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DOE OSTI · 1885009

1.4.2.403 - Water Power STEM Workforce Development (Hydro)

DeGeorge, Elise
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Abstract

As interest in renewable energy grows, water power technologies will continue to play a robust and growing role. However, the industry needs new talent to spur innovation and to support industry needs. With one-quarter of the domestic hydropower workforce retiring in the coming decade, the need to fill the workforce pipeline has never been more critical. The lack of new hydropower development has limited the number of educational programs focused on this sector at all levels of education. NREL has a long track record of working to address educational needs across the renewable energy spectrum. Leveraging this track record, this project brought the Hydropower STEM Portal to water power stakeholders fueled by information from a multitude of sectors, our partnership with the Hydropower Foundation, NEED, and others. The team has also sought to integrate activities with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, to increase dissemination opportunities and interfaces. The purpose of the portal is to be a one-stop shop to information geared at inspiring the next-generation water power professional. NREL also leverages experience in engaging with stakeholders to understand barriers to technology adoption to identify issues and drivers, provide feedback to the R&D community, work to clarify misperceptions, and inform decisions to facilitate market adoption. The outcome of this work is a more successful and diverse water power industry based on a motivated and better-trained workforce.

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ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY,HYDRO ENERGYhydropowerSTEM workforceWPTO Peer Review

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DeGeorge, Elise. 2022-08-25. 1.4.2.403 - Water Power STEM Workforce Development (Hydro). https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1885009

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