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As part of Canada’s commitment to take action on climate change, the federal government has  and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. This means we need to balance the amount of pollution we put into the air with the amount we remove.

We need a skilled workforce to help us reach these goals. Canada needs to make changes to our energy systems, transportation systems, and the built environment. The businesses, jobs, and people working in this area are often referred to as being part of the “New Clean Economy.” 

Alberta’s economy stands to benefit from the diverse job opportunities created by the New Clean Economy. Experts estimate investment in “cleantech” could create  to Alberta’s economy. In addition, it could create thousands of high-paying jobs in other industries, including steel recycling, renewable energy, electric transportation, mining for critical minerals and metals, and retrofitting residential and commercial buildings.

Cleantech is an umbrella term that describes a variety of products, products and services that avoid environmental impacts through practices, processes, or materials that avoid creating pollutants or waste. Cleantech includes ag-tech and agriculture, electrification, hydrogen production and utilization, digitization, and carbon capture, utilization and storage. 

The oil and gas industry has brought prosperity to Alberta for decades. The province currently accounts for 80% of Canada’s oil production and 75% of its natural gas output. By a wide margin, oil and gas has been Canada’s biggest export. However,  in recent years, growth has begun to slow. Automation and the digital transition (the integration of digital technology into every area of a business), as well as decreased investment in capital expenditures, has meant the oil and gas industry doesn’t generate the same employment growth it once did. Since 2013, Alberta’s oil and gas industry has lost almost 40,000 positions (down from the peak of 171,000 jobs). Experts predict this trend will likely continue in years to come, leaving many skilled and knowledgeable workers in a precarious position.

The good news is that the skills and knowledge that has made the oil and gas industry a prosperous innovator are also vital in the new Clean Economy. The transition from one energy economy to another will take time, and those interested in exploring new opportunities could find them in cleantech and its associated industries. The brainpower of the oil and gas workforce is one of Alberta’s biggest assets, and could  for the province to lead the cleantech industry.

Countries around the world are making moves towards reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and cutting emissions. In the United States, the Inflation Reduction Act set a goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030. Experts predict that should the new US government maintain this goal, the demand for Alberta oil could decrease. Additionally, major automakers have  for the switch to electric vehicles.

The recent election in the United States could also have an impact on Alberta’s oil market. Shortly after his win, President-Elect Donald Trump announced plans for tariffs on all Canadian products,. While many trade sanctions on Canadian products were lifted during his first term, experts are unable to predict what will happen this time around. Many suggest the measures are a negotiating tactic, as Canada is the largest single source of petroleum and crude oil imports to the U.S.. The tariffs are likely to raise the cost of living for American consumers and prompt oil and gas companies to . 

The Clean Economy offers a wide range of opportunities for professionals across various fields. Professions like engineers, project managers, electricians, analysts, and laborers are all essential in building, operating, and maintaining energy infrastructure, creating pathways for individuals to thrive in the Clean Economy.

There are plenty of resources out there to help you learn more about the roles available. Here are a few places to start:

• The Canadian Renewable Energy Association has  about real people working real jobs in the industry. The Association also has a  that lists open positions in the sector.
• Eco Canada has an extensive list of  in the renewable energy space. You can filter by salary, industry, and required education. Each profile contains information about the career, including job duties, work environment, where to work, education and skills required, role models, your impact, and occupational classification.

Solar Alberta’s  of pre-recorded training courses, workshops, and live courses can help you explore options in the solar industry. 

Many skills are transferable from the other sectors to the Clean Economy, but there are also plenty of opportunities to learn new industry-specific skills:

• is a non-profit founded by fossil fuel workers, led by growing concerns of climate change. They provide resources and training courses for those looking to explore careers in renewable energy. They also host a  where you can explore opportunities in the renewable energy industry or with net-zero companies. 
• offers short training programs (including funded training and sponsored programs) at accredited institutions to help workers build skills in just weeks. 
• offers students a holistic education in sustainable energy, equipping them with skills to effectively  manage and operate Clean Economy projects. 
• helps build skills through training, career coaching, and experiential learning.
• Canadian Home Builders Association  includes four courses directed at builders, renovators, energy advisors, and sales professionals. There’s also an additional (free) marketing and communications module. 
• The  is an opportunity to have your training funded.

The  has a comprehensive of training opportunities including co-ops, apprenticeships, and trade programs at various institutions across Alberta.