The “clean energy” sector in North Carolina is responsible for more than 15,200 full-time jobs and $3.7 billion in revenue, says the N.C. Sustainable Energy Association in its annual survey.
“The 2012 Census shows that employment in the North Carolina clean energy sector grew for the fifth consecutive year, although at a slower pace than in past years that saw double-digit growth,” the NCSEA reported. ”There are over 1,100 clean energy firms employing more than 15,200 full-time equivalent employees across 86 North Carolina counties.”
The sector is defined as renewable energy and energy efficiency.
However, the report’s authors say the state’s clean energy is at a “crossroads.”
“Despite our state’s on-going high unemployment rate and tough economic times, North Carolina’s clean energy industry continues to grow and add new jobs and investments in every region,” said Ivan Urlaub, NCSEA’s executive director, in a statement. “North Carolina is distinctly positioned as a clean energy leader in the Southeast, but maintaining this leadership role – and becoming a national and global leader – will require additional policy and market advancements; otherwise, we’ll be left behind as other US states step up and compete for the lead.”
The Research Triangle has emerged as a clean energy hub with numerous companies focused on that sector having major operations and headquarters in the area.
The 2012 survey is available for download.
