Maine's clean energy jobs sector grew again in 2024

Maine’s clean energy sector employed nearly 16,200 workers in 2024 according to a new state report, adding to the thousands of jobs created in energy efficiency, renewable energy and other industries in recent years.

The sector grew faster in Maine between 2020-2024 than any other New England state, the state Department of Energy Resources said.

“Investments in energy efficiency and clean energy make Maine more energy secure by reducing our exposure to volatile global energy markets while creating good-paying jobs and career opportunities for Maine people,” said acting commissioner of the department Dan Burgess in a press release.

The sector grew 4% year-over-year in 2024, outpacing overall job growth and the Maine economy, according to the department. That year is the latest for which data is available, the department added.

Almost 60% of the sector’s workforce were in energy efficiency positions, such has heating and cooling, insulation, lighting or other technologies, the department said.

Other industries included renewable electric power generation, grid modernization and energy storage, renewable fuels and alternative transportation.

Maine plans to weatherize tens of thousands of homes and install 275,000 heat pumps in the next few years in an attempt to meet a goal of reducing greenhouse gas pollution 45% by 2030.

The report reflects Maine’s industry before President Donald Trump’s second term during which the administration has tried to block renewable energy development and stripped federal tax breaks to make homes and businesses more energy efficient.