By Timothy Gardner
In a groundbreaking report released by the Energy Department, it was revealed that jobs in the U.S. clean energy industry experienced a remarkable growth rate in 2023, surpassing the overall job growth rate of the country. Not only that, but unionization in clean energy also exceeded that of the wider energy industry for the first time.
Employment in clean energy sectors such as wind, solar, nuclear, and battery storage saw a significant increase of 142,000 jobs, marking a 4.2% rise from the previous year. This growth outpaced the overall U.S. job growth rate of 2% in 2023.
Unionization rates in clean energy soared to 12.4%, higher than the 11% rate in the broader energy sector. This increase was driven by expansions in the construction and utility industries, fueled by recent legislation such as the bipartisan CHIPS Act and President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.
Construction jobs in clean energy are projected to continue growing for decades, as the industry works towards building the necessary infrastructure for cleaner energy sources. This provides workers with the opportunity to establish a long-term career in the field, despite moving from project to project.
The solar industry, both utility-scale and rooftop installations, experienced a 5.3% growth, adding over 18,000 jobs. However, the solar installation industry in California faced setbacks, losing more than 17,000 jobs due to high interest rates and changes in net meter rates.
On the other hand, new jobs in fossil fuels showed mixed results. While the overall workforce in the sector grew by 13.3%, jobs in petroleum declined by 6% and coal jobs by 5.3%. The shift from coal to gas, wind, and solar for power generation played a role in this decline.
Despite the positive growth in clean energy jobs, the industry remains predominantly male, with men making up 73% of the workforce in 2023. Efforts to increase female representation in the sector have shown progress, with women accounting for half of the energy jobs added in 2022, but only 17% in 2023.
The report underscores the administration’s commitment to balancing energy and climate security, highlighting the importance of sustainable growth in the clean energy sector for the future.
Analysis: The Energy Department’s report reveals a significant shift towards clean energy jobs in the US, outpacing overall job growth rates and unionization in the wider energy industry. This indicates a promising trend towards a more sustainable and diverse workforce, with opportunities for long-term careers in clean energy. The growth in construction and utility sectors, driven by legislative support, emphasizes the importance of investing in clean energy infrastructure for future generations. However, challenges such as job losses in traditional fossil fuel industries and gender disparities in the clean energy sector also need to be addressed to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth.