The renewable energy and energy efficiency industries in the United States will generate 4.5 million jobs by 2030, according to a new study.
The greatest concentration of these jobs will come in the solar and biofuels businesses, says the study from the American Solar Energy Society and Management Information Services.
Clearly the self-serving nature of the work damages its credibility. Still, the analysis could prove interesting fodder for discussion as government policy wonks circulate vague new-energy job claims.
The survey counters other recent assertions about the economic impact of renewables. In comments to The Wall Street Journal, Duke CEO Jim Rogers told the newspaper that nuclear, not solar, holds the key to higher employment.
A nuclear plant brings 64 jobs per megawatt while wind farms bring just three and installing solar panels creates just one per megawatt, Rogers said. More so, some of the renewables positions are minimum wage, such as wiping off solar panels. In contrast, the jobs in a nuke plant are for highly skilled engineers and operators.
According to the new study, renewables will generate considerable employment. The industries that will benefit the most are construction, farming, professional services, retail, trucking, metals fabrication and electrical-equipment manufacturing. The public sector should also show a rise in employment.
What’s more, these jobs cannot be easily outsourced, the study says.
Posted by Mark Boslet 
