Clean energy jobs grow at more than twice of US overall jobs – DOE

The US Department of Energy (DOE) released on Wednesday its annual report on energy employment, highlighting a significant increase in clean energy jobs during 2023. Driven by the Biden-Harris Administration’s investments in climate and clean energy, clean energy employment grew at a rate more than twice that of the overall U.S. economy.

The 2024 US Energy and Employment Report (USEER) shows that the energy sector added over 250,000 jobs in 2023, with 56 per cent of those new positions in clean energy. This growth was fueled by the Inflation Reduction Act, which is expected to double the share of electricity generation from clean sources by 2030.

Key sectors driving the growth in clean energy jobs include renewable energy, transmission, distribution, and storage. The construction sector also saw significant job growth, as the industry ramps up to meet the increased demand for clean energy infrastructure.

Unionisation rates in clean energy have also reached record highs, surpassing the average rate in the energy sector. This is a positive sign for the quality of jobs in the clean energy industry.

The report also highlights the growth in clean energy jobs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Idaho, Texas, and New Mexico experienced the fastest growth rates.

Overall, the 2024 USEER strongly suggests the Biden-Harris Administration’s policies are supporting the growth of clean energy jobs and helping to transition the US economy to a cleaner future.

Attribution: DOE’s 2024 US Energy and Employment Report (USEER)