The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the 19 institutions that will host fellows as part of the new $6 million Clean Energy Innovator Fellowship program. The program matches recent graduates and energy professionals to host institutions at critical energy organizations. The fellows will work at selected public utility commissions, municipal and rural cooperative utilities, and grid operators to advance innovative clean energy solutions. The program seeks to increase access to clean energy career opportunities across the country and accelerate the national transition to a resilient and affordable clean energy economy.
"There has never been a better time to work in clean energy," said Alejandro Moreno, Acting Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. "With the help of these talented fellows, host institutions can accelerate their work on the equitable deployment of clean energy technologies. This program is also a great opportunity for emerging energy professionals to gain experience in developing tangible solutions to the climate challenge."
The institutions will receive fellows who will spend one to two years working on projects that will help decarbonize the U.S. power system, electrify transportation and industry, and make the power system more equitable and inclusive. Examples of specific topics include developing paths to 100% clean energy in specific states, addressing energy inequities in rural areas, updating rate designs, engaging stakeholders in grid planning, improving clean energy interconnection to the grid, and more.
The institutions were selected for diversity across programmatic areas, geography, and the impact of their proposed project. In addition, the institution will mentor the fellows to ensure success. The 2022 host institutions are:
- Brunswick Electric Membership Corp (N.C.)
- Chattanooga EPB (Tenn.)
- Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority
- Connexus Energy (Minn.)
- Farmers Electric Cooperative (Texas)
- Hawaii Public Utilities Commission
- Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission
- Maryland Public Service Commission
- Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO)
- New York State Dept. of Public Service
- North Carolina Utilities Commission
- Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (Va,)
- Seattle City Light
- Stowe Town Electric Department (Vt,)
- Tennessee Valley Authority
- Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association (Colo.)
- Vermont Electric Cooperative
- Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission
- Western Area Power Administration
The competitively selected fellows have a range of backgrounds. For instance, they include Peace Corps volunteers, a former engineering professor, a Marine Corps veteran, an expert in remote sensing technology, and a former financial markets analyst. Seven of the fellows are recent college graduates, seven hold master's degrees (including two MBAs) and four have a PhD or JD. Most completed degree requirements in environmental studies or engineering; and others represent fields including social science, liberal arts, mathematics, and business. Most are less than five years out from their degree. The Fellows will receive a stipend and an educational allowance, as well peer-to-peer learning opportunities and professional development support.
The Clean Energy Innovator Fellowship is administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE).
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