DOE and NREL Announce Inaugural Collegiate Wind Competition Teams
In April 2013, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and its National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) announced the first-ever roster of university teams selected to compete in the inaugural DOE Collegiate Wind Competition. This initiative aims to challenge undergraduate students to design, build, and test a small wind turbine. At the same time, students will develop a detailed business plan for deploying their technology in the market.
The DOE’s Collegiate Wind Competition inspires innovation while training future leaders. Moreover, it pushes students to think creatively and solve real problems. As a result, teams gain hands-on experience in design, marketing, and policy. Even better, they learn skills that employers want. Therefore, the program builds a strong pipeline of wind energy talent. At the same time, it supports clean energy goals nationwide. Ultimately, this competition helps strengthen America’s commitment to sustainability and positions students for success in the growing renewable energy industry.
The competition is set to take place in spring 2014, with ten teams selected from universities across the country. The program encourages students to apply their engineering, marketing, and project development skills to real-world wind energy challenges.
The Ten Selected University Teams
The chosen Collegiate Wind Competition universities include:
- Boise State University
- California Maritime Academy
- Colorado School of Mines
- James Madison University
- Kansas State University
- Northern Arizona University
- Pennsylvania State University
- University of Alaska Fairbanks
- University of Kansas
- University of Massachusetts Lowell
These teams will design and build small-scale wind turbines that can operate efficiently and reliably. Their models will undergo rigorous testing during the competition.
Focus on Real-World Applications
Beyond technical design, students will also create detailed business plans. Moreover, this part of the contest teaches them to analyze markets, find customers, and manage costs. As a result, they learn how wind projects work in the real world—from technology to financing and policy. At the same time, the DOE says this competition advances clean energy goals while training future engineers, business leaders, and developers. Ultimately, by tackling real industry challenges, students gain practical experience to help meet critical workforce needs in renewable energy.
Building the Future of Clean Energy
Wind energy powers America’s push for a cleaner future. Moreover, competitions like this develop skilled graduates ready to lead. As a result, students gain real-world experience in design and business. Even better, they learn to solve complex industry challenges. Therefore, the DOE sees this training as an essential investment. At the same time, it grows the talent needed for a sustainable economy. Ultimately, these efforts help secure reliable, affordable, and clean energy for communities across the nation.
For more details about the DOE Collegiate Wind Energy Competition, visit the U.S. Department of Energy Wind Program and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory websites.
Sources: Power of Wind
Thomas O. Gray
Wind Energy Communications Consultant
Norwich, VT, USA
