The 2015 Rhode Island Clean Energy Jobs Report states that Rhode Island’s clean energy economy currently supports nearly 10,000 jobs and suggests that the state is expected to add approximately 1,600 new clean energy jobs over the next year.
The report, funded by the OER in partnership with Commerce RI and produced by BW Research Partnership, found that 40 percent of the clean energy firms in the Ocean State began providing clean energy services in just the last five years. In addition, the clean energy sector added 613 jobs in the last year. Among other statistics, the clean energy sector illustrates the vitality of small businesses in Rhode Island, with approximately 87 percent of clean energy firms in Rhode Island employ fewer than 25 employees.
“Governor Raimondo and the General Assembly are committed to leading Rhode Island towards a secure, cost-effective, and sustainable energy future,” said Rhode Island Energy Commissioner Marion Gold. “I am pleased to see the addition of over 600 jobs in the clean energy sector last year and encouraged by projections that we are expected to double that figure in the coming year. Investments in this growing part of our economy have created jobs and expanded opportunities. As we look ahead, we must continue to engage public and private stakeholders and invest in this important segment of our state’s economy to drive economic growth opportunities, reduce energy costs and advance our environmental goals.”
“Rhode Island is poised to grow its economy and create more jobs for Rhode Islanders,” said Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce Stefan Pryor. “Included in the just-passed budget are incentives to attract new businesses to Rhode Island and to assist the businesses that are already here in their growth. In multiple cases, such businesses are especially incentivized to adopt sustainable and energy-efficiency practices. Both the economy and the environment will benefit from this budget.”