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.

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
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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.

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Industry

Resources such as reports, publications, and funding opportunities for all our partners.

PNW Fusion Energy: Fusion Week and ‘A Star in a Jar’

PNW Fusion Energy: Fusion Week and ‘A Star in a Jar’

Zap Energy’s FuZE-Q fusion device. (Zap Photo) The Pacific Northwest fusion industry kicked off the annual Seattle Fusion Week on Monday. Hosted by CleanTech Alliance, the annual event brings together fusion energy companies, elected officials, research institutions,...

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Clean Currents 2025 logo, registration is open text, image of a female speaker and an image of a man shaking a womans hand

Clean Currents 2025

Join the National Hydropower Association in the City of Bridges to make water power connections that can transform your career, your operation — and our industry. Explore what’s new and notable,  learn directly from subject matter experts, top tier power producers and dynamic suppliers.

Register here

October 14-17, 2025

David L Lawrence Convention Center
Pittsburgh, PA

Female engineer is checking equipment in power substation

Women in Energy Symposium

Celebrating how far women have come in the energy sector and addressing how far we’ve yet to go! This program addresses some of the evolving opportunities and challenges that women face and advocates for workplace inclusion and teamwork.

Register here

Nov. 4-6, 2025
Hotel Paso Del Norte, Autograph Collection
El Paso, TX

event flier: CEWD Workforce Development Summit, Nov. 18-20, 2025, Washington, D.C., The Wharf

CEWD Workforce Development Summit

This year’s Summit, themed Powering People, is designed to fuel industry workforce development leaders and their work in cultivating and preparing future talent who will drive the energy sector forward. Prepare for three days of insightful sessions focused on partnerships, potential, and progress, all underpinned by a spirit of innovation.

Register here

November 18-20, 2025

The Wharf
Washington, D.C.