Clean Energy Excellence

The Pacific Northwest Center of Excellence for Clean Energy is a statewide and regional resource that represents the interests of the energy industry and our labor partners, within the Washington State Community and Technical College system.

We exist to narrow the gap between employers’ demands for a highly skilled workforce and the colleges’ ability to supply work-ready graduates. We convene industry and labor to help drive workforce development initiatives — and coordinate community college resources after industry and labor set the direction.

PNW Center of Excellence for Clean Energy logo
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The energy industry — globally, nationally, and in Washington state — is in the midst of tremendous change. Significant growth in the renewable/clean energy sector has occurred in recent years and forecasts show that this trend will continue. Washington state is on the leading edge of new developments and emerging technologies, and the state is well positioned to accelerate the shift toward a clean energy economy to support state environmental and economic goals. The future growth in clean energy depends on a well-qualified workforce to design, build, operate, and maintain renewable energy plants and equipment.

Who We Serve

Electricians working on a fuse box

Students

Discover detailed information about education and career pathways in energy.

Smart schoolchildren sharing their ecology project idea with teacher

Educators

Explore educational resources and curriculum for home or the classroom.

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Industry

Resources such as reports, publications, and funding opportunities for all our partners.

First Look at Amazon Backed SMR Planned for Washington

First Look at Amazon Backed SMR Planned for Washington

Renderings of the Cascade Advanced Energy Facility, a planned nuclear plant near Richland, Wash., that is a partnership of Amazon, X-energy and Energy Northwest. (X-energy Illustration) Last year, Amazon announced agreements to preserve existing and support the...

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WA Dept of Commerce Funds 10 Energy Planning Projects

WA Dept of Commerce Funds 10 Energy Planning Projects

The Washington State Department of Commerce is awarding 10 grants to public organizations with buildings over 20,000 square feet. The awards total $888,000, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program. These...

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Douglas PUD Cuts Ribbon at New Renewable Hydrogen Facility

Douglas PUD Cuts Ribbon at New Renewable Hydrogen Facility

Aerial view of renewable hydrogen production facility. Douglas PUD photo. Earlier this month, Douglas County PUD Commissioners invited the community to learn about and see the new renewable hydrogen production facility located in Baker Flats. The District is close to...

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Female engineer is checking equipment in power substation

Women in Energy Symposium

Celebrating how far women have come in the energy sector and addressing how far we’ve yet to go! This program addresses some of the evolving opportunities and challenges that women face and advocates for workplace inclusion and teamwork.

Register here

Nov. 4-6, 2025
Hotel Paso Del Norte, Autograph Collection
El Paso, TX

event flier: CEWD Workforce Development Summit, Nov. 18-20, 2025, Washington, D.C., The Wharf

CEWD Workforce Development Summit

This year’s Summit, themed Powering People, is designed to fuel industry workforce development leaders and their work in cultivating and preparing future talent who will drive the energy sector forward. Prepare for three days of insightful sessions focused on partnerships, potential, and progress, all underpinned by a spirit of innovation.

Register here

November 18-20, 2025

The Wharf
Washington, D.C.

Clean Currents 2025 logo, registration is open text, image of a female speaker and an image of a man shaking a womans hand

2025 CleanTech Innovation Showcase

Join CleanTech Alliance for their 12th annual CleanTech Innovation Showcase. The event will include an informative keynote on sector trends, presenting companies with emerging technologies, networking, demonstrations, and more!

Register here

November 5, 2025
The Hyatt at Olive 8
Seattle, WA