It’s still a tough job market for many people in many sectors. Politicians and policymakers speak of job creation, but if they are serious about that, they have to recognize the jobs and job-creation potential in the renewable energy sector. The renewable energy sector has helped to replace jobs lost when other manufacturing sectors and technical trades moved to other countries.
Wind is a big part of this. Power of Wind reports: “With $15 billion in annual investment, the US wind industry has supported an average of 73,000 construction, manufacturing and other well-paying jobs.”
Wind energy has become a passion in many people’s lives now, providing a brighter future for their children and their children’s children. Their jobs are doubly rewarding — being part of a greater transition from fossil fuel addiction to renewable sources of energy. Wind technicians have an office in fields sometimes hundreds of feet in the air. They work a stimulating day of challenges and adaptation, but with a breathtaking view.
Pat DeFilipp, Project Manager at Reed and Reed in Maine calls wind power an economic shot in the arm. It is a nice clean industry to help any local economy. Stetson Wind, one of the largest wind projects in New England ($50 million spent in 100 different Maine companies), kept workers in the state, something many people there have appreciated (even far beyond the employees).
Wind power project field technicians take action to protect wildlife and preserve habitat at over 50 wind farms across the nation. The wind techs are the eyes and the ears of the program.
“Recently, Environmental Coordinator Shawn Bertrand was awarded for his exemplary service carrying out Iberdrola Renewables’ Avian and Bat Protection Policy,” the video below notes. “At Klondike, wildlife and habitat conservation are as important as leading the transformation to a competitive, clean energy future. This unified effort is part of Iberdrola Renewables’ Legacy of Caring.”
Thinking of investing in wind? A commenter on the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) Facebook page noted that, after he installed his own turbine on his property, his profit at $6oo/month made more sense than a stock market property.
A previous CleanTechnica post, “Wind Jobs Are For Winners,” quotes Ecotech Institute: “Scaling a 300-foot ladder. Working on a 15,000-pound transmission. Seeing the open landscape of this beautiful country. Those are the kind of things wind technicians look forward to every day. These people have ditched the desk to start a career in a growing field that takes them outdoors to do rewarding work—while doing something good for the earth.”
That quote is from a page offering a free ebook on starting a career in the wind industry, in case you’re getting inspired to jump into the field.
A vast majority of Americans want to transition to wind and renewable energy — fossil fuels remain a hindrance, resulting in premature deaths and the horrible things that precede that.
Source: http://cleantechnica.com/2014/12/01/wind-industry-economic-shot-arm/
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