NEW: National Clean Energy Report Ranks Mass Second

Tuesday, June 04, 2013

GoLocalWorcester Lifestyle Team

Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan today announced that Massachusetts is ranked No. 2 in the nation in clean energy technology, according to the 2013 U.S. Clean Tech Leadership Index.

The report, authored by Clean Edge Inc., attributed Massachusetts’ commitment to energy efficiency, strong industry policy and continued leadership in early-stage technology development and capital attraction to the Commonwealth’s strong ranking.

“Massachusetts has become a premier destination for clean energy innovation and investment because we are shaping that future rather than just waiting for it to happen,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “There is more to do, and now is no time to let up. In order to be winners in the 21st century, we must increase the pace of innovation and deepen our commitment to being good stewards of both our environment and our economy.”

“Under Governor Patrick’s leadership, the Commonwealth has become a national leader in clean energy and energy efficiency,” said Secretary Sullivan. “We are cutting greenhouse gas emissions, reducing energy costs for businesses and homeowners, and creating thousands of jobs.”

Massachusetts received a perfect score, and No. 1 ranking, in the policy category, which measures transportation policies, building codes, climate change targets and the renewable portfolio standard.

“This top ranking recognizes the breadth and depth of the energy policy foundation we’ve built in the Commonwealth to support a cleaner energy future,” said Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Commissioner Mark Sylvia. “We aim to lead the nation while we meet our energy savings, economy boosting, and environmental protection goals.”

Edging out California, Massachusetts received a No. 1 ranking in the capital category, which measures venture capital investment, number of patents and higher education and research institutions.

“Massachusetts is home to some of the world’s leading research institutions and companies from across the globe come here to grow and develop cutting-edge and innovative clean energy technologies,” said Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) CEO Alicia Barton.

Cleantech deployment in the U.S. showed “historic” market momentum with renewable energy generation accounting for 49 percent of the nation’s added electricity capacity in 2012, according to the report.

Massachusetts is home to 5,000 clean energy companies that employ nearly 72,000 workers. Clean energy jobs in Massachusetts rose by 11.2 percent from 2011 to 2012.