NY clean energy jobs grew at a record pace
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) on Dec. 4 released its 2024 New York Clean Energy Report that shows the clean energy economy grew in New York state by 5% from 2022 to 2023, more than double the statewide economic growth rate. There were 178,000 workers employed in clean energy at the end of 2023, an increase of 7,700 jobs from 2022, according to the report.
“This report showcases the value of the clean energy transition and the tangible impact a thriving clean energy economy has on people’s livelihoods,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “Through a combination of comprehensive workforce development initiatives and programs that are increasing clean energy deployment and reducing emissions from buildings, transportation, and the electric grid, we are fostering more prosperous communities with access to good-paying jobs statewide.”
According to Westchester County Board of Legislators Member Ben Boykin who also is president of the New York State Association of Counties, “The report … confirms what counties have been seeing on the ground in our communities. Counties are proud to be on the leading edge of the transition to clean energy, building solar arrays on county land, electrifying vehicle fleets, and improving the energy efficiency of public buildings.”
The report found that clean energy workers expressed higher job satisfaction than other New York energy workers, with 65% of clean energy workers reporting being “very satisfied” with their careers. Entry-level jobs in clean energy paid 12% more than the same types of jobs outside of the clean energy field. Mid-level jobs in clean energy paid 7% more than comparable jobs elsewhere.
The report found that nearly 4,000 jobs were added in the building decarbonization and energy efficiency sector from 2022 to 2023, amounting to a 3% increase in the workforce. Grid modernization and energy storage jobs increased by 7%. There were 1,400 new renewable electric power generation jobs amounting to a 6% increase.
The report found that 93% of the workers in the clean energy field anticipated that their careers would advance during the next 12 months.
“The growth we are seeing in New York’s clean energy job market is reflective of our momentum and unwavering commitment to reducing emissions and protecting the environment in New York state,” NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said. “As the Clean Energy Industry Report details, buildings and transportation added the most jobs last year, furthering the impact of our keen focus on addressing these two sectors that contribute the most to poor air quality statewide.”
NYSERDA has committed more than $180 million toward workforce development and training initiatives. NYSERDA also will receive $1.5 million for training initiatives as part of the federal government’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, which will support training New Yorkers to install and maintain electric vehicle charging stations. NYSERDA’s workforce development efforts provide education, training, and services to help place new workers into clean energy occupations like high-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), building electrification, energy efficiency and offshore wind as well as helping workers develop the skills needed for clean energy jobs.
