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.

Resources

Resources such as reports, publications, and skills standards for all our partners.

Potential for Geothermal in the Mid-Columbia Region

Potential for Geothermal in the Mid-Columbia Region

May 17, 2017 - Blue Mountain Geothermal Plant, Nevada Geothermal Power (NGP), Humbolt County, Nevada. Production well. (Photo by Dennis Schroeder / National Laboratory of the Rockies, 048293) Chelan, Douglas and Grant PUDs are considering a partnership to explore the...

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City of Edmonton

PNWER Annual Summit 2026

The PNWER Annual Summit is the leading nonpartisan forum bringing together public and private sector leaders from Canada and the U.S. to address shared challenges and opportunities in the Northwest.

Returning for its 35th year, the event will center on the region’s role as a gateway to growth and leader in cross-border cooperation, trade and innovation. Government, industry, association, Indigenous and academic leaders are invited to attend and collaborate on issues shaping the regional economy.

PNWER Registration

July 19-23, 2026
JW Marriott
Edmonton, AB

Women in Public Power text with a vineyard in the background

Women in Public Power

The Women in Public Power Conference is a high‑energy, feel‑good gathering created by and for women working across the public power industry. Expect engaging sessions, bold speakers, and honest conversations that spark new ideas and build real confidence. You’ll walk away with practical tools, fresh perspective, and a stronger network of women who understand your work, your challenges, and your ambitions.

Register for WIPP

July 28-30, 2026
Hyatt Regency Sonoma
Santa Rosa, CA

Washington Fusion Week Logo

2026 Washington State Fusion Week

Join fusion energy companies, elected officials, research institutions, NGOs and more for educational presentations and a networking reception. 2026 Washington State Fusion Week (formerly Seattle Fusion Week) will take place in-person in Everett on August 31st, in Tukwila on September 1st, and in Tri-Cities on September 2nd & 3rd.

Learn more from CleanTech Alliance

Aug 31-Sept 2
Multiple Sites
WA