The American Clean Power Association (ACP) has launched a certification program for technicians working across the wind, solar and battery energy storage sectors. According to the association, it is the first hands-on competency certification developed by the US clean energy industry.

The program provides a consistent, industry-recognized framework to validate technicians’ skills, strengthen safety and operational performance, and create clearer career pathways for workers. It will also provide professionals with a portable credential that can be recognized by different employers.

The certification will be administered through ACP’s newly established Institute for Safety, Workforce, and Operational Performance. GE Vernova, MasTec Clean Energy & Infrastructure and Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) have joined as the first companies to adopt the program.

“Clean energy runs on the people who build and maintain it. Our new program gives those workers a credential that travels with them and gives employers confidence in the workforce they are building,” said Scott Garten, senior vice president at ACP’s Institute for Safety, Workforce, and Operational Performance.

Bridging the gap between training and fieldwork

GE Vernova said the certification could help bridge the gap between the education provided by technical training centers and the capabilities technicians need in real-world working environments.

Shanon Lutomski, Wind Services Executive at GE Vernova, said standardization will become increasingly important as the wind industry expands, helping to reduce risks for the growing number of technicians responsible for keeping wind turbines operating.

Leeward Renewable Energy also emphasized that consistent competency and safety standards could benefit workers, employers, project sites and local communities.

“Industry jobs are expected to double by 2030, making talent development an important priority,” said Wilem van der Ven, chief operating officer at LRE.

MasTec said the certification would provide technicians with the training and evaluation required to enter the renewable energy industry as qualified craft professionals.

Clean energy workforce could reach one million by 2030

ACP projects that the US clean energy workforce could nearly double to one million workers by 2030. This growth is expected to increase demand for qualified technicians capable of building, operating and maintaining wind farms, solar installations and battery storage systems.

The association believes a common and portable industry credential will help meet this demand while improving workplace safety, operational performance and career development opportunities. ACP is seeking additional companies interested in adopting the certification program.