Jobs in Minnesota are blowing in the wind (image courtesy of eidt on Flickr)

After losing approximately 35,000 manufacturing jobs last year due to the economic recession, hope for many people in the North Star State appears to be renewed.  Jobs in Minnesota are blowing in the wind.  Literally.  Recent reports are advising that low-skill workers who have been furloughed in recent months should consider employment in the state’s wind energy industry.

According to “Winds of Progress,” published by Minnesota 2020, 10-15% of the recently lost jobs could be recouped if the state continues to expand wind energy development.  And no – this is not a “pie in the sky” wish.  An article in the MinnPost this month observed:

“Minnesota can make the transition fast. So far, the state ranks fourth in installed wind capacity, producing enough wind energy to power about 450,000 homes. Only Texas, Iowa and California create more energy from wind. Minnesota’s natural wind resources, especially along the prairie, our manufacturing base and high-tech workforce position the state well to capitalize on becoming a wind center.”

Wind Energy Industry in MN stands to gain some ground

photo credit: Ramanathan.Kathiresan

Minnesota has fertile ground for the wind energy industry.  It already ranks in the top third of the U.S. with respect to companies doing business in related industries.  If Minnesota continues investing in wind energy, more green jobs will result.  As indicated in the MinnPost article:

“Minnesota’s fabricated metal production, which is vitally important for the construction of wind turbines, has endured job losses peeking near 11 percent over the past year. These out-of-work manufacturers have skills that transfer well from their old jobs. It’s easy for a welder to look at a tower diagram and know where and how to seal the seams.”

These type of jobs are not easily outsourced, given the fact that wind turbine blades and towers are extremely expensive to ship, given their size and bulk.  As a result, Minnesota businesses will prefer to build manufacturing plants near wind farms sited in the state.  Even better – Minnesota 2020 encourages local ownership of wind farms given the positive economic impact.

By the year 2020, Minnesota may have created a wind energy industry that does far more than simply create green jobs.  Winds of Progress expects expansion of local economies, as well as R&D at state colleges and universities.

Do you live in Minnesota?  Have any thoughts about the future of the wind energy industry and/or jobs in Minnesota?  We’d love to respond to your comments!

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