VIRGINIA & CLEANTECH
What is a Cleantech Job?
In the category of clean technology we include the following:
- Renewable energy manufacturing, installation, generation and distribution.
- Energy efficiency devices and services.
- Energy-efficient building products.
- Hardware and software needed to run the clean technology economy.
- Battery and other energy storage devices and infrastructure.
- Advanced metering, monitoring and control technology for managing electric grids.
- Electric vehicles and their components.
- Advanced bio products and chemicals.
- Other emerging technologies and services designed to make the world a cleaner, more livable place but which haven’t yet come to market.
Virginia has a diverse mix of industries including agriculture, cybersecurity, distribution, medical technology and industries related to national defense and security. Local and state governments have successfully attracted new industry to Virginia by emphasizing supportive pro-business policies and showcasing Virginia’s talent, resources and excellent livability. The market for clean technology is rapidly expanding and represents an exceptional economic opportunity for all of Virginia. Here’s why Virginia is a natural home for clean technology:
- Virginia offers an excellent supply chain for clean technology businesses―both for existing innovative companies and for startups―to develop the next-generation clean technology and for communities across the commonwealth to build it. Virginia boasts a remarkable transportation infrastructure including major international airports and The Port of Virginia to ship what it builds across the globe.
- Virginia offers a remarkable diversity in business locales combining livability, a low-tax business-friendly environment, affordable land and low startup costs. Virginia is home to some of America’s most livable communities that include good schools and family friendly amenities as well as recreational and cultural activities prized by inventors, entrepreneurs and innovators.
- Virginia’s university system is consistently ranked among the nation’s best. In addition, Northern Virginia Community College is the nation’s second largest multi-campus community college. The combination of these higher education resources gives businesses access to a highly skilled workforce―and it offers a strong foundation for continuing education and workforce development.
- Northern Virginia and its neighbor, the District of Columbia, are already home to many of the world’s leaders in clean technology policy and practice including experts at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Proximity to the federal government and major think tanks offers businesses inherent legislative and policy influence.
- The U.S. military is one of the world’s largest adopters of clean technology. It also pursues some of the world’s most advanced technology projects through units such as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). In addition, the DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) is funding research and development on some of the most innovative clean technology energy projects across the country. Virginia’s proximity to these efforts offers a unique opportunity for partnerships linking state and local governments, the military and industry. This greatly strengthens the case for building clean technology leadership in Virginia.