Jeanne Steffener, Higher ED
Renewable/clean energy is defined as energy gathered from resources that are naturally replenished and include: solar, wind, rain, tides, waves, biomass, radiant energy and geothermal heat. Renewable energy is collected in four (4) important areas: electricity generation, air and water heating/cooling, transportation, and rural (off-grid) energy services.
Renewable energy provides big benefits for our climate, our health and our economy in these forms:
- Minimal or no global warming emission
- Improved public health and environmental quality
- Inexhaustible energy supply
- Jobs and other economic benefits
- Stable energy prices
- A more reliable and resilient energy system
Renewable energy already supports thousands of jobs in the United States and globally. With the increasing use of renewable energy, the potential for enormous job creation will be available as we wean ourselves off of fossil fuel technologies. Job creation in the wind energy industry is employing full-time-equivalent employees in a variety of occupations including manufacturing, project development, construction, turbine installation, operations, maintenance, transportation, logistics, financial, legal, and consulting services. There are over 500 factories in the United States manufacturing parts for wind turbines. The solar industry employs approximately 100,000 people in either full or part-time jobs, in solar manufacturing, installation, and sales and marketing positions. Renewable energies have morphed to include these other technological areas, hydro energy, ocean energy, and bio energy which employ even more workers.
In addition to creating new jobs, increasing our use of renewable energy offers other important economic development benefits. Local governments collect property and income taxes from renewable energy project owners. This revenue supports public services that are vital to the community. Many of these projects are located in rural areas where jobs are sorely needed. Owners of the lands where wind projects are located receive lease payments for power line easements or road right-away. Another possibility of payment maybe earning royalties based on the project’s annual revenues. Other ways that farmers can generate supplemental income is through renewable energy production by producing feedstock for biomass power facilities.
Clean energy careers involve occupations created by energy conservation, alternative energy development, pollution reduction and recycling. A number of colleges and universities now offer specializations and degree programs in various clean energy resource areas. Community colleges can be a great resource for certificates and 2-year degrees offering clean energy credentials. One of the best resources for information on renewable/clean energy education and careers can be found at the U.S. Department of Energy’s website. Check out this information at http://energy.gov/eere/education/colleges-and-universities.
Are you interested in getting in on the ground floor of the renewable energy tipping point? Just pick up your phone and contact the Higher Education Department for more information. You can either call us at 360-716-4888 or email us at highered@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov.