The green sector is bucking the US trend for unemployment, it has been suggested. According to North American gas and electricity supplier Mxenergy, growth in the industry is driving up demand for trained workers.

Unemployment in the United States currently stands at 9.1%, with thousands jobless in some sectors. But the green sector can expect to thrive, said Mxenergy.

The firm points to green thinktank Rocky Mountain Institute’s research that suggests the US already has more than 90,000 direct or indirect jobs in the manufacturing and installation of solar panels, with another 85,000 jobs in wind power.

Marjorie Kass, managing director of marketing at Mxenergy said: “The focus on renewable and clean energy and sustainability has led to tremendous growth in these industries over the past several years. All indications are that growth is expected to continue which will mean the need for trained, experienced personnel.”