EnergeiaWorks Blog

Positive Opportunities for the Renewable Industry

In four days, we find out who will lead the US for the next four years. GO VOTE! As always, a main election topic is job growth and wages; and now that clean energy employs three times the amount of workers than the fossil fuel industry, it’s even more important. In my opinion, I think President Trump is missing an opportunity to boast about jobs in clean energy. An energy independence success story is right under his nose, and he missed it. Instead he rallies against it, with “wind kills all birds and solar doesn’t work.” Last year, solar alone generated $19B for the US economy and accounted for 40% of all new electrical capacity (SEIA). And remember, last year also marked the first time that the US consumption of clean energy exceeded coal since 1885 (US Energy Information Administration). Like I said, it’s all there, right under his nose.

Through 2019, the US Employment Cost Index (via Department of Labor) has been sharply rising; and BW Research Partnership for Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) reported that clean energy jobs pay 25% higher than the national average (and, notably, 31% higher in solar). You’ve heard me preach for two years that there’s a supply & demand issue when it comes to talent in renewables, and this data proves this is not changing anytime soon. In fact, not only will it be difficult to find your next hire, it’s going to cost you more too. My advice, start interviewing NOW for your Q1 hire! …and maybe increase your salary budget in advance.

I will continue to monitor the employment market in clean energy and report more industry data next month. In November, be on the lookout for a follow-up to my 2016 article (featured in Renewable Energy World) on clean energy jobs during the Trump Administration. If you’d like to have a discussion about the effects of the pandemic on your hiring strategy, please reply to this email to set up a meeting with me. If you are currently exploring a new job in your renewable energy career, we invite you to have a look at our careers portal. If you’re looking to hire top talent in manufacturing, project development, finance, construction, operations, or energy asset management professionals, reach out to us today.