6/11/2009 - Wind Energy in Oregon.
Wind Energy in Oregon Conference.
I went to the NW Energy Summit in Portland yesterday. The topic was “Growing a NW Wind Industry.” The focus of my interest was on the potential for growing the rural workforce associated with the Wind Industry. There is apparently a need for around 360 highly skilled workers, wind turbine technicians, for example, by the year 2011. That’s not an inconsiderable number for rural Oregon. Columbia Gorge Community College has a program to train Renewable Energy Technicians. There is also a Columbia Gorge Bi-State Renewable Energy Zone to facilitate investment, workforce development and bringing in industry for part of the Columbia Gorge on both sides of the river (Oregon and Washington). It looks like it’d be a good idea to stay abreast of events occurring around wind energy in this area. There may be possible grant opportunities with Green Jobs.
from the Columbia Gorge Community College Renewable Energy Technology webpage
-Monty