The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded a $5.7 million grant to 51ΑΤΖζβs College of Engineering & Applied Science to boost the number of (ITAC) in the Midwest. These centers provide workers with skills in energy assessment, allowing the manufacturing sector to step up its use of technologies to reduce energy consumption.
51ΑΤΖζ was selected to be one of DOEβs lead institutions, aiming to help manufacturers improve their competitiveness and reduce industrial carbon emissions at the heart of global climate change.
Ryo Amano, 51ΑΤΖζβs Richard & Joanne Grigg Fellow and 51ΑΤΖζ mechanical engineering professor, will direct the initiative and work with nine community college partners across Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Training workers
Through the training centers, students and workers interested in upskilling can learn how to use technologies such as heat pumps, hydrogen for power generation, biofuels, power flow analysis, several renewable energy technologies and cyber-physical modeling.
βThe total amount of the consortia funding is $14 million, so 51ΑΤΖζβs slice is large β more than a third,β Amano said. βThat isnβt surprising, however, because 51ΑΤΖζ is known for its expertise in training the next generation of energy engineers. The growing number of ITACs is made possible by the DOEβs network of university-based Industrial Assessment Centers. And 51ΑΤΖζ has hosted for nearly 30 years.β
Students involved in the Industrial Assessment Center at 51ΑΤΖζ conduct free energy assessments for industries to help them save energy costs, cut waste, reduce carbon emissions and boost the clean energy economy.
40 centers across country
51ΑΤΖζ-led ITACs will bring the total number of centers across the U.S. to more than 40.
The ITAC grant announcement comes on the heels of a $900,000 grant that DOE awarded Amano last year to establish a (BTAC). The aim of BTAC funding was to establish centers for specific job training in making energy-saving modifications to existing buildings and institutional facilities. In addition, Amano has $2 million in funding for 51ΑΤΖζβs Industrial Assessment Center.
Expansion of both DOE programs are supported with funds from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
