A Project for Renewable Energy Technologies

Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner MA

Investigators

Abstract

The Forest and Wood Products Institute at Mount Wachusett Community College, in partnerships with the leading researchers and policy makers in renewable biomass energy technologies, is establishing a technician training program in this field. The Institute has recently converted the College's all-electric campus to a biomass heating system. This biomass system at the College serves as the focal point for the project. The goal of this project is to establish a biomass technology demonstration site in the Northeastern United States where industry and government decision-makers, students, and educators can learn about renewable biomass energy technologies. A long-term goal of the Institute is to produce replicable undergraduate curriculum for development of skilled workers in emerging renewable biomass energy technologies and policies. Specific activities for this one-year period include: expanding relationships to include new partners in the development of biomass energy; developing support among State and Federal agencies involved in renewable energy technology and policy; and creating an Advisory Board of regional and national stakeholders in the field.