Florida Advanced Energy Industry Claims 140,000 Workers In 2015

In a news announcement released today, the Advanced Energy Economy Institute (AEE Institute) reports Florida employed an estimated 140,282 advanced energy workers in 2015, nearly twice as many as in agriculture, more than real state, and equal to schools, colleges, and training institutions.

These jobs spanned a broad range of technologies including energy efficiency, electricity generation like solar energy, as well as grid management and advanced transportation. This total represents 2% of the state’s workforce; additionally, advanced energy jobs are expected to grow 4% in 2016.

Florida road sign shutterstock_254354590The report, prepared for the AEE Institute by BW Research Partnership, a labor market research firm, shows there are an estimated 25,528 employers engaged in advanced energy business in the state. Companies surveyed reported they expect to add more than 5,000 new jobs by the end of this year, to reach more than 145,000 total jobs, an expected 4% increase.

The 2016 Advanced Energy Jobs in Florida report can be downloaded here.

“In Florida and around the country, advanced energy has become a significant market segment. That is paying off in jobs for Floridians,” said AEE CEO Graham Richard. “This report also shows that there is more room to grow. That’s good news for advanced energy companies and for the economy of Florida.”

“One of the most exciting things about my job is the opportunity to be a part of a global technology company that is working to help the world run smoothly, smartly, simply, and safely with solutions to increase energy efficiency and lower operating costs,” said Mary-Suzanne Powell, Miami-based area general manager for energy solutions at Johnson Controls, Inc. “We’re growing and hiring — we already have 1,000 people working in Florida and are growing rapidly with opportunities in engineering, project development, funding, project management, measurement and verification, and sales.”

According to the AEE Institute, the new employment figures come as Florida voters consider a ballot initiative that would support expanded growth in solar energy. On Aug. 30, voters will be asked to approve constitutional Amendment #4 on the statewide primary ballot, which, if passed, would extend a property tax exemption for renewable energy devices, including solar, on commercial and residential properties.

The Vote Yes on 4 solar campaign describes the issue and explains the ballot language to interested voters. The ballot initiative was put forth by State Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) along with Representatives Ray Rodrigues (R-Fort Myers) and Lori Berman (D-Boynton Beach), and passed by the Florida legislature in March of this year.

With more than 20 million residents, Florida is the third most populous state in the country and a big consumer of energy. Florida ranks second nationally in retail electricity sales.

Image via Shutterstock

1 thought on “Florida Advanced Energy Industry Claims 140,000 Workers In 2015”

  1. I noticed the the bill was introduced by two Republicans, Have they finally seen the light? Or may be its the rise of sea levels in front of their Estates.

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