Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s 2023 Industry Report finds that the clean energy industry has reached a similar size as restaurant and higher education industries
Report underscores need for further state investment via Governor Healey’s Mass Leads Act in the industry to remain competitive
BOSTON – Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) today released its 2023 Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry Report, which highlights that the clean energy industry is home to over 108,000 direct clean energy workers, having grown 80 percent since 2010. The industry contributed more than $14 billion to the Gross State Product (GSP) in 2022, a 63 percent increase since 2012. It also shows that 7,315 clean energy businesses exist across the state. In terms of direct jobs, the clean energy industry is on par with both the higher education and restaurant industries in Massachusetts yet exceeds both industries’ economic contribution to indirect and induced jobs and GSP. The report indicates clean energy employers were optimistic, estimating to hire roughly 5,900 additional employees in 2023.
MassCEC’s 2023 report also found that 74 percent of clean energy jobs and businesses are located outside of Route 128 and 58 percent of clean energy firms are small businesses (10 or fewer workers). A majority (71 percent) of clean energy workers are employed in energy efficiency, demand management, and clean heating and cooling jobs.
“The clean energy industry is thriving in Massachusetts and it’s important that we continue that growth,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This is a rapidly evolving industry with many states competing for companies through tax credits and state investment. The Mass Leads Act will help us keep our competitive edge and lengthen our lead in the clean energy and climatetech industries.”
“This report shows that the clean energy industry has roots in every corner of our state, from North Adams to New Bedford,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “Regional equity is central to our plans for economic development. We want to see companies big and small set up shop across the state and know they have a stake in developing solutions to climate change.”
“The solutions to the world’s climate crisis are being built in Massachusetts,” said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Rebecca Tepper. “Offshore wind, solar, storage, and the many other companies that support renewable energy are helping Massachusetts become energy independent. And with that comes thousands of lucrative jobs and fulfilling career paths for our residents.”
“This year’s industry report confirms what we’re seeing on the ground in communities across Massachusetts – the clean energy industry is vibrant and thriving,” said Massachusetts Clean Energy Center CEO Dr. Emily Reichert. “These findings will inspire the work we have ahead as we strive to make Massachusetts the climate innovation lab for the world, create tens of thousands of good paying jobs, and achieve our climate goals for 2030 and beyond.”
Since 2010, the Massachusetts clean energy industry has experienced 80 percent job growth, adding 48,176 new workers. This report also includes data from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s Workforce Needs Assessment that projected that Massachusetts needs to add about 38,000 more clean energy workers to meet its 2030 climate goals. Of those additional jobs, 82 percent are projected to be middle- to high-wage jobs with a median hourly wage of $36.58 (based on today’s dollars).
To address this need, the Healey-Driscoll Administration recently filed the Mass Leads Act, an economic development bond bill which represents a significant stride towards providing essential investments in the clean energy sector, crucial for the industry's expansion. By allocating resources to workforce development, technology research, and offshore wind projects, this legislation offers critical support to continue propelling the industry forward.
Released annually by MassCEC since 2010, the report includes data from December 2022. MassCEC’s methodology for the report, developed with BW Research Partnership, has been replicated by several other states and the U.S. Department of Energy.
About the Mass Leads Act’s Climatetech Investments
As a part of her Mass Leads Act economic development bill, Governor Healey proposed a $1 billion, 10-year climatetech initiative to make Massachusetts the climate innovation lab for the world. The initiative includes:
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Capital Funding: The bill provides significant capital resources to MassCEC for the first time. Bond authorizations can support research and development, innovation, manufacturing, commercialization, and the deployment of climatetech technologies, including offshore wind, across Massachusetts.
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Tax Incentives: The bill authorizes funding for tax incentives, which will help ensure the state is competitive in attracting and retaining these businesses. The initiative proposes to establish a new Climatetech Tax Incentive Program to enable the state to invest in climatetech companies, expand employment opportunities and support research and development. The bill also seeks to continue implementation of the newly-created Offshore Wind Tax Credit and proposes some strategic changes to further grow the program.
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Operating Funding: This ten-year strategy underscores the critical importance of annual operating support through the state budget process for MassCEC, which is instrumental in fostering the climatetech industry and training a clean energy workforce. Operating funds will enable MassCEC to deploy stable programming and initiatives to reach areas that capital programs and tax incentives aren’t able to reach. This includes workforce development initiatives, internships, strategic partnerships, and operations.
About MassCEC
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center is a state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of the climatetech sector across the Commonwealth to spur job creation, deliver statewide environmental benefits, and secure long-term economic opportunities for the people of Massachusetts.
Since 2010, MassCEC has awarded over $650 million in programs and investments and attracted more than $2.5 billion in private and federal capital. The organization has connected nearly 6,000 college and vocational interns with over 600 clean energy and climatetech employers.