This report examines the craft-level professional skills required to support the U.S. energy transition, providing an initial look at some of the electric sector craft labor demand implied by a 50% reduction in economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The study starts by developing a regional characterization of the current state of the skilled workforce versus current demands. It then explores potential electric sector workforce gaps implied by rapid decarbonization of the power generation sector and accelerated economy-wide electrification. This report identifies potential strategies and policies the construction industry and electric companies could consider to help ensure that an adequately sized and skilled workforce is available to support interim decarbonization goals.
Authors Thomas F. Wilson, Robin Bedilion, Neil Kern, and Todd Gorgian