Clean energy workforce hits all-time high in New York State
The number of workers in the clean energy industry in New York State reached an all-time high of 171,000 at the end of 2022, according to the 2023 New York Clean Energy Industry Report released by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
The report said that New York’s clean energy economy grew 3.5 percent from 2021 to 2022, outpacing statewide economic growth at 3 percent. Further, it said that nearly 30,000 jobs have been added since 2015, when NYSERDA first began tracking clean energy jobs.
“This year’s Clean Energy Industry Report paints a promising picture of our state’s thriving green economy,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “New York’s communities are building sustainable pathways to success through workforce development. The quality, family-sustaining jobs we are seeing in the clean energy industry provide opportunities for growth, while also offering a chance to make a meaningful, positive impact on New York’s carbon footprint.”
Among the key findings, the report said New York had nearly 171,000 clean energy workers at the end of 2022, an increase of 5,800 jobs. Building decarbonization and energy efficiency added over 2,000 jobs and accounted for 75 percent of all clean energy employment in 2022.
Clean and alternative transportation expanded by almost 20 percent, or 2,223 jobs in the year, while grid modernization and energy storage grew by 10 percent, or 241 jobs. Further, renewable electric power generation experienced 5 percent growth, with over 1,200 new jobs.
“This new report clearly outlines how supporting New York State’s green economy creates jobs and opportunities. By training our workforce and investing in industries and companies that are focused on clean energy technologies and solutions, we are benefiting the environment and providing a sustainable future for all New Yorkers,” Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said.
The report also detailed high levels of job satisfaction as 88 percent of clean energy workers reported being satisfied with their careers.
“New York’s commitment to clean energy comes with transformational economic benefits, including compelling, good-paying career opportunities for thousands of New Yorkers across the state. This year’s report highlights for us once again how essential it is to keep workforce development at the forefront of the State’s transition, to not only prepare workers for jobs of today, and tomorrow, but to keep the State advancing toward our Climate Act goals,” NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen Harris said.
Also, NYSERDA has committed more than $170 million toward workforce development and training initiatives to bolster New York’s pipeline for skilled workers. NYSERDA prioritizes training programs for the state’s most underserved populations with approximately 40 percent of funding going towards initiatives that serve low-income individuals, veterans, disabled workers, single parents, the formerly incarcerated, and individuals from disadvantaged communities. These programs also help integrate fossil fuel workers into the clean energy industry. Further, NYSERDA is also funding several efforts to build career awareness in K-12 schools and training teachers on clean energy career opportunities.
