Governor Phil Bredesen and ECD Commissioner Matt Kisber.

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WASHINGTON The number of jobs in America's emerging clean energy economy grew nearly two and a half times faster than overall jobs between 1998 and 2007, according to a report released today by The Pew Charitable Trusts. Pew developed a clear, data-driven definition of the clean energy economy and conducted the first-ever hard count across all 50 states of the actual jobs, companies and venture capital investments that supply the growing market demand for environmentally friendly products and services.

Pew found that jobs in the clean energy economy grew at a national rate of 9.1 percent, while traditional jobs grew by only 3.7 percent between 1998 and 2007. There was a similar pattern at the state level, where job growth in the clean energy economy outperformed overall job growth in 38 states and the District of Columbia during the same period. The report also found that this promising sector is poised to expand significantly, driven by increasing consumer demand, venture capital infusions, and federal and state policy reforms.

America's clean energy economy has grown despite a lack of sustained government support in the past decade. By 2007, more than 68,200 businesses across all 50 states and the District of Columbia accounted for about 770,000 jobs.

Pew's definition of the clean energy economy is based on research and input from experts in the field, including an advisory panel convened to help guide the study. According to Pew, "a clean energy economy generates jobs, businesses and investments while expanding clean energy production, increasing energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, waste and pollution, and conserving water and other natural resources." It comprises five categories: (1) Clean Energy, (2) Energy Efficiency, (3) Environmentally Friendly Production, (4) Conservation and Pollution Mitigation, and (5) Training and Support. The definition provides a groundbreaking framework for tracking jobs, investments and economic growth over time and allowing the public and private sector to evaluate the effectiveness of policy choices and investments.

The report finds that the emerging clean energy economy is creating well-paying jobs in every state for people of all skill levels and educational backgrounds. Included in Pew's definition are jobs as diverse as engineers, plumbers, administrative assistants, construction workers, machine setters, marketing consultants, teachers and many others, with annual incomes ranging from $21,000 to $111,000.

Federal and state lawmakers also see the sector as helping to spur America's economic recovery and protect the environment. States will receive a major infusion of federal funds through the recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which allocates nearly $85 billion in direct spending and tax incentives for energy- and transportation-related programs. Additionally, every state offers some form of financial incentive to drive its clean energy economy. Twenty-three states have adopted regional initiatives to reduce the global warming pollution from power plants, 46 states offer some form of tax incentive to encourage residents and corporations to use renewable energy or adopt energy efficiency systems and equipment, and 29 states and the District of Columbia have established renewable portfolio standards, which require electricity providers to supply a minimum amount of power from renewable energy sources.

The Pew Charitable Trusts is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today's most challenging problems. Pew applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improve public policy, inform the public and stimulate civic life. We partner with a diverse range of donors, public and private organizations and concerned citizens who share our commitment to fact-based solutions and goal-driven investments to improve society.

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A look at clean energy in Tennessee.

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Hemlock Semiconductor and its parent company Dow Corning announced it will build a polycrystalline silicon manufacturing operation in Clarksville, Tenn., investing $1.2-$2.5 billion and creating 500 new jobs. Governor Phil Bredesen, Dow Corning Chairman, President and CEO Dr. Stephanie Burns, Hemlock Semiconductor President and CEO Rick Doornbos and Commissioner Matt Kisber at the announcement on Dec. 15, 2008.
Since Governor Bredesen took office in 2003, one of his highest priorities has been the creation of higher-skilled, better-paying jobs for Tennesseans. The Department of Economic and Community Development has spearheaded that effort from the beginning, and the results speak for themselves. The last five years have seen the creation of 155,000 new jobs, $23 billion in capital investment and 40 corporate headquarter locations in Tennessee.

In the last year, weve been called the nations most competitive state for business, the third-best for economic development and the most improved state for development. The stage is set for success in Tennessee. We invite you to experience what everyones talking about.

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Thursday, March 19.
State and County officials gathered at the Commerce Park Megasite in Clarksville,TN to break ground for the new $1 Billion Hemlock Semiconductor facility.
http://www.hscpoly.com
http://tnecd.gov/

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German-based Polysilicon Manufacturer Becomes Tennessees 3rd $1 Billion Project in Eight Months
CLEVELAND, Tenn. Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen today joined Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber, Dr. Rudolph Staudigl, president and CEO of Wacker Chemie AG of Munich, Germany and Dr. Ingomar Kovar, president of Wacker Chemical Corporation, Adrian, MI. in announcing the companys plans to build a $1 billion dollar facility for the manufacture of hyperpure polycrystalline silicon in Bradley County, Tenn. Polycrystalline silicon is a primary component used in the manufacture of solar panels and semiconductors and the project is expected to create more than 500 new jobs for the region.


This announcement further enhances Tennessees growing reputation as an innovation center in the development and manufacture of clean energy technologies, said Governor Bredesen. I appreciate Wacker Chemies investment in Tennessee and its recognition of the productivity of Tennessee workers, and Im very pleased the company believes Tennessee is the best place to enhance its position in a growing economic sector.




We expect polysilicon demand from the solar and semiconductor industries to further increase in the coming years, said Dr. Staudigl. Purchasing this site is an essential prerequisite to quickly build up additional production capacities outside the euro zone in line with projected market trends and growth in demand.

The facility will be located on an approximately 550-acre greenfield site near the Hiwassee Industrial Park in Bradley County, in the Charleston community. There will be an extensive design period and work in process before construction would begin.

Under Governor Bredesens leadership, weve developed a strategy for the creation of green collar jobs in Tennessee, said ECD Commissioner Matt Kisber. That strategy has resulted in more than $2.5 billion dollars in capital investment and over a thousand new jobs being announced in the past year and we truly believe Tennessee is well-positioned for the growth of a sustainable economy in the U.S.


In addition to the states strong business climate, Wacker officials cited Tennessees well developed infrastructure and the cooperative partnership of state agencies, local government and the local chamber of commerce. As part of its investment, Wacker will qualify for statutory incentives on the state and local level, including the FastTrack Infrastructure Development Program, the FastTrack Job Training Assistance Program and the Super Jobs Tax Credit. In addition, the company will be able to take advantage of industrial electricity rates approximately half those found in Germany.

The Wacker investment was announced today at ceremonies in Cleveland, Tennessee, on the campus of Lee University.

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German-based Polysilicon Manufacturer Becomes Tennessees 3rd $1 Billion Project in Eight Months
CLEVELAND, Tenn. Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen today joined Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber, Dr. Rudolph Staudigl, president and CEO of Wacker Chemie AG of Munich, Germany and Dr. Ingomar Kovar, president of Wacker Chemical Corporation, Adrian, MI. in announcing the companys plans to build a $1 billion dollar facility for the manufacture of hyperpure polycrystalline silicon in Bradley County, Tenn. Polycrystalline silicon is a primary component used in the manufacture of solar panels and semiconductors and the project is expected to create more than 500 new jobs for the region.


This announcement further enhances Tennessees growing reputation as an innovation center in the development and manufacture of clean energy technologies, said Governor Bredesen. I appreciate Wacker Chemies investment in Tennessee and its recognition of the productivity of Tennessee workers, and Im very pleased the company believes Tennessee is the best place to enhance its position in a growing economic sector.




We expect polysilicon demand from the solar and semiconductor industries to further increase in the coming years, said Dr. Staudigl. Purchasing this site is an essential prerequisite to quickly build up additional production capacities outside the euro zone in line with projected market trends and growth in demand.

The facility will be located on an approximately 550-acre greenfield site near the Hiwassee Industrial Park in Bradley County, in the Charleston community. There will be an extensive design period and work in process before construction would begin.

Under Governor Bredesens leadership, weve developed a strategy for the creation of green collar jobs in Tennessee, said ECD Commissioner Matt Kisber. That strategy has resulted in more than $2.5 billion dollars in capital investment and over a thousand new jobs being announced in the past year and we truly believe Tennessee is well-positioned for the growth of a sustainable economy in the U.S.


In addition to the states strong business climate, Wacker officials cited Tennessees well developed infrastructure and the cooperative partnership of state agencies, local government and the local chamber of commerce. As part of its investment, Wacker will qualify for statutory incentives on the state and local level, including the FastTrack Infrastructure Development Program, the FastTrack Job Training Assistance Program and the Super Jobs Tax Credit. In addition, the company will be able to take advantage of industrial electricity rates approximately half those found in Germany.

The Wacker investment was announced today at ceremonies in Cleveland, Tennessee, on the campus of Lee University.

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Volkswagen Group of America announced on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 that it will build a U.S. automotive production facility in Chattanooga, TN where it will produce a car designed specifically for the North American consumer and invest $1 billion in the economy. With the new plant, Volkswagen will bring about 2,000 direct jobs to the area, and will add a significant number of jobs in related sectors. Initial production capacity for the facility is anticipated to be 150,000 vehicles, including a new midsize sedan. Production is scheduled to begin in early 2011.

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Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations began excavation Wednesday of land for its new $30 million paint shop at Enterprise South. The paint shop is one of the three primary buildings at the new $1 billion facility, and is the first to be constructed.

The paint shop's general contractor, Walbridge, began equipment and trailer set up earlier in the week. The shop's foundation will be laid Thursday and Friday, with the first beam placed early next week. Walbridge and its subcontractors will build the foundation, steel, siding and roofing for the paint shop. The structure is scheduled to be weather-tight by the end of September 2009.

As construction begins, Walbridge is also in the process of subcontracting business at the plant. Volkswagen and Walbridge are committed to a local and diverse supplier base. Volkswagen's extensive bidding process for this project required that every bidder identify that it would subcontract with at least 10 percent minority- or women-owned businesses and Walbridge's submission exceeded this target.

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Stefan Jacoby President and CEO Volkswagen of America speaks with the Local Media. He then gave the keynote address at the TN Governor's Summit on Clean Energy Technology.

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