The promise of a clean, never-ending
(renewable) power and fuel supply in the
United States depends on our ability to har-
ness energy from sources such as the wind,
sunlight, organic matter, the Earth’s inter-
nal heat, and rivers. However, making this
promise a reality requires workers dedicated
to leading this country toward a sustain-
able energy future. If you are considering a
career in renewable energy, this fact sheet
can start you on your way. It will provide
you with information on each of the major
renewable energy technologies, the types of
jobs you might find in each technology, and
resources to help continue your research.
Marketplace Trends
The renewable energy industry involves
many political, economic, environmental,
and technological factors that interact with
each other to influence marketplace
trends. It is helpful to understand some of
these factors because an increase in the
market for a certain technology can equal
an increase in job opportunities.
There is currently a movement to restruc-
ture the power industry. Driven partially
by the Energy Policy Act of 1992, the
movement intends to provide customers
with the opportunity to choose their
power provider by decreasing regulation
of and introducing competition among
utilities. Restructuring is primarily occur-
ring on a state-by-state basis.
Many companies that sell energy pro-
duced from renewable sources view the
move toward utility restructuring as a
great opportunity. In fact, in many states,
restructuring has given
rise to the glimmerings
of a new industry—
green power marketing.
The concept of green
power marketing is
based on the assump-
tion that consumers
will choose and pay
more for renewable
energy products/ser-
vices that reflect their
environmental values.
Green power market-
ing programs put a
price on the environ-
mental value of a prod-
uct to overcome the
cost barrier that has
historically limited the
generation of renew-
able energy on a large
scale.
Careers in
Renewable Energy
CLEARINGHOUSE
ENERGY
EFFICIENCY