On November 12, 2008, NCSEA released two new reports, which detail the economic impact of the new energy economy in North Carolina. The findings are published in the "NC Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Industry Census 2008” and “Economic Analysis of the NC Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard."

After passing a Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS) in August 2007, North Carolina is now a leader in the Southeast in the emerging new energy economy - and we can take a leading role at the national level.

As part of our efforts to expand North Carolina's sustainable energy industries, NCSEA is leading a Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Workforce Development Program, which consists of two components – industry research and workforce development facilitation.

NCSEA's two reports, "NC Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Industry Census 2008” and “Economic Analysis of the NC Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard," detail the economic impact of the new energy economy in North Carolina. 

NCSEA identified and surveyed 486 firms focusing on renewable energy and energy efficiency in North Carolina. The survey found that the 166 responding firms currently provide 2,144 full-time jobs. These firms reported significant employment growth over the last 12 months and project a 24% growth over the next year. 

Accounting for all identified renewable energy and energy efficiency firms, the industry could consist of over 6,470 jobs today. Furthermore, meeting the REPS mandate will require the support of over 4,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs by the year 2021, with most jobs occurring in the biomass industry. 

Click here to read the full press release announcing the reports.

Click here
to read the North Carolina Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Industry Census 2008.

Click here to read the Economic Analysis of the North Carolina Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard and click here for the executive summary.

 
For more information, contact Paul Quinlan, NCSEA Director of Market Research & Development, at paul@energync.org or (919) 832-7601 ext. 105.  Media questions should be directed to Julie Robinson, NCSEA Marketing & Communications Director, at julie@energync.org or (919) 832-7601 ext. 108.