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.

Boise Airport Powered by 100% Clean Energy

Boise Airport Powered by 100% Clean Energy

The Boise Airport became 100% powered by renewable solar energy in the fall of 2024 after the city began buying solar energy from Black Mesa Energy solar project in Elmore County. (Courtesy of city of Boise) The Boise Airport became powered by 100% clean solar energy...

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AI and Expanding Electrification Outpacing Energy Supply

AI and Expanding Electrification Outpacing Energy Supply

Members of an energy-focused panel earlier this week at Tech Alliance's Policy Matters conference discussed the AI revolution and the need for round-the-clock power. Energy use is surging with power increasingly needed for data centers operated by tech giant...

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Fall 2024 Clean & Affordable Energy Conference

Hear the latest on energy issues in our region and learn from peers’ experiences within the clean energy transition in a tabletop discussion. Expert panelists will discuss a variety of topics including how to support energy affordability as we make needed investments and upgrades to decarbonize our economy. 

Register here

November 13, 2024

Husky Union Building, UW Campus, Seattle, WA

JumpStart logo

JumpStart Contractor Reception

Join the King County Executive Climate Office for the Fall Contractor Reception and Open House! During this time of historic investment in clean energy through the Inflation Reduction Act, it is critical to build strong networks of skilled professionals deploying clean energy.

Register here

November 14, 2024

Georgetown Ballroom
Seattle, WA

CEWD Workforce Development Summit, November 19-21 2024, Washington, DC

CEWD Workforce Development Summit

The annual Summit brings hundreds of industry professionals together for critical conversations and action-focused dialogues about developing a skilled, diverse energy workforce. Programming is for everyone whose role touches workforce development. 

General Registration Ends Nov. 1st

November 19-21, 2024
The Wharf, Washington, D.C.