Veterans at ACP CLEANPOWER 2025
Building the Veterans in Energy Community and Powering America’s Future
If you’re going to build a professional network, wouldn’t you want to do it with people who get you and have the same dedication to service?
Last year in Minneapolis, we convened our largest Rally Point of military veterans in the energy industry with the Veterans Happy Hour at CLEANPOWER 2024. It was a powerful reminder of how far the veteran community in clean energy has come—and how far we can still go. What began as a simple gathering in Houston at the same event in 2019, during the days when American Clean Power (ACP) was still known as American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), has become something far more than a simple happy hour. It’s now the #RallyPoint for Project Vanguard, the community of veterans in clean energy leading the charge for American Energy Dominance. In those pre-COVID days, a few veterans meeting over drinks laid the foundation for what is now a growing force in the clean energy workforce, advocacy, and leadership.
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The foundation of Project Vanguard rests on our community. It enables all of the pillars of our organization across People, Projects, and Policies.
PEOPLE
The core of everything we do. Veterans make up 10% of the clean energy workforce, double the average for most industries. But we know there are many more who have yet to raise their hand. That’s why we’re building a national community, chapter by chapter, where veterans can reconnect with their military roots and relaunch their civilian careers with purpose. At the 2024 Happy Hour, veterans from across the country met not only to network but to mentor, recruit, and share their stories. Our local Community Leaders are stepping up to host job fairs, military base visits, and mentoring sessions to bring the next wave of veterans into our industry. We are united by a sense of service, and now we’re channeling that into energy careers that power our nation. We currently have 10 active chapters nationwide with more in the works (see below).
PROJECTS
Because people alone don’t build power grids, turbines, or solar arrays. We do. Veterans are among the most trusted voices in America. We’re respected, apolitical, and action-oriented. At CLEANPOWER 2024, it was clear: when veterans speak about clean energy, people listen. We’re not here for political theater—we’re here for practical solutions. Veterans are already leading project development in communities that often feel left behind by national conversations. Our message is simple and effective: clean energy projects mean local jobs, local revenue, and national strength. By organizing grassroots support through veteran-led education and workforce programs, we are transforming project opposition into community champions. As we expand in key states, our community is helping shift the narrative—away from fear and politics, and toward opportunity and pride.
POLICIES
Because no industry succeeds without smart, stable, and scalable policy support. Veterans have a unique ability to bridge divides. We’re not red or blue—we’re mission-first. CLEANPOWER 2024 reminded us that we need more voices at the table who have lived the realities of both war zones and energy zones. Through Project Vanguard, we are creating a platform for veterans to engage policymakers with stories that matter—real experiences from the field, both overseas and at home. Our growing network of over 150 veteran advocates is shaping the conversation around clean energy with stories that resonate, strategies that work, and a commitment to results.
REGISTER HERE
If you missed last year’s event, don’t miss this one. Join us at CLEANPOWER 2025 for the Veterans Happy Hour, hosted by Project Vanguard. Come connect with your tribe, grow your career, and help us lead the next generation of energy leadership. We also have free one day tickets for veterans. You can request them when you register. Come tour the exhibition hall with us and meet the best employers in our industry to find the next step in your career.
If you have not already joined Project Vanguard and connected with hundreds of veteran professionals in our Slack community. Let’s get you squared away today. Be a part of the future we’re building—together.