U.S. Clean Energy Sector Witnesses Remarkable Job Growth and Unionization in 2023

In 2023, U.S. clean energy jobs grew at twice the national average, with unionization rates surpassing those in the broader energy industry, according to the Energy Department. The growth was driven by legislative measures like the CHIPS Act and private-sector investments. Employment in solar and natural gas sectors rose significantly, despite challenges in solar installation due to state policies.

Jobs in the U.S. clean energy industry in 2023 grew at more than double the rate of the country's overall jobs, the Energy Department announced on Wednesday. Employment in clean energy businesses, including wind, solar, nuclear, and battery storage, rose by 142,000 jobs, or 4.2%, as detailed in the U.S. Energy and Employment Report.

Unionization rates in clean energy surpassed those in the broader energy sector, significantly driven by growth in the construction and utility industries and legislative measures like the CHIPS Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. 'Construction jobs in clean energy, driven by legislation and private-sector investments, are expected to thrive for decades,' said Betony Jones, the Energy Department's head of energy jobs.

Notably, utility-scale and rooftop solar jobs grew by 5.3%, adding more than 18,000 jobs, despite a significant loss in California due to high interest rates and policy changes. The natural gas sector saw a 13.3% increase, while petroleum and coal sectors declined. White House climate adviser Ali Zaidi highlighted the administration's commitment to both energy and climate security.

(With inputs from agencies.)