Gov. Kathy Hochul revealed that a record number of clean energy jobs were created through the end of 2023.

New York state employed 178,000 energy workers, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) 2024 New York Clean Energy Industry Report said — according to a written statement — accumulating 7,700 additional jobs.

“This report showcases the value of the clean energy transition and the tangible impact a thriving clean energy economy has on people’s livelihoods,” Hochul said. “Through a combination of comprehensive workforce development initiatives and programs that are increasing clean energy deployment and reducing emissions from buildings, transportation, and the electric grid, we are fostering more prosperous communities with access to good-paying jobs statewide.”

The report depicts “New York’s clean energy economy grew 5 percent from 2022 to 2023, which is more than double the statewide economic growth rate, and added more than 32,000 jobs since 2016, when NYSERDA first began tracking clean energy jobs.”

The written statement detailed extra conclusions from the report, which are written as follows:

• Clean and alternative transportation jobs grew the fastest at 16%, expanding by 2,100 jobs in just 12 months.
• Electric vehicle charging jobs surged by 27%over the last year, representing one of the fastest growing segments in clean energy.
• The building decarbonization and energy efficiency sector rose by 3%, exceeding its pre-pandemic high, adding nearly 4,000 jobs. It remains the largest source of clean energy jobs, employing more than half of all clean energy workers.
• Grid modernization and energy storage jobs increased by 7%.
• Renewable electric power generation jobs grew by 6%, with more than 1,400 new jobs.
• Roughly one-third of clean energy jobs were in disadvantaged communities, including 2,200 jobs added in 2023.
• Clean energy workers expressed higher job satisfaction than other New York energy workers, with 65% of clean energy workers reporting being “very satisfied” with their career.
  • 93% of clean energy workers anticipated career advancement in the next 12 months.
    • Entry-level clean energy jobs on average paid 12 percent more; and mid-level clean energy jobs paid 7% higher, compared to that same job outside the clean energy industry.
      • Nine in 10 clean energy employers offer healthcare benefits.

“The growth we are seeing in New York’s clean energy job market is reflective of our momentum and unwavering commitment to reducing emissions and protecting the environment in New York state. As the Clean Energy Industry Report details, buildings and transportation added the most jobs last year, furthering the impact of our keen focus on addressing these two sectors that contribute the most to poor air quality statewide,” NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said.