Energy and sustainability may be trendy and buzz-worthy, but they're also growth industries for North Carolina. For one thing, electric utilities are encountering pressure to seek alternative sources to fossil fuel and improve traditional power-generation methods. Competitors in the alternate energy field are marketing their innovations and building infrastructure, and both consumers and businesses need ways to be more energy efficient. For these and other reasons, the employment outlook will continue to be strong.
Consider that:
- The clean energy economy grew by 9.1 percent between 1998 and 2007, compared to growth of just 3.7 percent in traditional jobs. Occupations in clean energy and sustainability will grow by 52 percent between 2000 and 2016 compared with careers in other industries, which are expected to see a workforce increase of 14 percent.
- North Carolina ranks 11th in the country in the biofuels energy development, producing more than 2 billion kilowatt hours per year from landfill gas, biomass and wood combined.
- Energy utilities are often among the largest employers in their communities and have a positive impact on local and state economies. More than 100 separately organized electric utilities serve North Carolina, including consumer-owned cooperatives, investor-owned utilities, and city governments.
- Natural gas companies have created (directly and indirectly) approximately 73,000 jobs in North Carolina, and have an economic impact of approximately $4.9 billion.
Why North Carolina?
In addition to having a rich network of research universities with specialties in engineering, geology, hydrology, natural resources, forestry, agriculture and other energy and sustainability related fields, North Carolina has both a business-friendly reputation and a legacy of progressive policies related to environmental protection.
Consider also that:
- North Carolina is poised to have the largest electric utility in the country with the pending merger of Duke Power and Progress Energy, which has the potential to attract more business partners to the state, stimulate economic activity and create jobs.
- Durham, NC, is home to light bulb innovator Cree, which launched the first blue LED light in 1988.
- The city of Charlotte recently announced "Envision", a $5.3 million public-private partnership aimed at cutting energy use in the city's downtown by 20 percent in five years.
- North Carolina boasts the nation's only agency working comprehensively over time for all aspects of biofuels development. The North Carolina Biofuels Center is a private non-profit developing a large-scale, statewide biofuels industry sector to provide alternatives to imported petroleum fuels. The Center assists in the science, growing, production and logistics of biofuels.
- In 2007, North Carolina became the first Southeastern state to adopt the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio which requires all investor-owned utilities to meet a minimum of 12.5 percent of their energy requirements through renewable energy sources or measures of energy efficiency.
A win-win for students and employers
Companies in the energy and sustainability sectors need workers with strong STEM backgrounds. Whiles a few jobs might still be available for students with just a high school degree, almost all of the best-paying positions require at least technical training, a two-year degree, or a four-year degree or higher. All require proficiency in the language of science and technology and, often, a desire to work outside. North Carolina students with an interest in energy and sustainability are likely to find the training and education opportunities for these fields at a state community college or four-year university.
Career opportunities in energy and sustainability
Students who love geology, enjoy lab experiments, like fixing and making things, care about the environment, are good with tools and machines, and enjoy the outdoors might be a good fit for jobs in energy and sustainability. Job categories in these industries include engineers of just about every type, hydrologist, geologist, solar panel installer, architect, forester, farmer, industrial designer, computer programmer, research scientist, electrician, and technician.
Student resources for energy and sustainability:
- US Department of Energy: Explanation of the various career types in the industry, published by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a service of the US Department of Energy.
- Occupational Outlook Quarterly: Occupational outlook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics on electricity and power-related jobs
- Political Economy Research Institute: Job opportunities for the green economy, including breakdowns by fields/job types.
- Environmental Career Center: The Environmental Career Center offers guidance and resources, including a journal.
- NC State University: Degree programs and career opportunities courtesy of the College of Natural Resources, NC State University.
- Duke University: Undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered by the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University.
Opportunities and resources for companies in these industries
STEM schools in the energy and sustainability affinity network need input from companies in these industries in order to design cutting-edge curricula and create engaging and relevant learning opportunities.
In addition to serving on one of the Industry Innovation Councils , company executives can contribute to the success of STEM schools by offering student internships and teacher externships; providing job shadowing opportunities; and contributing real-world problems for students to tackle in class.
Considering locating in North Carolina or new to the state? Here are some helpful resources related to energy and sustainability:
- NC Sustainable Energy Association: North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association is a membership-based organization devoted to sustainable energy research and practices.
- NC Green Chamber of Commerce: The state chapter of the Green Chamber of Commerce, with resources and advocacy focused on businesses in the "green" economy.
- NC Energy Division: Information, resources and services offered through the North Carolina Department of Commerce by the North Carolina Energy Office.
Resources and opportunities for teachers
As the best teachers know–and as the North Carolina New Schools puts into practice–students learn best when they can apply classroom knowledge. For teachers looking to inject more relevance into their science and math curricula or pursue professional development options, the energy and sustainability fields can spark students – imaginations:
- Resources for Educators: A helpful portal offered by the North Carolina Division of Natural Resources – Environmental Education section.
- Engineer Girl!: Teen-friendly, non-gender specific information and activities for students with a potential interest in the many types of engineering careers, sponsored by the National Academy of Engineering.
- The Energy Story: Teaching tools and guides courtesy of the California Energy Commission's Energy Quest division
- FREE: Offers teaching tools and resources for numerous energy and other science related topics; sponsored by Federal Resources for Educational Excellence.
- Teachers' Domain: Activities and curriculum from Teachers' Domain, which receives funding from the National Science Foundation.
- Biofuels Center of North Carolina: Information on how to plan a field trip to the center or one of its outposts plus other useful content.
Energy and Sustainability Affinity Network Schools
Current and soon-to-open STEM high schools in North Carolina with an energy and sustainability focus:
- Avery County High School STEM Academy
- Charlotte STEM High School (in planning)
- Edgecombe Early College High School
- Southern School of Engineering
- Tri-County Early College High School
- Wake NC State University STEM Early College High School
