EXPO 2020: Training a 21st Century Clean Energy Workforce

2020 RENEWABLE ENERGY & ENERGY EFFICIENCY EXPO Panel 1: Training a 21st Century Clean Energy Workforce Panel 2: Macro Benefits of Microgrids Panel 3: Advancing Climate Solutions Through Environmental Justice Panel 4: Efficient Buildings as Energy Grid Resources Panel 5: Sustainable Transportation Panel 6: New Frontiers in Clean Energy Research & Development

On July 30, 2020, the 23rd Annual Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency EXPO and Policy Forum brought together 25 businesses, trade associations, and government agencies to showcase clean energy industries. The bipartisan House and Senate Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucuses served as the EXPO's honorary co-hosts, and the event was held online because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first panel of the day, “Training a 21st Century Clean Energy Workforce,” was a perfect opening: it all starts with the workforce. Keeping that workforce trained and familiar with the latest techniques and technologies is critical for the United States to retain its edge as a global leader in clean energy, and to do its part as it works with its neighbors to ensure a sustainable and prosperous North American continent.

View the video above, or read the highlights below.

Group 1—Training a 21st Century Clean Energy Workforce

U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) Government of Canada American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) Building Clean (BlueGreen Alliance)

Daniel Simmons, Assistant Secretary, Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE), U.S. Department of Energy Eric Belair, Director General of the Energy Policy and International Affairs Branch (EPIB), Natural Resources Canada, Government of Canada Neil James, Vice President, Operations and Maintenance, Apex Clean Energy on behalf of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) Hillary Bright, Director of Special Projects, Building Clean (BlueGreen Alliance)

HIGHLIGHTS

 

Daniel Simmons, Assistant Secretary, Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE), U.S. Department of Energy

• A knowledgeable energy workforce is essential for American competitiveness and energy security. EERE is committed to investing in the next generation of scientists and engineers.
• There is incredible value in workforce training, and training programs need to be adaptable.
• In June 2020, EERE announced $20 million in funding for the University of Tennessee (UT) and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to support workforce development in clean energy. This is a five-year program, which builds upon the existing partnership between UT and ORNL. The project will use a modular interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates new opportunities in the energy field with real world skills. This curriculum may serve as a national model for future programs. Program themes include automation, resilient and secure energy systems, advanced materials science, and circular economy principles.
• EERE also started the Solar Ready Vets program in 2014 to support transitioning service members as they join the growing solar industry. The pilot program supported 526 service members in 10 states. In 2019, the Solar Ready Vets Network was established to continue the work of t