Why Focus on the Clean Energy Sector? (cont’d)
Combined, the fields of efficiency and renewable energy will continue to increase in economic importance. A report by the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) estimates that renewable energy and energy efficiency in the United States $970 billion in revenue, more than $100 billion in industry profits and over $150 billion in increased local through federal tax revenues. The report suggests with strong policy support the industry could be generating as much as $4.5 trillion in revenue by 2030.3 The rapid growth in the clean energy sector provides opportunities for strong job growth. The ASES report noted above estimates that renewable energy and energy efficiency is currently generating 8.5 million jobs could reach 40 million U.S. jobs by 2030.3 In addition to sheer numbers, the clean energy industry appeals to both young people entering the job market and older workers seeking a career change. This diversity is important given that 78 million baby boomers are now in the in retirement pipeline. This massive reduction in workforce will impact all industries
According to the Renewable Northwest
and will require diverse workforce capacity building programs to overcome.
Project, this one year span of wind
the clean energy industry. Between October 2005 and October 2006, seven
Wind development offers a good example of the rapid growth taking place in new wind farms were completed in the Northwest, providing 954 megawatts
development resulted in nearly 1,400 construction jobs during peak construction periods and approximately 80 new permanent family-wage jobs for operation and maintenance
of new wind power capacity. According to the Renewable Northwest Project, this one year span of wind development resulted in nearly 1,400 construction jobs during peak construction periods and approximately 80 new permanent family-wage jobs for operation and maintenance. In addition, the Ports of Vancouver and Longview, Washington have become the major ports of entry for wind turbine components. The ILWU, Local 4, unloads turbines at the Port of Vancouver and reports that the increased volume of turbines arriving through the port generated more than 25,000 labor hours in the past two years and created about 30 new family wage jobs.4 In an increasingly globalized economy, with energy becoming an ever more important economic sector, establishing Oregon as a preferred location for clean energy companies is a strategic economic development goal.
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