The Role of Renewable Energy in Achieving National Security
In January, President Trump declared a National Energy Emergency. U.S. power consumption is expected to hit new record highs this year and next. The bottom line? Unleashing innovation, diversifying energy supply, and a power consumption boom driven by new technologies like AI are needed now—there is no time for delay. By investing in workforce development, expanding infrastructure, and equipping professionals with the right tools and training, we can drive progress toward a secure energy future.
The Role of Renewables
The surge in electrification is redefining how power is generated, distributed, and consumed. A recent survey of solar OEMs, technicians, and installers found that 63% believe solar will be the primary driver of their nation’s energy transition. Solar, when combined with battery storage, can provide resiliency and energy independence with its ability to operate independently during outages. It can also combat rising electricity rates, given that batteries can store excess energy produced to use at a later time, reducing reliance on grid electricity purchases.
A diverse set of energy technologies can also mitigate intermittency by allowing the grid to tap into the strengths of each. For example, when solar power production is low, wind power can compensate, further enhancing grid resilience by increasing the grid's ability to withstand, respond to, and recover from disruptions.
We have seen the impact and success of strong renewable energy legislation and policy. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), passed in 2022, has played a transformative role in creating a robust and resilient energy system. The $4.5 billion the IRA has allocated to date for efficiency and electrification rebates, and the expansion of manufacturing, installation, and the production of clean energy technologies like solar and energy storage, has created over 100,000 clean energy jobs across 40+ states.
While there are ongoing legislative efforts that would significantly reduce the IRA’s renewable energy tax credits, the success the IRA has already had is clear. Regardless of the future of the IRA, the private sector can and should continue the practices it encouraged. Our continued commitment to clean energy will be needed to strengthen the grid, build the workforce, and keep the U.S. competitive in the global economy.
Energy Security Depends on a Robust Workforce
The U.S. will need to develop a robust workforce to build and maintain the energy infrastructure of tomorrow. The current workforce is not equipped to meet this challenge. A recent report found that 55% of companies surveyed outsource the majority of their maintenance needs due to insufficient in-house expertise. Without strategic and coordinated investments in training programs, this skills gap could become a critical bottleneck and significantly hinder the clean energy transition.
This situation is reminiscent of the internet boom in the mid-2000s when the demand for software engineers skyrocketed. Companies responded by investing heavily in training initiatives, mentorships, and apprenticeship programs. Investing in workforce development means creating in-depth upskilling initiatives such as apprenticeships, trade programs, and advanced certifications focused on emerging technologies like solar energy, battery storage, and electric vehicles. These programs should focus not only on building technical expertise but also on equipping workers with the foundational knowledge needed to thrive in this rapidly evolving sector.
Empowering workers through comprehensive training will be critical for advancing the electrified economy. These skilled professionals will play a pivotal role in developing and maintaining the infrastructure necessary to foster long-term energy security and drive domestic job growth.
The Path Forward
The electrification of the world represents an opportunity to redefine our energy systems and protect U.S. energy security. To fully realize the benefits of clean energy, we must encourage investment, workforce development, and infrastructure expansion.
Policymakers, industry leaders, and communities must work together to ensure that electrification efforts continue to be prioritized. With strategic investments in people, tools, and systems we can build a cleaner, more resilient energy future that benefits generations to come.
Will White is Senior Application Specialist, DER at Fluke Corporation.
