BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – This week marked the American Clean Power Association’s (ACP) second annual American Clean Power Week.
During the week, the clean energy industry was celebrated for powering homes and businesses, creating good-paying jobs, and investing in communities. North Dakota leaders joined in and praised the state’s renewable energy leadership and noted the economic benefits the developments have brought to the state.
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum issued a proclamation declaring August 15-19,2022 as American Clean Power Week. The proclamation noted the economic benefits of renewable energy for North Dakota, including the $8 billion in capital investments from wind, solar, and energy storage projects.
“North Dakota has long been a proud leader in energy production, and renewable energy is opening the door for the state to create a robust economy,” said Brad Barth, Executive Director of Forward Devils Lake Corporation.”As the Executive Director of the Forward Devils Lake Corporation, I am committed to seeing economic growth in our region. I already see this growth in our state’s clean energy industry, which supports 2,200 jobs. ”
During the week, the American Clean Power Association sat down with Shane Jones, Veteran and Wind Tech at Ulteig Engineering, to discuss veteran employment in clean energy. The industry hires veterans at a higher rate than the average U.S. industry, establishing it as a robust job creator for veterans. Watch a recording of the interview here.
“Renewable energy is a great career transition for veterans,” Shane Jones, Veteran and Wind Tech at Ulteig Engineering, said. “Veterans are highly skilled in teamwork, technical knowledge, and leadership, which are all critical to a strong clean energy grid.”
More than 36 percent of North Dakota’s electricity comes from renewable energy sources, the seventh highest in the nation. The clean energy industry supports 2,200 jobs in the state, which is expected to rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, wind turbine technicians and solar panel installers are projected to be the second and fifth fastest-growing careers during the next decade.
“Renewable energy development is the optimal moment to put North Dakotan hands back to work,” said Dale Larson, North Dakota Regional Director for Associated Builders of and Contractors of MN/ND.”These projects invest in our local communities, support private landowners, and attract other business investments in the future. We’re proud to support the growth in this industry that daily empowers our state’s economy.”
“Wind technicians are North Dakota’s energy jobs of the future,” said Jay Johnson, Wind Energy Tech Director at Lake Region State College. “We’ve been a leading energy state since the 1950s, and North Dakota wind techs are going to ensure this great state remains as one of America’s most important power producers.”
North Dakota continues to showcase its clean energy leadership as the industry booms statewide. To get a recap of the nationwide celebration of American Clean Power Week, check out ACP’s Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter and use the hashtags #ACPW22 and #AmericanCleanPowerWeek.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Kristin Sheldon at 605-290-6493 or ksheldon@strategicelements.