Survey examines pulse, trends for energy industry

The Association of Energy Engineers, a non-profit professional society of more than 9,500 members, released the results of two widespread surveys on the Energy Industry, Energy Jobs & Green-Collar Jobs, Energy Technology Trends and Energy Independence & Policy. The full surveys are available for complimentary download on AEE’s Web site.

Based on nearly 1,000 respondents from experienced Energy Professionals, the survey found:

1. 71 percent of energy professionals surveyed indicate that for U.S. energy independence 10 percent of electricity should be generated from renewable sources by 2012 and 25 percent by 2025.

2. 97 percent of energy professionals surveyed indicate energy-efficient technologies must be a major part of national energy policy in order to achieve energy independence.

3. 84 percent of respondents indicated and increased level of interest from upper management in their company’s energy management strategies.

4. 63 percent of respondents indicated and increased level of interest from upper management in their company’s renewable energy plans.

5. 61 percent indicated their company has a policy to reduce greenhouse gas.

6. 72 percent of energy professionals surveyed indicate a shortage of qualified professionals in the energy efficiency, sustainable and renewable energy fields in the next five years.

7. 70 percent 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 bio fuels development.

8. 41 percent of energy professionals surveyed plan to retire in the next 10 years.

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 32-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."

The Association of Energy Engineers is a 501(c)(6) non-profit professional organization that specializes in training, membership development, chapter development, and certification for professionals practicing in the fields of energy management, renewable energy and green buildings. The mission of AEE is to promote the scientific and educational interests of those engaged in the energy industry and to foster cooperative action in advancing their common purpose.

The complete surveys may be downloaded on a complimentary basis at:
http://www.aeecenter.org/shows/PDFs/SurveyofTheGreenEnergyIndustry.pdf
http://www.aeecenter.org/shows/PDFs/Survey-2009MarketTrends.pdf
or
http://www.aeecenter.org (click on Green Jobs Report or Survey: Energy & Renewable Industry)