Press Contact: Alec Gerlach, press@c2es.org
For Immediate Release
April 11, 2025
Jobs, Economic Impact of OCED Closure
New Analysis: 290,000 Jobs & $65 Billion at Stake
WASHINGTON – The potential decision to eliminate the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED), as reported last week, would stifle energy innovation, weaken our energy security, undermine the competitiveness of domestic manufacturing, and slash economic growth that benefits American workers, communities, and businesses. With more than $20 billion in announced awards supporting the commercialization of breakthrough technologies, OCED is poised to play a critical role in building new industries and manufacturing, as well as infrastructure needed to deliver the abundant energy our economy needs to grow.
A new analysis from Greenlight Insights, in partnership with the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES), finds that OCED’s closure could result in the loss of:
- 291,133 jobs
- Wages totaling $22.9 billion, and
- $65.9 billion in economic output
“OCED’s economic return on investment is staggering. The Department of Energy’s long history of support for energy innovation, including advanced nuclear and horizontal drilling demonstrations, among many other emerging technologies has been an indispensable incubator for American companies. The latest chapter in that success is supported by partnerships and billions of dollars in private sector investment in OCED projects,” said C2ES Vice President for Policy and Outreach Brad Townsend. “OCED is an evolution in the Department of Energy’s approach that will accelerate commercial potential, save taxpayers money, and spur new American industries.”
C2ES partnered with Greenlight Insights on an economic impact analysis that assessed the consequences of fully eliminating OCED operations and its projects. The findings are stark, revealing that this decision would result in the loss of 291,133 jobs nationwide, $22.9 billion in wages and benefits for American workers, and $65.9 billion in overall economic activity.
At a time when policymakers and leaders on both sides of the aisle are looking to increase jobs, lower energy costs, and strengthen our energy security, OCED’s work is a down payment on an all-of-the-above approach to delivering abundant American energy and manufacturing innovative, world-class products.
Read the impact summary here: The Economic Impact of Eliminating the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations
To speak with a C2ES expert, contact Alec Gerlach at press@c2es.org.
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