Onshore Wind Complex consists of 230 MW of capacity using 51 Vestas turbines. Acquired ready to build in March 2026 through subsidiary Rio Energy, commercial operations are targeted for 2028, when the development is expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 520,000 households.

TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies is repeatedly identified alongside Shell, BP, Eni and Equinor as one of the largest investors in renewable energy projects worldwide, with 3–5% of total investments going into renewables. It is active in solar and wind across Africa and Asia, often through joint ventures and utility-scale projects in emerging economies.

Project of note: Masdar Partnership
Stage: Regulatory approval

A $2.2 billion 50/50 joint venture merging onshore renewable activities across emerging and expanding Asian markets, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, the Philippines and Indonesia. It encompasses 3 GW of operational assets and 6 GW in advanced development.

Goldwind and Chinese Clean Energy Investment

Chinese renewable energy companies are rapidly increasing their overseas investment, particularly across Belt and Road partner countries in Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Goldwind has delivered wind projects across 38 countries, while other major Chinese companies investing internationally include Universal Energy, CGN and LONGi. Examples include Universal Energy’s solar developments in Kazakhstan, CGN’s overseas renewable portfolio and LONGi’s manufacturing and project presence across international markets.

Project of note: Gulf of Suez II Wind Farm
Stage: Operational

The 650 MW Gulf of Suez II Wind Farm in Egypt is powered by 104 wind turbines and achieved full grid connection in mid-2025. Goldwind supplied turbines across both phases of the development, including 20 7.5 MW turbines for its expansion.

Location Spotlight: Azerbaijan’s Renewable Energy Boom

Long known for its “black gold” and hydrocarbon wealth, Azerbaijan is repositioning itself as a regional green energy hub.

Backed by government commitment and international financing, the country is scaling up solar and wind projects, expanding transmission infrastructure and integrating renewables into its national grid. Renewables already account for around one-fifth of installed capacity, with the country targeting approximately 30% by 2030.

Azerbaijan’s established oil and gas workforce also provides a strong base of transferable engineering and project expertise as renewable energy recruitment increases.

One of the country’s long-standing operators, and an established Orion client, is BP. Alongside its oil and gas operations, the company is supporting several clean energy initiatives:

• Shafag Solar Power Plant: A 240 MW solar park in the Jabrayil district, valued at approximately $200 million. Managed through Lightsource bp, construction is expected to continue until mid-2027, with power feeding into the AzerEnerji network.
• Sangachal Terminal electrification: A linked decarbonisation project where renewable generation from Shafag will offset gas-turbine power at BP’s onshore Sangachal terminal, freeing up natural gas for export.
• Renewable Energy Laboratory: A partnership with the Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University supporting practical education and applied research in solar, wind and hydrogen power.

As investment continues, Azerbaijan is likely to create further renewable energy careers across engineering, construction, project delivery, commissioning and long-term operations.

Location Spotlight: Mozambique’s Renewable Energy Market

Mozambique is using its hydro, solar and wind resources to transform its power mix and expand electricity access through its national Energy Transition Strategy.

By 2030, the government plans to add at least 1,000 MW of solar PV, between 200 and 500 MW of onshore wind capacity and 3.5 GW of additional hydropower. These plans are being supported by competitive renewable auctions and significant international financing.

If successfully implemented, this expansion could support industrial growth, create renewable energy jobs across the power and infrastructure sectors, and strengthen Mozambique’s position as a regional green power exporter.

Projects contributing to the country’s development include:

• Mocuba Solar Power Plant: A 40 MW development in Zambezia Province. Operational since 2019, it powers approximately 175,000 households.
• Metoro Solar Plant: A development in Ancuabe, Cabo Delgado Province, with capacity of between 30 MW and 40 MW to support energy needs in northern Mozambique.
• Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric Plant: A 2,075 MW dam on the Zambezi River that supports domestic electricity generation and regional exports.
• Chicamba Floating Solar Project: A proposed 100 MW floating solar array on the existing Chicamba hydropower reservoir.

With further initiatives planned or under construction, including the Mphanda Nkuwa project and the Kuwait Fund Solar Project, renewable energy recruitment will be central to securing the specialist workforce needed to deliver Mozambique’s ambitions.

What Skills Are Renewable Energy Companies Looking For?

Renewable energy recruitment will provide the workforce required for current and future projects to succeed. Hiring teams will need to plan ahead and recruit wisely across all phases of the project lifecycle, whether they are delivering wind, solar, carbon capture, biomass or other clean energy projects.

Experienced clean energy recruiters must also understand how workforce requirements change as a project progresses from design and development through to construction, commissioning and operations.

Key roles that will be required include:

Core Leadership

• Project Manager
• HSE Manager
• Design Engineers, including electrical, PV and turbine-layout specialists
• Engineering Manager
• Contracts Manager
• Quality Manager

Design and Development

• Development Manager
• Environmental and Permitting Specialists
• Grid Connection or Power Systems Engineer
• Financial Analyst

Procurement and Pre-Construction

• Procurement Manager
• Construction Manager
• HSQE Lead
• Specialised contractors, including EPC, civil and electrical professionals

Construction

• Construction Manager or Site Manager
• Civil Engineers
• Electrical Engineers
• Mechanical Technicians
• Foremen
• Site Labour
• Trade skills, including welders, electricians and mechanics
• HSE Supervisors
• Site Administrators
• Document Controllers

Commissioning and Grid Handover

• Commissioning Manager
• Commissioning Engineers
• Completion Engineers
• QA/QC Inspector
• HSE Officer

Operations and Maintenance

• Asset Manager
• Operations Manager
• Operations Engineers
• Field Service Technicians
• Environmental and Compliance Officer
• Data Analyst
• Maintenance teams

These ongoing positions provide professionals with rewarding long-term renewable energy careers, including:

• International experience: Working in different and emerging locations.
• Career progression: Long-term prospects.
• Large-scale infrastructure programmes: Opportunities to work on some of the largest and most innovative renewable projects.
• Skills development: Opportunities to build knowledge across new technologies and different project phases.
• Global mobility: Contract and rotational schedules.

Find Renewable Energy Opportunities With Orion

As renewable projects continue to expand globally, access to specialist talent has become a critical success factor for renewable energy companies.

At Orion Group, we have extensive experience supporting renewable energy recruitment across both traditional and emerging sectors in a variety of global locations. Our expertise spans:

• Renewable energy recruitment
• Carbon capture recruitment
• Infrastructure recruitment
• Engineering and technical recruitment

We understand the crossover between project phases and the transferable skills required to deliver successful projects. Our clean energy recruiters provide support throughout every stage of an engineering career, alongside supporting expatriate and national teams.

For candidates, this means access to renewable energy jobs across project development, engineering, construction, commissioning, operations and maintenance. Orion supports experienced professionals looking to build renewable energy careers across established and emerging international markets.

If you’re a candidate looking for new renewable energy jobs, take a look at Orion’s latest opportunities.

For employers, effective renewable energy recruitment will be essential to maintaining project momentum and achieving long-term decarbonisation goals. Orion’s clean energy recruiters can help you access the technical, engineering and project expertise required across the renewable energy industry. Contact us today.

FAQs About Renewable Energy Companies

Which renewable energy companies are investing in emerging markets?

Major investors include Enel Green Power, BP, Eni, Ørsted, Equinor, TotalEnergies and Chinese clean energy companies such as Universal Energy, Goldwind, CGN and LONGi.

Which emerging markets are attracting renewable energy investment?

Azerbaijan and Mozambique are attracting growing investment, alongside markets across Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Middle East where renewable capacity is expanding.

What renewable energy careers are currently available?

Renewable energy careers span project management, HSE, engineering, development and permitting, grid systems, procurement, construction, commissioning, operations, maintenance, environmental compliance and data analysis.

Why are Azerbaijan and Mozambique becoming renewable energy hotspots?

Both markets have strong government strategies, international financing and significant solar, wind or hydropower resources. Large-scale projects are also creating demand for engineering, construction and operational expertise.

How can specialist recruitment support renewable energy projects?

Renewable energy recruitment gives developers access to the engineering, technical, construction and operational expertise required throughout the project lifecycle. Experienced clean energy recruiters can also support international mobilisation, skills transfer and the development of local teams.

How can Orion support my renewable energy career?

Orion connects professionals with renewable energy jobs across wind, solar, carbon capture, infrastructure and related technologies, supporting candidates pursuing international opportunities and long-term career progression.