The Northwest region should become the first in the United States to get three-quarters of its electricity supply from low-carbon energy sources like hydropower by 2025, according to a report released Monday by research group Clean Edge and the nonprofit Climate Solutions.
The report, titled “Carbon-Free Prosperity 2025,” also found that the clean-tech sector could create between 41,000 and 63,000 jobs in Oregon and Washington by the end of the first quarter of this century.
“Those companies, communities, governments, and regions that embrace clean-energy technologies stand to benefit immensely,” said the report. “Those that do not embrace this new wave, and continue to depend as much as they always have on carbon-intensive, increasingly costly and volatile fossil fuels, risk falling behind economically, socially, and environmentally.”
But the report noted that other regions in the U.S., like California and Massachusetts, and abroad are “moving aggressively to court investors, entrepreneurs, and job seekers” of the emerging clean-tech economy.
The study found the top five technology opportunities in the Northwest are solar photovoltaic manufacturing, green building design services, wind power development, sustainable bioenergy, and smart grid technology.
The region’s most promising assets for becoming a clean technology leader include a prevalent green culture, supportive regional government policies, significant natural resource base, and strong manufacturing infrastructure, found the report.
But the study also identified barriers to growth in the region. They include limited venture capital activity, the lack of a 21st century grid to accommodate energy intelligence initiatives, and the lack of a coordinated regional strategy.
The report's authors recommended a 10-point action plan for promoting clean technology in Oregon and Washington:
1. Put a price on carbon.
2. Increase Washington renewable portfolio standard to 25 percent by 2025.
3. Implement low-carbon fuel standards.
4. Pass aggressive green building codes.
5. Foster regional cooperation.
6. Ensure public funding for clean technology via public employees retirement system investments and through targeted clean-tech funds.
7. Implement effective tax credits for renewables development.
8. Deploy clean-tech work force development programs.
9. Establish government procurement policies for clean-tech products and services.
10. Build out regional smart grids and 21st century transmission backbone.