$30m for universities to train energy efficiency experts

The US Department of Energy is providing more than $30 million to train undergraduate- and graduate-level engineering students in manufacturing efficiency to help them become the nation’s next generation of industrial energy efficiency experts.

Through the Industrial Assessment Center program, university teams across the country will gain practical training and skills that will enable them to conduct energy assessments in a broad range of manufacturing facilities and help them compete in today’s economy. These groups of student engineers will help local companies and factories to reduce energy waste, save money, and become more economically competitive

Each Industrial Assessment Center will be expected to train at least 10 to 15 students per year, conduct approximately 20 energy assessments annually, and perform extensive follow-on reporting, tracking, implementation and management-improvement activities.

Between 20 and 30 universities will be selected as Industrial Assessment Centers and will be eligible to receive $200,000 to $300,000 per year for up to five years for the training and energy audits. Schools that apply are being asked to come up with innovative methods to teach students about core engineering, energy, and business principles and increase their understanding of management systems, industrial technologies, supply chains, energy efficiency and sustainability.

Universities interested in being selected for the program must submit their applications by August 2, 2011.