More support for educating wind engineers

The U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE) Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) will expand Wind Powering America’s Wind for Schools program to an additional three to six states. The Wind for Schools project helps build a skilled workforce to support the expanded development and application of wind technologies by supporting wind energy educational programs at universities and in primary and secondary schools.

The first objective of the program is to educate engineers in wind applications analysis and development through the development of Wind Applications Centers located at colleges or universities in wind-rich states.

The second objective is to educate K-12 students in wind energy and engage communities in a discussion regarding the application and benefits of a robust wind energy future for America. This second objective is met by installing small wind turbines at K-12 schools and helping schools implement wind-focused curricula through curricula development and outreach, school support, and teacher-training workshops. By assisting in the implementation of the wind turbine projects, college students at the Wind Application Centers obtain a better understanding of wind technology development, thus helping to fulfill the project’s long-term objective.

Final proposals are due November 20. Projects are expected to begin in fiscal year 2010 and last for approximately three years. A copy of the complete funding opportunity including proposal guidelines and submittal information can be found on NREL’s current solicitations/request for proposals Web page.