This week, Eric shared with us a plethora of education-centered competitions, challenges, and other programs sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. These programs are all designed to get students and graduates of all ages interested in, and prepared for, a career in clean energy. For example, engineering students can take part in Industrial Assessment Centers to conduct energy assessments in a broad range of manufacturing facilities. PhD recipients can apply for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Postdoctoral Research Awards to conduct applied research at universities, national laboratories, and other research facilities. Science and engineering undergraduates can participate in Wind for Schools, which helps students gain not only practical knowledge in wind turbine technologies, but also get hands-on experience installing turbines. There are so many ways to get involved and get in-depth exposure to clean energy careers! Have you ever participated in a competition or ot... [More]

To stay a top competitor in today’s global economy, we need to make sure that students who aspire to be the next generation of America’s scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs can get the hands-on experience and training they need to lead our industries and businesses.

The Energy Department takes an active role in cultivating the leaders of tomorrow in the field of clean energy. This role has probably never been more important as more and more people understand the need to expand our use of renewable energy and energy efficiency to tackle the challenges we face as a global community.

The Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy supports a number of workforce development and training programs that you might have heard of already, and others that might be new to you. Here’s a list of a few of the ones I’ve been following recently: [More]

One of the most important things we can do to provide for a more sustainable future for our children and grandchildren is find new ways to unlock our ingenuity. Across the planet, creative minds are generating ideas that will make our lives better – and save energy – and they’re translating them into action through entrepreneurship. By cultivating the best clean energy ideas and working to move them from paper to prototype to commercial success, entrepreneurs are the engine driving us to a more secure energy future.

DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) plays an important role in this process by investing in the development and commercialization of clean energy technologies that strengthen the economy, protect the environment, and reduce America's dependence on foreign oil. [More]

September is a month full of changes: it marks the switch from summer to fall, and from vacation to school. But it also means something really exciting - the DOE Solar Decathlon!

We've been tracking the event and showing you what's going on daily. See what's been happening on the blog:

New or Notable on Energy Savers

• Solar Decathlon 2011: The event runs Sept. 23 - Oct 2 in West Potomac Park in Washington D.C. Check it out if you have a chance!


• The seasonal switch to fallhas begun on Energy Savers. Read our tips to help you get prepared for saving energy and money in the cooler weather.

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On Friday at 10 a.m., the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon opens in West Potomac Park in Washington D.C. The event provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for members of the public to tour homes that save energy and money—and are powered by the sun. Many of my colleagues describe attending Solar Decathlon as one of the highlights of their professional careers, and I’m hopeful I’ll be able to squeeze in a visit during a quick work trip to D.C. later this week. [More]

On Monday, Andrea discussed careers performing home energy assessments. This is a growing field, and a variety of training opportunities are available to help you get started.

Have you considered a career as an energy assessor? Why does it interest you?

Each Thursday, you have the chance to share your thoughts on a question about energy efficiency or renewable energy for consumers. Please comment with your answers, and also feel free to respond to other comments. [More]