NO CAROLINA LIVES THE RISING GREEN TIDE

North Carolina’s clean energy sector continues to grow: 15,200+ FTE jobs, $3.7 Billion in revenue; “At a crossroads,” despite on-going jobs and revenue growth, clean energy business leaders cite uncertainty and other barriers that are limiting further growth.

Rich Crowley and Julie Robinson, October 10, 2012 (NC Sustainable Energy Association)

“North Carolina’s…unemployment rate [remains] above the national rate…[but] several sectors, including clean energy, are hiring employees, expanding their businesses, and pumping millions into local economies in every region of our state…[according to] the 2012 North Carolina Clean Energy Industries Census…[It showed] the clean energy sector holds great promise and opportunities if we [break through political polarization, policy and market uncertainty, and limited access to finance and] maintain a balance of pro-business policies and regulations.

“Since the passage of the Southeast’s first renewable energy and energy efficiency law in 2007 (and 25th in the nation), North Carolina’s clean energy sectors – broadly categorized as renewable energy and energy efficiency – [over 200 North Carolina clean energy companies have emerged to serve the national and international markets]…The annual Census…[found] the clean energy sector…conservatively contributes over $3.7 billion in revenue and more than 15,200 full-time equivalent jobs directly…[T]he state is home to over 38,000 Energy Star homes, 2,100 energy efficient commercial buildings, and more than 3,000 planned or installed renewable energy systems.”

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“The 2012 Census shows that employment in the North Carolina clean energy sector grew for the fifth consecutive year, although at a slower [3%] pace than in past years that saw double-digit growth…[T]he projected economic forecast for North Carolina’s economy…[is] an inflation-adjusted growth rate of 1.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012 and throughout 2013 [matching 2011 and below 2010]…Research and development [jobs]…continue to be substantial – totaling 7,700 full-time equivalent jobs in this year’s Census…

Jobs with a focus on energy efficiency, frequently described as the “least-cost” energy resource…make up a majority of North Carolina’s clean energy sector employment at over 7,200 full-time equivalent positions statewide…Complementing the strong energy efficiency sector (i.e. business focus) are the solar, smart grid and biomass sectors, which contribute over 1,000 full-time equivalent jobs each, with additional major employment from the wind, geothermal, and energy storage sectors…”

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