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
Electricity workers and pylon silhouette
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.

Asian engineer working in fieldwork outdoor. Worker sitting and inspect construction and machine around project site. Wind turbine electrical of clean resource energy and environment sustainable.

Industry

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

PNNL Scientists Transforming Nuclear Waste to Glass

PNNL Scientists Transforming Nuclear Waste to Glass

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Photo The Hanford Site recently began immobilizing low-activity, radioactive waste by converting it into glass: a process known as vitrification. The successful start-up of Hanford’s Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant will...

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U.S. House Committee Advances ‘Build More Hydro’ Bill

U.S. House Committee Advances ‘Build More Hydro’ Bill

National Hydropower Association photo Last week, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce unanimously approved the 'Build More Hydro' Bill (H.R. 2072), sending the legislation to the full House for consideration. The bill is intended to prevent project cancellations...

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Climate and Energy Education in Southwest Washington

Climate and Energy Education in Southwest Washington

Image shows Ryan King demonstrating how a hydroelectric dam works to a child being held up by her father, using a colorful display. Photo taken by student photographers from Horizon Studio Photo: https://horizonstudiophoto.pixieset.com/ As the Climate and Energy...

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NWHA logo, The 45th Annual Conference

2026 NWHA Annual Conference

Join the Northwest Hydroelectric Association for the 45th Annual NWHA Conference, the premier gathering for hydropower professionals across the Northwest and beyond, bringing together utilities, regulators, and more. 

Register here

February 24-26, 2026

Hilton Vancouver
Vancouver, WA

Water Power Week logo, registration is open

Water Power Week

Water Power Week 2026 is designed for North American hydro professionals focused on policy and advocacy. Attendees will explore regulatory, market, and legislative issues while networking with key industry influencers, including regulators and environmental groups.

Register here

March 9-13, 2026
The Westin DC Downtown
Washington, DC

CEATI logo with a dam and lake in the background

Hydropower Conference 2026

For more than 15 years, CEATI has gathered utility leaders, experts and influencers at this prestigious event to share practical insights and breakthrough developments shaping the future of hydropower.

Register here

March 17-18, 2026
Manchester Grand Hyatt
San Diego, CA