Marine energy technologies are poised to play a growing role in the U.S. electrical grid, providing reliable and resilient energy that could support U.S. power demands. While it is currently a smaller portion of the energy industry, the advancements of marine energy technologies show promise for a burgeoning workforce in the future.
The Blue Economy, focused on the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and ocean ecosystem health, is a priority for the U.S. government. Powering the Blue Economy through technologies that capture energy from waves, tides, oceans, rivers, and salinity gradients, is anticipated to create new market opportunities for marine energy that will increase worker demand as this energy source is developed
The marine energy sector relies on a range of technical and nontechnical skills to research, develop, demonstrate, and successfully deploy marine energy technologies. The industry is looking to attract new talent to spur innovation and support its growing importance in the U.S. energy sector. With jobs in professional and business services, manufacturing, utilities, trade and transportation, construction, and more, there are opportunities in the industry for workers with transferrable skills regardless of their marine energy experience. The marine energy industry has a range of craft and trade jobs, as well as career paths in engineering, professional, management, and administrative roles.
Learn more about degreed and vocational marine energy jobs using the career map below. A text version of the career map is also available.
Want to learn more about marine energy? Check out OpenEI's PRIMRE STEM page.