Clean Energy Jobs Continue Growth in Indiana

(photo courtesy: Wes Mills)

A new report from Indiana Advanced Energy Economy suggests the number of jobs in the advanced energy sector continues to grow in the Hoosier state. The report shows Indiana had nearly 91,000 people working in advanced energy in 2019, with significant growth in solar and energy storage jobs.

The number of advanced energy jobs is about 25,000 more than the number of jobs in auto parts manufacturing in Indiana.

“With 91,000 advanced energy jobs in Indiana…advanced energy has solidified its position as a significant segment of Indiana’s workforce and economy,” said Caryl Auslander, director of Indiana AEE. “Given the trends we see — strong demand for advanced energy technologies, the broad transition away from coal and plans by Indiana utilities to invest in lower-cost renewables, energy storage, and energy efficiency — the advanced energy industry is ready to be a key partner to drive economic growth as we recover from the devastating impacts of COVID-19.”

Overall, advanced energy employment in Indiana increased 0.3% last year, which is on par with the state’s overall job growth of 0.4%

The report says solar energy jobs increased 9% and energy storage jobs increased 4% over the previous year. Jobs in advanced vehicles fell 4% in 2019 after rising 18% in 2018.

When surveyed in December 2019, employers expected a 2% job growth in 2020, however the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have an impact on the number of jobs in the advanced energy sector in Indiana.

The top five counties for advanced energy jobs include Marion (16,800), Lake (6,200), Elkhart (6,000), Allen (5,400), and Hamilton (4,200).

You can connect to the report by clicking here. We’ll have more about the report, including an interview with Caryl Auslander, in the next edition of the INPower e-newsletter.

Advanced Energy Economy is a national public policy advocacy group for the energy sector.