Got this interesting blog item from Real Energy Writers, a talented group of energy writers who I have been following for a year. They have good access to research and updates in this growing market. Energy efficiency of course is the other big nut in the energy equation. Sure we can go find new sources of energy and try to make they as efficient as possible, but in the end we can do way more good in the short and long term with the development of better energy efficiency across our society.
Sixty percent of those responding to a recent survey by the Association of Energy Services Professionals cited a lack of talented workers in energy efficiency.
“Energy efficiency is a rapidly growing segment of the overall energy industry and we believe there is a clear lack of talent that is necessary to fill the positions that are open,” said Meg Matt, the AESP president and CEO.
So where do you find these jobs?
Another recent report, this one by the Brookings Institution and Battelle’s Technology Partnership, sheds some light. Look to major metropolitan areas and young businesses for jobs not only in energy efficiency, but also in other segments of the clean economy, according to Sizing the Clean Economy: A National and Regional Green Jobs Assessment.
In the midst of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, the clean economy expanded by 8.3 percent, says the report. Efficiency, renewable energy, biofuels and other clean industries accounted for 2.7 million US jobs in 2010. To put that number in perspective, that’s more jobs than you’ll find in fossil fuels or biosciences, but still less than information technology.
So what do you think about this growing market space of energy efficiency? Lots of growth of course but what will sustain it? Comment below with your thoughts.
