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The employment landscape in North Carolina is undergoing a significant transformation, with clean energy jobs experiencing a notable surge. While the state’s overall job growth was around 1% last year, employment in the clean energy sector rose by approximately 3%, as highlighted by a new report by E2, an advocacy group.
According to Zach Amittay, E2’s Southeast advocate, this growth reinforces the notion that clean energy is a vital driver for employment in the state. North Carolina continues to rank among the top 10 states for clean energy jobs, with around 113,000 workers employed in this sector—surpassing the number of teachers and representing about 15% of the state’s construction jobs, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Notably, Mecklenburg and Wake counties are among the top 30 counties for clean energy job concentration.
The energy efficiency sector is particularly robust, employing more workers than any other segment within clean energy. This includes roles such as HVAC technicians and lighting specialists, focusing on home electrification and energy efficiency. The state’s commitment to this sector is evident with initiatives like the Energy Saver NC program launched in January, offering homeowners up to $16,000 in rebates for electrification and efficiency improvements.
However, the clean vehicle sector has encountered challenges, aligning with national trends in the automotive manufacturing industry. Amittay noted a 2.5% decrease in this workforce, despite ongoing developments in the EV supply chain. Yet, North Carolina remains a significant player in EV and battery manufacturing investments, propelled by projects like Toyota’s $14 billion battery plant in Liberty, N.C., securing its position among the top four states in this domain.
Advancing Clean Energy Post-Inflation Reduction Act
The Inflation Reduction Act has been a catalyst for growth, particularly due to its tax credits. Amittay emphasized that while this growth was anticipated, the policy landscape has accelerated it. “Renewable generation continues to be a notch above the economy statewide,” he stated. The focus is now on storage and grid enhancements, with companies like Charlotte-based Heimdall Power innovating in grid technology. Their powerline “neuron” device, for instance, provides real-time data on transmission capacity, offering utilities a means to optimize existing infrastructure.
Looking forward, Amittay expects continued growth, albeit at a slower pace. He expressed concerns over missed job opportunities due to recent federal policy changes, notably the reduction of incentives for solar installations under President Trump’s reforms. These shifts have made renewable energy firms more susceptible to state and local policy dynamics. Recent legislation removed a carbon pollution reduction target and adjusted tax incentives for solar projects, influencing the sector’s trajectory.
Despite these challenges, initiatives like Duke Energy’s PowerPair and Solarize Charlotte-Mecklenburg are bolstering rooftop solar sales into 2026. Amittay anticipates rapid expansion in grid and battery storage, though he warns of the long-term uncertainties affecting the pipeline for renewable projects. Duke Energy’s recent release of its carbon and resource plan suggests a shift in focus, reducing solar targets in favor of battery storage and eliminating wind energy plans for the foreseeable future.
Original Story at www.wunc.org