On Tuesday, October 10, 2023, the Center on Global Energy Policy’s Women in Energy initiative partnered with the New York City Economic Development Corporation’s Women.NYC to host “Empowering NYC: Fueling Women’s Careers in Energy.”
Below are some highlights from the event:
- There are growing job opportunities in community relations, supply chains, and permitting, especially with the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. Many of these roles present an opportunity to move into energy for those without an energy background.
- For several reasons, including Local Law 97, which mandates that buildings meet certain energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions targets, New York City is one of the best places to be for climate tech and energy. There are several climate startups headquartered in or moving their headquarters to New York.
- According to Nse Esema, Senior Vice President of Green Economy at the New York City Economic Development Corporation, energy jobs in New York City are projected to increase by 17,000 by 2040.
- Currently, energy job growth is being driven by utility-scale storage and solar, but upcoming hydrogen hubs will lead to development and job growth.
- The energy industry is open to nontraditional paths, and as women in a male-dominated industry one way to succeed is by seeking out female mentorship and community. For example, one of the panelists mentioned going to a lunch group of female CEOs.