Clean Energy Sector Faces Uncertainty in the Wake of the Election
As the first debate between presidential nominees Kamala Harris and Donald Trump approaches, voters are eager to gain clarity on their plans for addressing various issues, including the economy, inflation, and job growth. One sector that is particularly uncertain about the future is clean energy, which has experienced both support from the Biden administration and skepticism from Trump.
The push for clean energy and the fight against climate change have contributed to job growth in the sector in recent years. Funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Chips and Science Act has played a significant role in this growth. According to data from the Department of Energy, clean energy employment increased by 142,000 jobs last year, accounting for over half of all new energy sector jobs. This growth rate was more than double that of the rest of the energy sector and the overall U.S. economy, as stated in the 2024 U.S. Energy and Employment Report.
The implementation of the IRA and the Chips and Science Act has provided more long-term certainty for jobs related to energy efficiency, renewables, and climate resilience. The nonprofit Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) projects that the IRA alone will generate over 300,000 new jobs annually for energy project construction and around 100,000 permanent jobs each year.
While the clean energy sector’s job growth may face uncertainty after the election, industry experts emphasize that energy production and consumption are always evolving. “Energy systems have been in transition for decades—it’s always in a state of flux,” says Daniel Bresette, president of EESI. The future of the sector will continue to be shaped by changing technologies and policies.
One company, Ameresco, which specializes in integrating clean technology and developing renewable energy projects, remains committed to its hiring plans regardless of the election outcome. The company intends to increase its workforce by 300 employees in the U.S. and Europe this year, offering positions in engineering, project management, development, analysis, and more. Ameresco provides efficient energy solutions to various clients, including federal and state governments, colleges, and hospitals.
According to Nicole Bulgarino, executive vice president and general manager of federal and utility solutions at Ameresco, the need for energy will always persist, irrespective of who occupies the White House. The demand for secure, affordable, and clean energy sources will continue to drive the industry forward.
To fill these job positions, Ameresco is also targeting Generation Z. With fewer applicants emerging from trade and vocational schools, the company has found success in recruiting recent college graduates who are interested in climate-friendly opportunities. By offering tuition reimbursement and mentorship programs, Ameresco invests in the training of these young workers.
Caroline Leilani Stevenson, a 22-year-old associate electrical engineer at Ameresco, is an example of the company’s Gen Z hiring push. Stevenson, who interned at Ameresco, returned full-time after graduation. She now works on projects with the Department of Defense, including a solar project in Honolulu. Stevenson, like many others in her generation, is driven by the desire to make a positive impact and contribute to more sustainable energy solutions.
As Harris and Trump prepare to debate their policies, uncertainty looms over the clean energy sector, as neither candidate has presented a comprehensive plan on energy and climate change thus far. However, their experiences in the White House can offer insights into potential paths forward.
Harris played a crucial role in implementing the Inflation Reduction Act, casting the tiebreaking vote as vice president. While she previously supported the Green New Deal in the Senate, she has since moderated her stance. In a recent CNN interview, Harris stated that she would not ban fracking, a position she had taken during her previous presidential campaign.
Trump, on the other hand, has focused on making energy cheaper and increasing domestic oil drilling. He has rolled back significant climate policies and expressed his intention to rescind unspent funds from the IRA if reelected. Trump has labeled the Green New Deal as the “Green New Scam.”
Regardless of the election outcome, experts in the industry project a significant increase in the demand for energy. Factors such as the electrification of transportation, the rise of data centers, and artificial intelligence will all contribute to a surge in electricity demand. Bresette emphasizes that the scale of future energy needs is difficult to comprehend.
In conclusion, while the clean energy sector faces uncertainty after the election, the push for sustainable energy solutions and the fight against climate change continue to drive job growth in the industry. Companies like Ameresco are committed to expanding their workforce, targeting Generation Z for recruitment. The need for energy is expected to continue growing significantly, regardless of the outcome of the November election.
