The Maryland Clean Energy Industry Report, prepared by BW Research and NASEO with support and guidance from the Maryland Energy Administration, represents the first annual assessment of Maryland’s clean energy economy. Based in clean energy employment data collected from 2016 to 2020, it offers a baseline assessment of the state’s clean energy workforce as well as insights into the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on industry activity.
Key findings of the report include:
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Prior to the pandemic, Maryland experienced significant growth in the clean energy sector, which accounted for one in 10 new jobs in Maryland between 2016 and 2019.
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Between the last quarters of 2019 and 2020, Maryland’s clean energy sector declined by 7.8 percent, or 6,900 jobs, wiping out more than four years of progressive growth; yet, the state’s clean energy market is rebounding as of the end of 2020.
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Nearly half (45%) of clean energy jobs in Maryland re in three counties (Montgomery, Baltimore, and Prince George’s) and nearly 10% are in Baltimore City.
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Many clean energy positions earn higher wages compared to statewide averages, particularly in the entry-level positions, where clean energy electricians, plumbers, iron and steel workers, and HVAC mechanics earn upwards of 60 percent more than the average entry-level worker in Maryland.
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Energy efficiency and clean energy generation are the largest and second largest sources of clean energy jobs, respectively; yet the solar workforce has experienced decline in 2016, which may be the result of declining annual installed capacities in the state.
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With two offshore wind projects in the development pipeline (the MarWind and Skipjack wind farms, which are set to come online in 2030), Maryland’s wind energy sector is likely to create jobs over the next several years.
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The only sub-sectors without job losses, the hybrid electric and electric vehicle sub-sectors, did not see employment drop between 2019 and 2020; in fact, they grew by 21 and 16 percent, respectively, from 2016 to 2020.
To view the full report, please click here.