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
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.

News

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Events

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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

Enlighten Women’s Forum: Rooted & Rising

The Enlighten Women’s Forum returns with “Rooted and Rising,” a transformative one-day experience that honors the legacy of tradeswomen while empowering the next generation of leaders. Whether you’re swinging a hammer on the jobsite, managing multimillion-dollar projects, or teaching the next wave of apprentices, this is your community.

Register here

March 11, 2026
Clover Park Technical College
Lakewood, WA