Annual report commissioned by the Governor’s Energy Office found Maine’s clean energy sector leads New England in job growth
March 6, 2025
Augusta, MAINE – The Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) today announced that clean energy jobs are continuing to grow in Maine, according to the latest Maine Clean Energy Industry Report (PDF link).
The report, an independent analysis that uses data from the U.S. Department of Energy, finds that clean energy jobs in Maine have reached nearly 15,600, growing at a rate nearly twice that of the state’s overall workforce since 2019. Clean energy jobs are on the rise in nearly all Maine counties, with rural counties experiencing the most growth.
According to the report, Somerset County has the highest percentage of clean energy jobs compared to its total workforce; Piscataquis County experienced a 46 percent increase in clean energy jobs between 2020 and 2023, the largest in the state; and Penobscot County added 335 total clean energy jobs between 2020 and 2023, the most of any county.
The report, commissioned annually by GEO to analyze the sector’s workforce, has found that the growth of Maine’s clean energy sector has outpaced that of other New England states to contribute nearly $3 billion to the state’s economy in 2023.
“The clean energy sector is playing an increasingly important role in Maine’s economy, contributing billions and providing a steady stream of good job opportunities for Maine people,” said Dan Burgess, Director of the Maine Governor’s Energy Office. “Recent growth in Maine’s clean energy economy has not only helped to reduce energy costs for Maine people and businesses but has also created important new career pathways and opportunities for people with different skills from across the state.”
“Maine’s growing clean energy workforce offers a wide variety of quality career opportunities, with pathways to in-demand occupations such as electricians, heat pump installers, and weatherization technicians,” said Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman. “We are seeing a deep interest in these skilled trades that both meet employer needs and advance Maine’s climate and housing goals. Proven workforce development programs such as registered apprenticeships are particularly effective in connecting people with these opportunities.”
"A key sector in Maine’s 10-Year Economic Development Strategy, clean energy’s continued growth is an encouraging sign for Maine’s long-term economic health and stability,” said Heather Johnson, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development. “Through increased energy independence and efficiency, Maine can achieve more stable prices and job growth.”
“Clean energy has created family-sustaining jobs and driven significant economic development across Maine in recent years,” said Senator Mark Lawrence and Representative Melanie Sachs, co-chairs of the Maine Legislature's Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee. “As Maine moves closer to meeting its clean energy goals, demand for this type of work is expected to continue, and the state has an opportunity to continue its leadership in the sector for years to come.”
“Maine has significant economic opportunity in clean energy, energy efficiency, and ultimately creating an affordable and clean energy economy,” said Patrick Woodcock, President and CEO of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. “The Maine State Chamber of Commerce looks forward to continuing to partner with Governor Mills and the Maine Legislature to create cost-effective clean energy and energy efficiency programs that save businesses and households money and advance Maine’s ongoing efforts to be a climate leader.”
The report analyzes employment across five key clean energy sectors, including energy efficiency, clean power generation, transportation, grid and storage, and renewable fuels. Of those sectors, the largest was energy efficiency, which accounted for over 9,000 jobs or nearly 60 percent of Maine's clean energy workforce. Energy efficiency jobs include heat pump installation and maintenance, weatherization services, and traditional HVAC, among other related professions.
Supported by the Governor’s Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, GEO launched the Clean Energy Partnership, a clean energy workforce and innovation initiative that works with other state agencies, employers, schools and colleges, and workforce training organizations to expand employment opportunities in the clean energy sector to reach Governor Mills’ goal of 30,000 clean energy jobs by 2030.
Through the Partnership, GEO supports workforce training programs that will ensure Maine people have the skills and resources to build careers in the clean energy field. Since 2022, GEO has awarded nearly $5 million in grants to support clean energy workforce development programs to attract new workers, provide career training and upskilling, and facilitate entry into the clean energy job market. In 2023, the office awarded $1.3 million in grants to support clean energy innovation through new business accelerator and incubator programs across the state.
Last year, GEO launched the Maine Clean Energy Jobs Network, an online job board that connects jobs seekers with Maine-based clean energy employers and training programs. The website currently lists dozens of open positions, employers, and training opportunities located across the state.
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