Florida Daily published AEE’s Ebo Entsuah's opinion piece on Florida’s opportunity to bolster economic recovery through championing advanced energy. Read excerpts below and the full piece here.

As Florida works toward economic recovery from the crisis wrought by COVID-19, we have an opportunity to champion something that will bring in jobs and jump-start our economy: deploying advanced energy, like energy efficiency, solar, energy storage and electric vehicles...

Since last year, advanced energy employment is down 14 percent due to the impacts of COVID-19, but the prior growth demonstrates the industry’s ability to contribute to a robust economic recovery. An analysis commissioned by Advanced Energy Economy found that potential federal stimulus funds invested in advanced energy technologies would generate a 4-to-1 return on the public investment for the Florida economy.

Looking toward the upcoming 2021 legislative session, which starts on Tuesday, here are three things Florida could do to capitalize on advanced energy and bring new jobs and investment to the state:

Electric Vehicles: Last year, the Legislature passed SB 7018, which requires the development of a statewide master plan for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The governor’s proposed budget allocates $30 million for the implementation of the State Mitigation Plan, which would reduce diesel emissions and provide funds for electric buses and charging infrastructure.

Meeting Commercial and Industrial Demand for Renewable Energy: Next, Florida should provide more ways for companies in the state to buy renewable energy. A recent Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) report projects that developing enough renewable energy to meet corporate demand in Florida through 2030 could create 48,000 jobs and drive more than $1 billion per year in capital investment…

Advanced Energy for All: Finally, the governor and Legislature should help local governments, schools, and families take advantage of the benefits of advanced energy. Through consumer education and modest financial incentives, the state could stimulate investments in energy efficiency, demand response, solar power, and other advanced energy technologies… 

Read the full piece here.