ATLANTA - The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) has released the results of its survey, “Green Jobs: Survey of the Energy Industry.” The survey found that 72 percent of respondents believe there will be a shortage of qualified professionals in the energy efficiency and renewable energy fields in the next five years.

Other survey findings include:

• Seventy 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 industries such as energy efficient buildings and construction, renewable electric power, and biofuels development.

• Eighty-eight percent of respondents 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 of respondents indicate that the adoption of energy efficient technologies must be a major part of a national energy policy in order to achieve energy independence.

• Forty-one percent of energy professionals surveyed plan to retire in the next 10 years.

According to Albert Thumann, executive director of the AEE, “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.”

For the full report, go to www.aeecenter.org/shows/PDFs/Survey-GreenEnergyIndustry.pdf. For more information on AEE, visit www.aeecenter.org.

Publication date: 03/09/2009