Energy Projects Should Create Local Opportunity
As clean energy continues to be developed, one thing is often overlooked: who’s going to take care of it all?
Solar and battery systems are only as powerful as the people who install, operate, and maintain them. That’s why investing in local energy training and workforce development isn’t optional… It’s essential.
But what if every energy project also trained local residents to become experts?
We’ve seen it work and work very well. From Tribes like Menominee Nation to small towns throughout the Midwest, communities that prioritize training during project development end up with more control, more jobs, and longer-lasting systems.
Too often, renewable energy projects are built by outside crews and left behind with little local knowledge or capacity. That means communities can end up relying on someone else every time there’s a problem.
Building Energy Stewards, Not Just Installers
We need to grow more than just labor. We need to grow energy stewards:
People who understand the systems, care about their communities, and can lead the way toward energy independence.
This could look like:
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- Solar installation and battery storage training
- Paid apprenticeships with local utilities or energy companies
- School programs that introduce clean energy careers
- Certifications and pathways for long-term employment
The Future Belongs to the Communities Who Own It
The clean energy future isn’t just about switching to renewables or developing more sustainable infrastructure; it’s about making sure the benefits stay local.
That starts with training people who live there.
Because when communities have the tools and knowledge to manage their own energy, they’re not just getting electricity, they’re gaining independence.
Let’s continue to build systems that come with opportunity, not just infrastructure.