PORTLAND, Maine — An unreleased Maine state report says alternative energy is among the industries with the best potential for job growth in the state.
The Portland Press Herald reports the Maine Technology Institute-commissioned study assessed 13 technology clusters in Maine. The report identifies the alternative energy and turbine cluster as one of the fastest-growing. The cluster supports 948 jobs, and posted a nearly 12 percent job gain from 2007 to 2012. The report says the sector is predicted to grow by nearly 5 percent through 2022. That is more than twice a forecasted nationwide growth rate.
Maine Technology Institute paid the Ohio-based Battelle Memorial Institute $260,000 to compile the report. MTI is the state's agency that directs seed money and development loans for startup businesses.