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.

About Us
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

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Students

Discover detailed information about education and career pathways in energy.

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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.

News

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Columbia Basin Dams, Fears Grow as Employees are Lost

Columbia Basin Dams, Fears Grow as Employees are Lost

 Construction of the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington began in 1933 and was completed in 1942. It is the largest hydropower producer in the U.S. and also part of the federal Columbia River Power System. (Courtesy of Bureau of Reclamation) Grand Coulee Dam is among the...

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TVA First to Submit Construction Permit for SMR

TVA First to Submit Construction Permit for SMR

GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy's BWRX-300 SMR. Image credit: GE Vernova. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) announced May 20 that it is the first utility in the U.S. to submit a construction permit application (CPA) for the GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) small...

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Events

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Tacoma Public Utilities logo

NHA Waterpower Week

Join the National Hydropower Association for Water Power Week, an event geared towards professionals in the North American hydro industry who are focused on Policy and Advocacy. This event provides an opportunity to concentrate on regulatory, policy, markets, and legislative aspects of their work.

Register here

March 31-April 2, 2025
Capital Hilton
WA DC

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Securing the Supply Chain Summit- Building Resilience in the Supply Chain

This FREE event will be a filled with insightful discussions, practical workshops, and networking opportunities focused on security and building resilience in the supply chain, as well as highlighting the brand new Logisitics and Resilience Degree program being offered at Columbia Basin College.

Register here

April 24, 2025
Columbia Basin College
Pasco, WA

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Spring 2025 Clean & Affordable Energy Conference

Join the NW Energy Coalition this spring for the Clean & Affordable Energy Conference! There will be three panel discussions and an interactive table top discussion where attendees can discuss shared goals in building a clean, affordable, and equitable energy system in the Northwest.  

Register here

May 7, 2025
University of Montana, Missoula, UC Grand Foyer, North Ballroom
Missoula, MT