Press Release
August 20, 2025
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For nearly 40 years, I have focused on delivering clean energy solutions that support our customers’ goals, experiencing the various drivers that have influenced its growth along the way. Today, we have the opportunity to leverage clean energy’s role in enhancing energy infrastructure upgrades, resiliency, generating cost savings and developing a workforce that aligns with the values of current and future employees. At Ameresco, we are proud to work alongside communities, businesses, and governments to create real, sustained economic and operating benefits. But as the demand for clean energy grows, so does the need for a new generation of workers ready to step into these roles.
According to our recently published Empowered Futures: Clean Energy Careers Report and the U.S. Department of Energy, clean energy employment surged by over 142,000 jobs in 2023, making up more than half of all new energy sector jobs. Even more striking, clean energy jobs grew at a rate of 4.2%, more than double the growth of the overall economy. Yet, despite this remarkable growth, the industry faces a significant challenge: a shortage of skilled labor.
Meet the “Impact Generations”
Our research shows that Millennials and Generation Z—the “Impact Generations”—are driven by a desire to make a difference. Over 80% believe that a career in clean energy is a promising path, and nearly half of those respondents reported it “definitely would be.” This is exciting to me personally to know that the next generation sees the long-term benefits of working in clean energy to ensure a resilient and sustainable energy future.
When I came to this country to attend college, I was interested in studying power engineering to examine the generation, transmission, distribution, and utilization of electric power. While at a utility company, I was tasked with evaluating whether promoting energy conservation or building more power plants was more financially advantageous. Ultimately, promoting energy conservation proved to be the better financial decision. This experience not only highlighted the economic benefits of conservation but also opened my eyes to its broader positive impacts, shaping my passion for sustainability.
However, widespread confusion about what clean energy careers actually entail remains, as more than half of the respondents in our survey believed that an engineering or science background is required to work in the industry. While technical roles are primarily needed, clean energy does offer a wide range of opportunities for every background. From marketing and finance to project management and community relations, there are a diverse set of non-technical career paths within the clean energy industry.
It’s critical that we do a better job of driving education about the sector so that we avoid falling short of the broad workforce needed to steer the clean energy transition. In fact, a report from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) projects that, every year, the U.S. will need about 400,000 new engineers and that there will be a staggering 186,000 engineering-related job vacancies across the nation by 2031.
Yet, There’s Still More Work to Be Done
There is a massive opportunity ahead to engage this next generation of workers. Clean energy jobs offer 25% higher wages than the national median and provide employees with the chance to directly contribute to environmental sustainability and community well-being – values that are important to Millennials and Gen Z. Since key policy enactments, grants and incentives have been put in place, 330 major clean energy projects have been announced, with the potential to create over 109,000 jobs across 40 states.
Despite this, confusion remains. Our survey revealed that when asked what comes to mind when thinking of clean energy jobs, responses ranged from types of energy to janitorial jobs—providing an opportunity for all of us in the clean energy sector to raise awareness and take initiative to educate the next generation about the wide range of career opportunities available.
Empowering the Future Workforce
At Ameresco, we are investing in programs with long-term impact to prepare today’s workforce to lead tomorrow’s energy transition. We provide the training and educational resources needed to empower our team of clean energy professionals. We are committed to cultivating a workforce that will not only carry the torch but also continue to push the boundaries of how we can power our world sustainably – from partnerships with local schools to STEM scholarships, to apprenticeships through project partnerships (such as Bristol City Leap and the City of Chicago Street Lighting Project, just to name a few), and career development initiatives.
As our report shows, more than 90% of Gen Z and Millennials believe it’s important that their employer gives back to its people. Offering scholarships, tuition coverage, and professional development can cultivate and inspire clean energy leaders from within.
Looking Ahead
Clean energy is about more than just power—it’s about purpose. The clean energy transition offers an unprecedented opportunity for growth, innovation, and impact. It’s the people—our industry’s workforce—who will make it all possible.
Our clean energy careers survey report highlights the incredible industry growth and reminds us that there is work and innovation still to be done. We must focus on closing the talent gap, educate on the many opportunities available, and ensure that the next generation knows that clean energy is not just a job—it’s an impactful calling where groundbreaking innovations will shape a sustainable future.
I encourage my colleagues across the industry to join us in engaging this next generation of workers. Together, we can energize a sustainable world.
# Originally published on LinkedIn. #
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