Advanced Energy Perspectives

The advanced energy sector has experienced significant job growth in recent years, driven by technology advancements, increased investment in renewable energy sources, and supportive government policies aimed at combating climate change by transitioning away from fossil fuels. Investments in solar, wind, electric vehicles (EVs), and battery storage are creating millions of well-paying jobs across the advanced energy sector. As the advanced energy space continues to flourish, the future of the American workforce will evolve as well, contributing to economic development, energy independence, and positioning the U.S. as a leader in global advanced energy development. 

This year’s California legislative session was filled with twists and turns as lawmakers faced intense pressure to tackle skyrocketing energy bills and prepare the grid for more extreme weather. Amidst these challenges, Advanced Energy United (United) achieved significant victories for advanced energy technologies—but we also experienced some frustrating setbacks in key areas that we will continue to focus on in the coming years. 

Last week at the Pennsylvania State Capitol, Advanced Energy United was joined by state legislators and a coalition of stakeholders advocating for electric school buses and a bill that would allow more school districts in the state to buy them. Legislators experienced the benefits of electric school buses firsthand, riding along in one provided by Steelton-Highspire School District, which procured new buses with funding from the federal government for clean transportation.  

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities held a public stakeholder meeting this week where Advanced Energy United and key allies spoke in favor of opening a prebuild infrastructure solicitation to support the development of offshore wind projects. 

The transmission project would allow 3,742 MW of offshore wind power to connect to the grid, supporting up to four different wind projects. 

Electric vehicles (EVs) continue to soar in popularity and, as they become more commonplace, it’s increasingly important for businesses and decisionmakers to not only understand the benefits, complexities, and future use cases for EVs, but also implement policy solutions to better prepare for the widespread transition to electrified transportation.  

Kicking off today and running through October 6 is National Drive Electric Week (NDEW), which aims to heighten awareness and highlight the benefits of today's widespread availability of all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. NDEW is a celebration of the transformative power of EVs to lower transportation costs for drivers, improve public health, and even improve electricity resilience for households and communities. During NDEW, there are several events hosted in various cities throughout the country, including EV showcases, test drives, presentations, and community engagement activities to educate the public about the advantages and positive economic and environmental impacts of EVs.