Northwest Energy Technology Collaborative

NWETC launches new regional brand
The Northwest Energy Technology Collaborative (NWETC) took the opportunity to role out its new regional partnership at the Power-Gen renewable conference in Las Vegas in February.

NWETC brings together partners and resources throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, British Columbia, Alberta, Montana and Yukon Territory to position the Northwest as a region that offers a full range of energy-related technology solutions.

By branding the Northwest as a hub for emerging power technology and rolling out its latest initiatives to encourage innovation in the area of energy solutions, NWETC was able, through interaction with U.S. and International delegates at the conference, to attract new contacts, increase visibility, and strengthen relationships within the global energy market.

NWETC is a joint effort of business, government, non-profit and educational institutions committed to accelerate the emergence and growth of the energy technology industry in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. NWETC focus its efforts in three core areas: research and development, technologies applied to energy, and demonstration projects that move intellectual property from the laboratory to commercialization. For more information, visit the NWETC website at www.nwetc.com.

Washington Rural Electric Cooperatives joins regional energy collaborative
The Washington Rural Electric Cooperatives (WREC) has joined the affiliate network for the Northwest Energy Technology Collaborative. Under the affiliation, WREC will work with NWETC over the next year to get rural utilities more actively involved in activities to promote new innovations and technologies in energy through NWETC’s programs.

New Hydrogen Learning Center open at Central Washington University
Central Washington University opened its Hydrogen Learning Center on March 15 featuring a 1kw fuel cell developed by Avista Corporation. The fuel cell project was a grant administered by BPA and acquired by the State Energy Office to create the Hydrogen Learning Center and train 200 teachers statewide in hydrogen-focused curricula. NWETC supported this effort by providing in-kind marketing support for the center.

Regional conference on new energy technologies set for July 13
The Northwest Energy Technology Showcase (NETS) is set for July 13 in Victoria, B.C. NETS is a regional conference that brings together 10 to 15 of the best new energy innovation companies in the region to present their technology to lead purchasers, decision makers and engineers from utilities across the Northwest. Companies interested in participating in the NETS event are required to submit an application form and executive summary. A screening committee will select finalist from the applicants pool who are then eligible to present at NETS. For more information, please visit www.watechcenter.org/nwetc/Victoria_conf.html.

NWETC participates in energy conference in B.C.
The Northwest Energy Technology Collaborative was an exhibitor at the 16th annual Canadian Institute of Energy (B.C.) conference in Vancouver, BC on February 26. The event, entitled “Building the Business Case for Environmental Action in B.C.: Energy Planning, Climate Change, & Environmental Stewardship,” was co-hosted by the Environment Managers Association of B.C. Topics included a range of leading energy technologies and planning approaches, including hybrid vehicles, solar technologies, geo-exchange, emissions trading, and performance-based energy conservation.