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Clean Jobs Tennessee: Sizing Up Tennessee’s Clean Energy Jobs Base and It’s Potential

Clean Jobs Tennessee: Sizing Up Tennessee’s Clean Energy Jobs Base and It’s Potential

Full Title: Clean Jobs Tennessee: Sizing Up Tennessee's Clean Energy Jobs Base and It's Potential
Author(s):  Environmental Entrepreneurs
Publisher(s): Environmental Entrepreneurs
Publication Date: July 1, 2015
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):

Defined as including energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, alternative transportation and greenhouse gas (GHG) management and accounting, the clean energy industry is a source of good jobs for tens of thousands of Tennesseans.

In 2015, clean energy firms in Tennessee supported 44,269 workers at 2,611 businesses. Nearly half (46%) of business respondents derive a majority of their revenue from clean energy activities. This was an increase of 2,600 workers over 2014 (6.3%), and businesses said they expect to create 2,500 more jobs by 2016.

Tennessee is somewhat unique in its concentration of large clean energy employers. In fact, more than 25% of Tennessee’s clean energy employment is found in fewer than 10 employers that are focused on renewable energy generation, electric vehicle manufacturing, and production of ENERGY STAR appliances.

Clean energy workers comprise 1.6% of the Tennessee’s labor market. Most workers (21,542) support installation and generation, but the manufacturing sector grew by nearly 10%, adding 1,249 new jobs. Energy efficiency (47% of workers) and renewable energy (37%) comprise the bulk of Tennessee’s clean energy industry, though alternative transportation does account for roughly 5,500 jobs. About 70% of renewable technology firms indicate that solar is the primary technology; bioenergy (27%) and geothermal (25%) also represent a sizeable of chunk of business.

While nearly 80% of clean energy customers are within the state, Tennessee’s strong manufacturing sector supports an industry that is more export-driven than other states where similar studies have been conducted. Many clean energy businesses in Tennessee (44%) support in-state suppliers and vendors, while 49% source their equipment from outside the state.

Clean energy businesses demand public support to stimulate consumption. Nearly one-third (32%) of employers indicate that financial incentives would best accelerate the adoption of clean energy goods and services; 26% of employers suggested regulations and standards

All statements and/or propositions in discussion prompts are meant exclusively to stimulate discussion and do not represent the views of OurEnergyPolicy.org, its Partners, Topic Directors or Experts, nor of any individual or organization. Comments by and opinions of Expert participants are their own.

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