The clean energy industry and advanced manufacturing are inextricably linked. In the worst of economic times, both lead to innovation and job creation, while curbing climate change and bringing down the cost of electricity.
John Grant, director of the Next Economy Partnership Project at the New Policy Institute, wrote an article for Ideas Laboratory in which he explained that as clean energy production grows, so does the manufacturing sector in America. At the heart of it all are alternative energy technologies and the breakthroughs that are making them more affordable and more efficient.
Grant cites a recent study conducted by the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE), which shows that the total installed renewable capacity in the United States doubled between 2008 and 2012.
“Let’s not forget that the 5-year period covered by this study is also the worst five years for the American economy since the Great Depression. Despite these headwinds, the clean energy sector is growing,” Grant said. “This has tremendous implications not only for the economy, but for climate change. According to BCSE, from 2008 to 2012, energy related carbon emissions dropped by 13 percent. Although that’s not enough, it’s a step in the right direction to mitigate the damaging effects of climate pollution.”
Among these critical breakthroughs are advanced solar cell soldering techniques developed by companies like S-Bond, as well as cutting-edge battery technologies the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) is investing heavily in. In fact, the DoE has recently encouraged industry members to actively collaborate on such initiatives.
The bond between clean energy and advanced manufacturing is as strong as the latest active solder and hermetic glass sealing solutions. They combine to reduce carbon emissions, provide millions with more affordable power and create thousands of jobs – all of which fuel economic growth and prosperity.