The number of clean energy workers in Massachusetts is now about the same as the number of restaurant and higher education workers here, but the industry is energy dependent, according to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s most recent annual report. Because of this, we are facing “difficult” challenges. Making the nation’s energy transition a reality.
In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2030, Massachusetts law requires the state to reduce emissions by at least 75% by 2040 and by at least 85% by 2050. Masu. To get there, states must reduce emissions from: In addition to power generation, transportation, building heating, and other economies are also utilized through mass electrification. But if the Gulf state wants to electrify heating and cooling, move private cars, and more, thousands of people will be able to install heat pumps, prepare homes to charge electric cars, and build more offshore wind farms. We’re going to need workers. State pipelines, etc.
“The solutions to the world’s climate crisis are being built in Massachusetts,” said Department of Energy and Environment Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We are helping Massachusetts become energy independent.” “And with it, thousands of good-paying jobs will be created, providing our residents with fulfilling career paths.”
The latest numbers for direct clean energy jobs in Massachusetts are 108,450 positions at 7,315 clean energy companies, according to MassCEC’s 2023 report. The center said clean energy companies added 4,160 jobs between the 2022 report and the new 2023 report. This 4% increase was comparable to growth in the wholesale trade and education industries (also 4%), but exceeded the 3% growth in employment across Massachusetts during the same period, the report said.
MassCEC estimates that in 2023 labor force levels, the clean energy industry will be on par with both Massachusetts’ higher education and restaurant industries, but will outpace both industries’ economic contributions to indirect employment, induced employment, and gross state product. He said there was. According to the center, clean energy will account for $14.9 billion, or about 2%, of Massachusetts’ GSP in 2022, an increase of 63% from 2012. Taking into account indirect and induced employment, the industry supports a total of $33.1 billion in GSP, MassCEC said.
The state’s clean energy workforce, defined in the MassCEC report as “people who spend a portion of their time working in renewable energy, energy efficiency, alternative transportation, and other carbon management technologies,” grew to 60,000 in 2010. 274 jobs) to almost double in 2020 (113,968 jobs). However, estimates for 2023 still leave him more than 5,500 jobs short compared to the situation before the industry was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
MassCEC said Massachusetts’ clean energy employers are optimistic and expect to add about 5,900 jobs in 2024. The center stressed that the figure was just an estimate, but said it “demonstrates clean energy companies’ intention to expand their workforce in line with industry needs.” consumer demand. “
Last summer, MassCEC’s Workforce Needs Assessment found that Massachusetts would need an additional 29,700 full-time equivalent workers in clean energy to meet its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030. We have come to the conclusion that we need more people. The center says 38,100 workers actually need to be trained and ready to spend some or all of their time working on climate change jobs.
And like most employers in Massachusetts, clean energy companies are already struggling to hire new workers. According to MassCEC, 88% of sector employers surveyed in 2022 said they faced challenges recruiting clean energy talent.
MassCEC said in a press release that the $3.5 billion economic development bill that Gov. Maura Healey introduced earlier this month “provides essential investments in the clean energy sector that are critical to expanding the industry” by pouring resources into workforce development. “This represents a major step forward.” , technology research and offshore wind projects.
The bill would provide both operating and capital funding to MassCEC and authorize funding for tax incentives aimed at attracting climate technology companies to the region. One of the pillars of the bill is a 10-year, $1 billion investment in climate technology, something Mr. Healey has been talking about since his campaign two years ago.
“This industry is rapidly evolving, with many states competing for companies through tax credits and state investments. The Bulk Lead Act will help us stay competitive and expand our lead in the clean energy and climate technology industry. “It will help,” Healy said.
Clean energy is not the only sector that needs to scale up to deliver what is expected in the coming years, nor is it the only sector that faces serious challenges in that regard. While the number of jobs in Massachusetts is expected to grow by 21% by 2030, the workforce itself will only grow by 1.5% over the same period, leaders in Massachusetts’ related industries told the Department of Economic Research last year. He stated this while citing data.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the ratio of unemployed people to every job opening in Massachusetts was 0.5 as of December. This means that for every two job openings, she theoretically had one unemployed person who could fill them. The ratio has been less than 1 in Massachusetts since July 2021, according to the BLS.
“Our clean energy future is bright,” said MassCEC CEO Emily Reichert. “While the magnitude of change may seem daunting, MassCEC is committed to helping Massachusetts meet its climate goals. We remain steadfast in our mission and belief in achieving our goals and delivering a sustainable clean energy future.” “Together with Massachusetts residents, we can make a significant impact on the environment and create a brighter world for future generations.”