A coalition of solar, wind, hydropower, storage and efficiency organizations representing all major clean energy industries today announced unified support for inclusion and equity across all operations.
“Clean energy offers an abundant, healthy and sustainable future – for everyone,” said Chris Nichols, Executive Director of Renewables Forward, leader of the coalition. “Together the clean energy industry celebrates and affirms the vibrant range of cultures, languages, traditions, and identities that we each bring to our communities and our workplaces.”
To champion a just energy and social transformation in the United States, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the American Clean Power Association (ACP), the National Hydropower Association (NHA), the Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) and the American Council for Renewable Energy (ACORE) have formed a united coalition to take joint action driving diversity, inclusion, equity and access in their industries. Their efforts center on improved business performance and behavioral practices that achieve more rapid DEI adoption while reducing time, confusion and redundancy between their industries. The coalition plans to launch a dedicated, comprehensive DEI resource this fall to support rapid DEI adoption.
“Diversity in energy sources, individual capacities and perspectives offers true strength for this nation,” said Jason Grumet, CEO of ACP. “Our collaboration will not only help shape a future-ready workforce but also contribute to a more sustainable and equitable society.”
“Building cultures that welcome all talent and continuing to invest in education is not just the right thing to do – it’s smart business,” said Abigail Hopper, CEO of SEIA. According to several reports, businesses with diverse workforces are more profitable, resilient and innovative than less diverse competitors.
Workforce needs and economic development underpin the clean energy coalition, which stresses the need for shared opportunity. “Our phenomenal growth is based on trusted partnerships with communities across the country,” said Hopper. “Solar delivers clean energy, strong careers and economic vitality. We work every day to help build wealth wherever the sun shines.”
Many more workers will be needed by US firms to support the demand for clean energy. The US Department of Energy and industry groups estimate that up to 1.2 million new workers may be needed by 2032 to meet US clean energy growth. Introducing young people to the opportunities in clean energy can help attract a new generation.
For hydropower, one of the earliest renewable sources of electricity, it’s a matter of reintroduction. 1101 Connecticut Avenue NW, Floor 2 | Washington, DC 20036 | www.RenewablesForward.org “Waterpower offers an incredible variety of careers that focus on making the earth better,” said Malcolm Woolf, CEO of the National Hydropower Association. “By investing in education and community service and partnering with community colleges and minority serving institutions, we can open the door to students from all backgrounds and welcome them in solving real-world problems.”
Corporate buyers now control more than 183 gigawatts of energy in the United States, according to recent figures from CEBA. Electric vehicles, data server farms, crypto currency, and AI technologies demand large amounts of electricity. That kind of demand can influence system change for the good of all, according to Rich Powell, CEO of CEBA. “Corporate buyers of clean energy bring powerful resources to the table for community empowerment, ethical investment and shared equity. We won’t back down on our commitment to raise all boats in this economy.”
Continued emphasis on policy and regulation can work together with a focus on human progress. “Transforming our economic system requires dedicated, intentional investment in all of our people,” said Ray Long, Executive Director of ACORE. “Technology will continue to advance; at ACORE, we also champion the human spirit to deliver a just transformation.”