Cleveland, Ohio has a strong presence in the advanced energy sector, with over 350 locations engaged in production, research and development, and support across energy efficiency, alternative fuels, and renewable energy generation. The region provides over a quarter of Ohio's materials engineers, nearly half of its specialized assembly workers, and almost a third of its specialized installers in these industries. Universities in the area offer relevant degree and training programs to support a reliable talent pipeline. The advanced energy industry in Cleveland has grown in recent years and contributes to economic growth in the region.

1. Leading in
Advanced/Renewable Energy
Strength in All Advanced
Energy Sectors
+ Over 350 Advanced Energy locations engaged in Production,
R&D, and support
+ 54 energy efficiency providers & consultants
+ 27 alternative fuels locations
+ 230 generation-related locations for biomass, wind solar,
geothermal, & fuel cells
+ Umbrella support organizations that advance the cause:
Ohio Advanced Energy (OAE), Green Energy Ohio (GEO),
The Cleveland Foundation and GreenCityBlueLake Institute
Source: Dun and Bradstreet; NorTech
+ Organizations with industry expertise: Great Lakes Wind Network,
NASA Glenn Research Center, Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition,
Biofuel & Renewable Energy Task Force (State Government),
Green Energy Ohio (Solar), NorTech
Cleveland Plus Workforce ®
Cleveland Plus provides the bulk of Ohio’s Advanced Energy
workers and specialists:
Materials Engineers
+ Existing Cleveland Plus Employment : 440 - 27% of Ohio
Specialized Assembly (electrical/electronic)
+ Existing Cleveland Plus Employment : 3,260 - 41% of Ohio
Specialized Installers (heating, cooling, refrigeration)
+ Existing Cleveland Plus Employment: 2,680 - 29% of Ohio
Average productivity across all Advanced Energy sectors has
increased by 18.7% since 2003.
Ohio’s Commitment
+ In 2007, Ohio signed into law a new energy standard that requires
that 25% of Ohio’s energy come from advanced or renewable
sources by 2025
+ Ohio has committed $1.6 billion dollars in the Ohio Third Frontier
Program that expands the state’s high tech research capabilities
and is designed to accelerate the pace for commercialization
in Ohio
+ The $150 million Advanced Energy Program supports organizations
seeking to commercialize new products, manufacture processes
or technologies, adapt or modify existing components or systems
that can reduce the cost of advanced energy systems or
promote growth Source: Dun & Bradstreet 2008 data, Moody’s Economy.com

2. Strong Manufacturing Base Supports
Advanced Energy in Cleveland Plus
Employment & Average Wages for Selected Occupations
(All Wages in U.S. Dollars)
Position Employment As % of State Hourly Wage Annual Wage
Electrical Engineers 1,400 33.6% $34.87 $72,537
Production Supervisors / Managers 13,840 36.1% $26.07 $54,230
Semiconductor Processors 330 48.5% $13.47 $28,013
Cleveland Plus Universities and
Colleges Offer a Reliable Pipeline
of Talent, Drawing from 300 Schools
within 150 miles
+ A strong cluster of nationally recognized universities, including
Case Western Reserve, Baldwin-Wallace, Cleveland State,
and the University of Akron
+ 7 in-region schools offer 2- and 4-year environmental
studies programs; 15 colleges/universities have 2- and 4-year
biology or biotechnical programs
+ 13 schools offer Advanced Energy-related Engineering degree
programs; 10 schools have 2-year engineering-related degree
or technical certificate programs Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System;
Dun and Bradstreet
+ Case Western Reserve University and the University of Akron
offer undergraduate and graduate programs in plastics &
polymers engineering
+ The network of community colleges not only produces skilled
workers but also provides customized training to enhance a
company’s existing workforce
Advanced Energy Sectors continue Advanced Energy Industry GRP: 2003-2008
growing in the Cleveland Plus Region 17,500
17,000
+ Advanced Energy’s contribution to Cleveland Plus Gross 16,500
(Millions 2008 $)
Regional Product has increased 12% between 2003 and 2008 16,000
15,500
+ Major employers include Graftech International, IBC Solar,
15,000
Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems, Molded Fiberglass Corp,
14,500
Babcock & Wilcox, & Lockheed Martin 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
"Ohio has surplus automotive skilled labor and manufacturing
Source: Economy.com
capability that is rapidly being converted to accelerated
growth of the clean energy industry and is available for clean
energy companies that want a rapid start," said Ed Burghard,
executive director of the Ohio Business Development Coalition.
clevelandplusbusiness.com