N.C. shows jump in jobs involving renewable energy
North Carolina has 22 percent more jobs in renewable energy and energy efficiency than last year, the N.C. Sustainable Energy Association said Thursday in an annual report.
The nonprofit group estimates that 12,500 full-time-equivalent jobs are at work in the sector, up from 10,250 in 2009. the estimates are derived from a survey of 1,161 companies.
The 546 companies that responded expect 20percent job growth over the next year, the survey found. but most are small, with five or fewer employees. the companies with the highest revenue growth had additional income other than from renewable energy or energy efficiency.
Manufacturing, such as by Charlotte solar panel maker Sencera, makes up about one-third of the estimated jobs. Research and development accounted for 24 percent.
Two-thirds of the firms said their products and services will be delivered within North Carolina. the association estimated the companies’ combined revenues at $3.5 billion.
Among energy sectors, 59percent of the jobs were directed at energy efficiency and building sciences, 11 percent in solar, 10 percent in wind and 7percent in smart grid.
Wake County was home to 128 companies, Mecklenburg County 94 and Buncombe County 56.
Although North Carolina is considered a renewable-energy leader in the Southeast, NCSEA deputy director Paul Quinlan said state policies need to take a “holistic approach” to boost the industry.
Google’s announcement this week that it would invest in a network to transmit electricity from offshore wind farms from Virginia to new York, he said, probably indicated that the northern states have been more vocal in support of offshore wind. That’s despite estimates of powerful wind resources off North Carolina.
Helping companies retool to produce energy products could help boost the state’s manufacturing losses, he said.
“With the right incentives and state policies – like the recently passed renewable energy manufacturing tax credit – current manufacturing facilities can retool, transition and grow into the sustainable energy industries,” Quinlan said.
The study is online at energync.org.
Subscribe to the Charlotte Observer.
Related posts:
- Growth of area green jobs is undeniable
- Home Energy contest extended to Nov. 22
- Advantages Of Work At Home Jobs: On the internet Jobs
- BCC opens training center for ‘green’ jobs
- Part Time Home Jobs: Jump to Start for Work at Home, Work from Home Business
Written by Tim on October 14, 2010 under Work From Home Online.
Comments