Report: Appalachian Ohio poised to gain wind manufacturing jobs

By Farah Siddiqi

An estimated 22,000 jobs in the wind manufacturing industry could be created in Appalachian Ohio and neighboring states in the coming decades, according to a new report from ReImagine Appalachia.

Wind and solar projects made up 96% of new electric capacity nationwide through the first half of this year.

Michael Shields, economist for ReImagine Appalachia, said the region’s existing skilled workers, manufacturing history and unique geography could make the Buckeye state a key player.

"That doesn't mean that Appalachia has to lose its place as a driving force behind energy production in the U.S.," Shields emphasized. "We find that through opportunities for Appalachian communities to participate in manufacturing for the new energy economy."

According to the report, more than 73,000 wind turbines operating across the country generate enough power to keep the lights on in more than 46 million American homes.

Shields pointed out while the Trump administration’s policies have created obstacles for states trying to develop wind-power capacity, the need for clean energy will drive up demand. He added the region’s waterways along the Ohio River Valley could be major transportation routes for turbines.

"The industry has really been pushing to build wind turbines as large as they possibly can," Shields observed. "One of the challenges for that is that you reach a limit to what you can put on a truck."

The U.S. Department of Energy announced this month it is canceling around $7 billions in grants which would fund clean energy projects in more than a dozen states.