Wisconsin’s clean transportation sector added nearly 400 new jobs last year, reflecting growth in the electric vehicle market.
That’s according to the 2023 Clean Jobs Midwest report, which shows this sector’s employment grew by nearly 7 percent in 2022, reaching 6,158 workers. Report authors noted EV-related jobs accounted for most of that growth.
The total number of clean energy jobs in Wisconsin rose slightly to 71,489 last year, the report shows. Most of those jobs are in energy efficiency, with 55,736 workers. That includes those manufacturing efficient appliances, others installing efficient lighting and HVAC systems as well as those installing advanced building materials in construction projects.
In a statement on the report’s findings, Madison-based RENEW Wisconsin Executive Director Sam Dunaiski said the state “needs an all-of-the-above” approach to the clean energy transition. That includes rooftop solar installations, utility-scale renewable energy, and electrifying buildings and transportation infrastructure.
“These initiatives create family-supporting jobs and would be a boon to Wisconsin’s economy,” he said.
Figures in the report come from national clean energy advocacy group Environmental Entrepreneurs, as well as nonprofit investment fund Evergreen Climate Innovations. They predict continued growth in clean energy jobs as more federal dollars and incentives are directed toward related sectors in the coming years.
The report also shows Wisconsin solar jobs grew 4 percent last year, while wind grew 3 percent. Emerging subsectors also saw growth, including 7 percent for battery storage technologies and 10 percent for grid modernization.
While clean energy workers are scattered statewide, many are clustered around Milwaukee and Madison, which support 23,087 and 9,698 jobs, respectively. Still, the report shows 14,000 clean energy jobs in the state are located in rural areas.
It also shows the Midwest overall saw 3.6 percent growth in these jobs last year, reaching a total of 734,753.
See the report: https://www.wisbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/EMBARGOED-E2-Clean-Jobs-Report-2023_Wisconsin.pdf
See the release: https://www.wisbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/EMBARGOED-Wisconsin-Clean-Jobs-Midwest-Press-Release-2023.pdf
–By Alex Moe
