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Fox Business News reported the story here.

ELPC is proud to launch PlugInChicagoMetro.org, a new online tool to help educate consumers about electric cars available in the Chicagoland area in 2012. The website includes comparative, interactive information about the seven makes/models of plug-in electric cars that are now or soon will be available for purchase in the Chicagoland area, as well as information about electric rates, charging options, tax incentives, and links to resources throughout the Midwest region. Visit the site today!

The solar and wind industries provide over 12,000 jobs in Wisconsin. This job growth has been supported for years by utility incentives and state policies like Wisconsin’s Renewable Portfolio Standard and Focus on Energy Program. However, Wisconsin’s recent political and policy shifts have undermined clean energy development and job creation.

“Wind and solar energy development have created new jobs and business growth that Wisconsin needs,” said ELPC Executive Director Howard Learner. “With over 250 local companies ready to grow, Wisconsin’s leaders should be looking for ways to advance public policies that encourage renewable energy development and progress in the state.”

ELPC surveyed businesses statewide to identify Wisconsin companies that are actively participating in the renewable energy supply chain. The list includes steelmakers, electrical component manufacturers, engineering firms and other longstanding businesses that are profiting from renewable energy development, as well as start-ups and small businesses developing cutting edge clean energy technology.  For example:

Caleffi sells solar thermal systems and components from its Milwaukee office. “Solar is a real job creator in Wisconsin and across the United States and one of the biggest generators of growth for Caleffi,” said Rex Gillespie Caleffi’s Director of Marketing.

Oshkosh-based wind manufacturing company Renewegy builds and installs light commercial wind turbines. The company plans to add 50 new employees in the coming years. “Not only do we manufacture and employ workers here in Oshkosh, but 90 percent of our components are sourced from Midwestern partners,” said Dana Enz, Renewegy’s VP of Sales. “As we grow, they grow.”

Smart state and local policies can make a big difference in creating economic development and new jobs for the solar and wind sector. Helios recently opened Wisconsin’s first solar panel manufacturing plant in Milwaukee. Low-interest loans provided by the state and the City of Milwaukee convinced Helios to locate in Wisconsin. “The Midwest is getting close to becoming a real solar hotspot,” said Helios’ General Manager Brent Brucker. “A little more foresight on the part of a state legislatures and this region could really take off.”

As part of its effort to promote economic growth and environmental progress through clean energy development, ELPC has also completed wind and solar supply chain studies for Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Ohio. Across these five states, ELPC has identified more than 1,000 clean energy businesses employing over 50,000 people.

To download a copy of the report visit www.elpc.org/WisconsinEnergy

Solar This ELPC report finds that Wisconsin is home to more than 250 wind and solar supply chain businesses that are tied to more than 12,000 Wisconsin jobs. Old-line manufacturing companies are re-tooling to supply growing markets for clean energy equipment. July 2011 Illinois Wind

Solar

Geothermal This ELPC report finds that over 300 Illinois companies are working in the wind, solar or geothermal energy industries and employing over 18,000 people in the state. From old-line steel fabricators to high-tech start-ups, renewable energy is powering job growth and launching Illinois to the forefront of the green economy. April 2011 Michigan Wind

Solar This ELPC report finds there are 121 Michigan businesses working in solar energy and 120 companies involved in wind power. From old-line manufacturing  companies retooling for this growing market to high tech R&D, renewable energy is driving business growth in Michigan.  Solar and Wind power provide over 10,000 jobs in Michigan.  The state ranks fourth in the nation for number of jobs in the solar industry and first in the nation for clean energy patents.

Listen: ELPC Briefing January 2011 Ohio Wind

Solar This ELPC report finds that 106 Ohio companies are doing business with the wind power industry and 63 Ohio companies are part of the solar energy supply chain. Ohio’s strong manufacturing base and skilled workforce, together with supportive policies and smart investments have helped make Ohio a center for clean energy manufacturing. From major companies like First Solar and Cardinal Fastener to over 100 small manufacturers, developers and service firms; clean energy means business for Ohio.

Coverage: Columbus Dispatch

Coverage: Toledo Blade
November 2010 Iowa Wind This ELPC report finds that Iowa’s wind power supply chain comprises 80 Iowa companies with a total of over 2,300 employees in manufacturing alone.  The state ranks second nationally in total wind energy generation. With local manufacturers building everything from huge turbine blades to small electrical components, and service firms providing maintenance, legal, marketing and other support to the industry, wind power means business for Iowa.

The report states that a commitment to business development combined with tax incentives, a skilled workforce and a central location have helped make Iowa a leader in the wind industry.

Listen: ELPC Briefing

Coverage: Cedar Rapids Gazette
November 2010 Illinois Wind This ELPC report finds that more than 100 Illinois companies with a total of over 15,000 employees. These companies range from old-line manufacturers who are retooling to build wind turbine components for the new clean energy economy to corporate headquarters for major wind power developers, to software, financial and support services.

Listen: ELPC’s Briefing

Coverage: Chicago Sun Times
]]> http://elpc.org/2011/07/31/supplychainreports/feed 2 http://elpc.org/2011/07/21/quad-city-times-clean-energy-employs-18k-in-illinois http://elpc.org/2011/07/21/quad-city-times-clean-energy-employs-18k-in-illinois#comments Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:44:53 +0000 Kcoleman http://elpc.org/2011/07/21/quad-city-times-clean-energy-employs-18k-in-illinois Check out this article about ELPC’s new publication, The Clean Energy Supply Chain in Illinois: Wind, Solar & Geothermal.

Read an article in the Chicago Sun-Times: Alternative energy companies grow jobs, presence in Chicago area

Read an article in the Chicago Tribune: New study defines, identifies green jobs in U.S.