Propelled by 33 new large-scale clean energy projects over the past two years, clean energy and clean vehicle companies in Georgia added nearly 4,000 jobs last year, bringing the total number of clean energy workers in the state to more than 82,000 according to the second annual Clean Jobs Georgia analysis released today by the national, nonpartisan business group E2, in partnership with Georgia Solar Energy Association and the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance. Clean energy sectors now account for nine times more jobs than the fossil fuel industry in Georgia.

Boosted by a nation-leading 33 new large scale clean energy projects announced since unprecedented industry incentives were passed in the federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in August 2022, clean energy jobs in the state grew five percent last year – more than four times faster than economy-wide jobs in Georgia, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). More than $15 billion in investments have been committed by companies to build the new facilities and manufacturing hubs in Georgia and nationwide, $131 billion for 360 major new clean energy projects have been announced, according to the latest Clean Economy Works tracking analysis also released by E2 today.

A previous E2 report analyzed the full economic impact of the new clean energy projects announced in Georgia following the passage of industry incentives, finding the projects would add $17 billion to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) and support 39,800 jobs during construction. During operation, the projects would generate an addition $1.1 billion annually to the state’s GDP and support 8,500 jobs.

Nationally, Georgia ranks 15th among all 50 states and the District of Columbia in overall clean energy jobs. Energy efficiency remains the top overall clean energy employer with 58,000 workers, followed by renewable energy (11,100 jobs) and clean vehicles (7,800 jobs). More than half of the state’s clean energy workers are employed in construction.

Locally, the Atlanta metro has the most clean energy jobs in the state (53,100), followed by Augusta (3,500) and Savannah (2,178). About 15 percent of the state’s clean energy workers (11,900 jobs) are in rural or nonmetropolitan areas.

To learn more about the breakdown of clean energy jobs around the United States, please visit E2’s interactive map at cleanjobsamerica.e2.org, which provides additional insight into industry breakdowns and job totals for counties and metros.

Zach Amittay, E2 Southeast Advocate said:

“The historic federal clean energy investments made in 2022 are transforming Georgia’s clean energy industry, and workers and businesses in every part of our state are benefiting. This report clearly shows clean energy continues to be an important economic driver for the state and demonstrates the opportunity for leadership at the state level to attract even more jobs and investments to Georgia as the sector grows across the country.”

Christopher Matos-Rogers, Georgia Solar Energy Association Co-Chair said:

“Georgia’s economic growth due to clean energy is a major win for the Peach State and the Southeast as a whole.  Solar is an outstanding renewable energy source for states with an abundance of sunshine, like Georgia.  We need to continue to foster collaborative efforts between renewable energy companies, state governments, communities and property owners, as we seek to lower our carbon footprint and to create new career opportunities.”

Aimee Skrzekut, Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance President & CEO said:

“The continued growth of Georgia’s energy sector is a testament to the power of federal investments and the collaborative efforts driving innovation across the state. As energy jobs outpace the state’s overall job growth, we’re witnessing the benefits of energy efficiency in action. At SEEA, we are proud to support these efforts, helping communities and businesses thrive. With Georgia leading the way in large-scale projects, the Southeast is well-positioned to be at the forefront of energy innovation, driving economic opportunity for all.”

Other Highlights:

• Georgia’s clean vehicle industry has grown 20 percent since 2020
• Renewable generation jobs have grown nearly 25 percent since 2020
• Jobs in clean fuels have grown over 35 percent since 2020
• Clean energy sectors accounted for 38 percent of all energy jobs in the state
• Georgia ranks 9^th among all states for jobs in storage and grid modernization