The clean technology cluster is thriving in Greater Portland. Top talent and pioneering climate tech companies continue to choose the region for its supportive community and environmental ethos. It’s no wonder Greater Portland is considered the greenest city in the U.S.
The Clean Tech Sector Is Booming In Portland
Portland is a forerunner in sustainability and clean tech manufacturing. The region is defining the clean energy economy and is already a leader in sustainable mass timber production and battery storage. With a prime location next to multiple large universities conducting research into emerging tech, Greater Portland is ready to continue leading the clean tech revolution.
As national clean tech investment exceeds $260 million, the Pacific Northwest provides fertile ground for new opportunities, startups and job growth. A talent pool of more than 14,000 professionals in cleantech and clean energy technology manufacturing is combined with grants and incentives from resources like Washington’s Clean Energy Fund.
Oregon’s competitiveness is also supported by its geographic location. The region is positioned between Washington and California, both large markets for clean energy technology. Access to internal seaports also puts Asian and Australian markets within reach.
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Clean Tech Industry Fast Facts
14,000+
Clean Tech Workers
*GPI Research
800+
Clean Tech Establishments
*GPI Research
2x
the Number of Scientists Compared to the National Concentration
*GPI Research
#4
State for Electric Vehicle Friendliness
*Business Insider
Net Zero
Carbon Emissions Goal for the State of Oregon by 2040
Clean Tech Is Evolving in Portland
In addition to the 800+ clean energy companies, research programs at universities like Oregon State push the boundaries of renewable energy and energy storage. The region is ready to leverage breakthroughs in materials science, engineering and agriculture to continue building the future of the cleantech industry.
Portland Lives and Breathes Clean Tech
The Greater Portland Region is an inviting ecosystem for people, businesses and nature alike. The region is fighting climate change with initiatives like the Green Building policy, which promotes sustainable building practices that protect the environment and natural resources.
Business Oregon has over 80 programs available to provide aid, including grants, loans and tax credits. Other initiatives, such as the Urban Growth Boundary and the Portland 2045 Transportation System Plan, help preserve green space and encourage mixed-use development. These initiatives benefit not only all Oregonians but also the environment and boost the Portland region’s competitiveness in the global market.
Portland's Clean Tech Industry Highlights
Greater Portland’s clean tech sector is comprised of over 14,000 employees and 843 establishments working towards improving the future of renewable energy. Clean Energy Jobs comprised 2.9% of Greater Portland’s total labor force in 2022, reaching almost 40,000 jobs and ranking 28th highest out of 359 total metro areas. To support these jobs, Greater Portland alone has twice the national average of life scientists, conservation technicians and biological technicians.
Domestic manufacturing and procurement processes in the energy sector are contributing to this push toward sustainability. This helps the Portland region stay ahead in industries like Ag-Tech and building energies. It also keeps companies in the circular economy efficient and productive by finding new ways to reuse resources.
Collectively, Oregon is working to have net zero carbon emissions by 2040 and is already one of the top states for electric vehicle-friendliness. Portland companies like Lectrium, Rivian and Rocsys are paving the way for EV infrastructure and battery tech. They are helping the region prepare as EV sales continue to rise and electric charging stations become more necessary.
The region is also committed to supporting the economic development of cleantech. Startups are eligible for mentorship, funding and entrepreneurial support, which are just some of the benefits provided by organizations like Cleantech Alliance, VertueLab and Cleantech Accelerator.
Looking Toward the Sustainable Future
Portland is the most sustainable city in the U.S. and ranks among the highest when it comes to clean energy in the labor force. Out of the Top 50 Largest Metros in the U.S. by Labor Force, the Greater Portland Metro Area’s Clean Energy Jobs as a percent of the total labor force ranked 7th highest in the U.S.
Public and private sector companies and nonprofit organizations are committed to seeing the further development of clean energy technology in the region. Greater Portland has spent the last 4 decades building a robust clean energy supply chain that will continue to support growth and contribute to the local economy. has a clear implementation path. Businesses and local stakeholders can work together to ensure a sustainable future.
As accredited universities advance research, entrepreneurs create new businesses and sustainable initiatives gain traction, Portland leverages these incentives to attract clean tech investment opportunities.
Top 5 Clean Tech Firms Headquartered in Greater Portland
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