National business group Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) and its state partner, Clean Energy Project (CEP), released a fact sheet showing that Nevada has more than 25,000 people working in advanced energy across the state. This represents more workers than in Natural Resources & Mining (18,507) and double those working at Schools, Colleges & Training Programs (13,028) in the Silver State. Nationally, there are 3.4 million advanced energy workers.

These figures were derived from analysis by AEE and BW Research Associates of data from the 2018 U.S. Energy and Employment Report published by the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) and the Energy Futures Initiative (EFI) earlier this year, as well as data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

"A strong commitment to clean energy development helps attracts innovative companies, making Nevada a more competitive place to do business," said Karen Wayland, Ph.D., Executive Director of Clean Energy Project. "This allows Nevada to diversify its energy mix and reap the economic gains that come from embracing advanced energy technologies." 

Key Nevada employment details:

• Advanced energy generation (solar, geothermal, etc.) led the segment with more than 11,800 jobs.
• Advanced energy jobs grew 4% from 2016-2017 in Nevada - faster than overall jobs growth in the state. Advanced energy employers expected to increase these jobs by 7% in 2018.
• There is strong demand for workers, with 75% of employers reporting that it was very difficult to find qualified job candidates.
• Top five counties for advanced energy jobs are: Clark (18,600), Washoe (3,600), Storey (1,400), Carson City (400) and Douglas (370).

AEE and CEP members met with gubernatorial candidates ahead of the state primary, and in June released a clean energy policy roadmap to the campaigns of Democratic nominee Steve Sisolak and Republican nominee Adam Laxalt outlining how advanced energy can drive further economic growth in the state.

"Nevada has experienced first-hand how forward-thinking energy policies that embrace advanced energy technologies can serve as an engine for economic growth," said Ray Fakhoury, State Policy Associate, Advanced Energy Economy. "We encourage the next governor of Nevada to continue utilizing pro-advanced energy policies to accelerate economic development, investment, and job growth."

Advanced Energy Economy | www.aee.net

Clean Energy Project | cleanenergyprojectnv.org