Empowering Maine: The Case for Clean Energy
Maine has a strong, established clean, renewable energy industry, employing thousands of Maine workers and investing billions of dollars in the state. Not only does home-grown clean energy enhance Maine’s energy independence, but it continues to create jobs, stabilize electricity costs, and offer innovative solutions to the challenges of climate change.
Job Creation
The renewable energy industry is a significant job creator, with over 15,000 Maine workers. Maine has the fastest-growing clean energy economy—as measured by new job creation—of any New England state. Local training programs are ensuring that Maine's workforce is prepared for these high-demand positions.
“I use my skills as an electrical engineer to develop tidal and river turbines, right here in Maine, that are used to power off-grid communities across the globe with clean, renewable energy. ”
- Erika Pineo, ORPC, Brunswick
Energy Apprenticeship & Workforce Development Programs in Maine
- IBEW Local 567 Portland Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (Lewiston)
- Northern Maine Community College Wind Power Technology Program (Presque Isle)
- Kennebec Community College Solar Lab (Fairfield)
- ReVision Energy Electrical Apprenticeship Program (Statewide) Portland Adult Education's Renewable Energy Careers Pre-Apprenticeship (Portland)
- Green Jobs for ME (Statewide)
What are Clean Energy Jobs?
They run the gamut—from in-the-office roles in research, development, production and sales, to on-the-ground roles in engineering, construction, and repair.
Maine’s clean energy industry contributed $2.31 billion, or almost 3%, of Maine’s total Gross State Product in 2022.
Stabilizing Energy Costs
Clean energy has a stabilizing effect on energy costs because its fuel sources—sunlight, wind, or the flow of a river—are readily available and free. This results in:
- Consistent production costs
- Less vulnerability to global market fluctuations
- More predictable energy bills for families and businesses alike
"Renewable energy plays an outsized role in Rumford’s economic development plan. We’ve already welcomed energy storage solutions, and solar projects are on the way, providing us with local, sustainable energy options. Adding wind power would complete the trifecta, creating a robust energy portfolio that brings new community investment. This diversified approach positions Rumford as a leader in the clean energy transition, fostering job creation and economic resilience for our residents."
- George O-Keefe, Town Manager & Economic Development Director, Rumford
