So-called “advanced energy” jobs in Nevada grew at a faster clip than other industries in Nevada between 2016 and 2017, according to a new report by a clean energy think tank.

A new report by Advanced Energy Economy and its state partner, the Clean Energy Project, estimated that Nevada has more than 25,000 people employed in “advanced energy” jobs, and grew that particular workforce by 4 percent between 2016 and 2017.

The report defines the jobs to include employment related to renewable energy sources such as solar, natural gas and wind; battery storage or other advanced grid technology; hybrid or electric vehicles; energy efficiency; and alternative non-petroleum fuels such as corn ethanol.

It estimated the industry would grow by about 7 percent during 2018, but stated that 75 percent of employers said they found it difficult to hire qualified candidates. The majority of jobs, 18,600, were located in Clark County.

“A strong commitment to clean energy development helps attract innovative companies, making Nevada a more competitive place to do business,” Clean Energy Project Executive Director Karen Wayland said in a statement. “This allows Nevada to diversify its energy mix and reap the economic gains that come from embracing advanced energy technologies.”

Advanced Energy Economy is a trade association representing multiple companies engaged in clean and renewable energy, and was founded by billionaire hedge fund manager Tom Steyer in 2011. The group said it determined the figures through a 2018 report by the National Association of State Energy Officials on energy employment nationwide.

The industry is a relatively small part of Nevada’s total workforce — the state’s seasonally adjusted population of employed people is somewhere around 1.42 million, with Las Vegas surpassing the 1 million jobs mark in May.

AEE Jobs Fact Sheet - Nevada 2018 by Riley Snyder on Scribd