NORTH CAROLINA’S GREEN ENERGY ECONOMY CONTINUES RAPID GROWTH, DESPITE RECESSION

 
Firms employ 10,250 workers, maintain a presence in all 100 North Carolina counties and generate more than $3.5 billion in annual revenue
 

RALEIGH, NC – The North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) has released the 2009 North Carolina Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Industries Census, which identified 10,250 green energy jobs in all 100 counties of North Carolina. The annual report was released at NCSEA’s forum, “Growing North Carolina’s Green Energy Economy: Learning, Connecting & Creating Opportunities Together,” which was held at the Charlotte Convention Center on Friday, October 9 with close to 400 attendees from across the state. Click here to download the full report.

Earlier this summer, NCSEA identified and surveyed 1,136 firms potentially meeting these criteria. The firms largely represented businesses, but several state agencies, education outfits, and non-profits were also included. A total of 548 firms met the qualifications and responded to the census’ 23 questions. Another 110 firms indicated they did not meet any of the qualifying criteria.

The 2009 report estimates that the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries employ 10,250 full-time equivalent employees across a broad supply chain in North Carolina. Manufacturers support the greatest percentage of employees – 23% of the reported jobs were with firms that identified manufacturing as most important to their business.

NCSEA estimates that renewable energy and energy efficiency industries generate more than $3.5 billion in annual revenue from North Carolina activities, with the industries maintaining a presence in all 100 North Carolina counties. 

Wake County is leading the state’s green energy economy due to its 141 firms reporting a presence. Mecklenburg County ranks second with 99 firms and Buncombe County ranks third with 57 firms. NCSEA defines a “presence” as having a headquarters, satellite office, manufacturing facility, or remotely located employees. The Research Triangle Region supports 36% of the reporting firms’ headquarters.

More information is available by downloading the full report...



Click here to download the 2009 Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Industries Census.

Click here to download the press release announcing the 2009 Industries Census.

Click here for more information on the 2008 Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Industries Census.