Study finds renewable energy boosts rural GDP and employment
What happened
A new report from the University of Missouri’s Center for Rural Energy Security analyzed the economic impact of renewable energy in rural counties between 2001 and 2023. The study found that solar energy development increased employment and wages by 10 percent to 20 percent in the utilities, construction, and transportation sectors. Counties hosting wind energy infrastructure saw an approximate 7 percent increase in gross domestic product.
From wpr.org
Why it matters
The findings highlight the economic benefits of renewable energy as power companies diversify away from fossil fuels. The research was presented by the Center for Rural Affairs, amid a rise in ordinances regulating renewable energy in some Midwestern and Great Plains states.
From wpr.org
Who's involved
- Center for Rural AffairsAmerican nonprofit organization hosting the research center
- University of MissouriPublic research university that hosts the Center for Rural Energy Security
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- University of MissouriSpeculative
The university might see increased investment or research funding related to energy policy and rural economics.
- Center for Rural AffairsSpeculative
The nonprofit organization could see increased demand for its research services related to energy infrastructure.
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The entities involved
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University of Missouri
public research university in Columbia, Missouri, USA