Mass. clean energy economy growing, report says.

By Associated Press

The growth of the Massachusetts’ clean energy economy is outpacing the overall economy nearly tenfold, according to a new report that measures clean energy sector employment and businesses.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center announced Thursday that its annual report found an 11.2 percent growth in the sector’s economy from July 2011 to July 2012.

The clean energy sector employs more than 71,000 workers at nearly 5,000 companies across the state.

It includes companies involved in renewable energy, energy efficiency, alternative transportation and carbon management.

Gov. Deval Patrick said the report’s findings will inspire the state to ‘‘keep this momentum going strong.’’

The center was created by the Green Jobs Act of 2008 to promote clean energy technologies, companies and projects in Massachusetts.