The Association of Energy Engineers, a nonprofit professional society of over 9,500 members, has released the results of the survey on Green Jobs and Energy Independence.
Based on 962 responses from experienced Energy Professionals, the survey found:
- Seventy-two percent (72%) of Energy Professionals surveyed indicate a shortage of qualified professionals in the energy efficiency and renewable energy fields in the next five years.
- Seventy percent (70%) of Energy Professionals surveyed indicate a need for national and state training for "Green Jobs" to address job shortages that are impairing growth in green industries, such as energy efficient buildings and construction, renewable electric power, energy efficient vehicles and biofuels development.
- Forty-one percent (41%) of Energy Professionals surveyed plan to retire in the next ten years.
- Eighty-eight percent (88%) of Energy Professionals surveyed indicate that there is a need for a national energy policy for energy independence, which must include the encouragement of energy supplies from a multitude of sources, including nuclear energy, renewable energy, and off-shore drilling.
- Ninety-seven percent (97%) of Energy Professionals surveyed indicate that the adoption of energy efficient technologies must be a major part of a national energy policy in order to achieve energy independence.
According to Albert Thumann, Executive Director of the Association of Energy Engineers, "The need to develop qualified energy professionals servicing the green energy marketplace has never been greater. During the thirty-two year history of the Association of Energy Engineers, I have never seen a more crucial time to implement programs to create green jobs and train energy professionals to reduce dependence on foreign oil and provide stimulus for the economy."
