Brown announces more than #3.2 million for development of smart electricity grid for Ohio
The Ada Herald – WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced more than $3.2 million in federal funds for two Ohio smart grid workforce training programs. The funds, distributed through the U.S. Department of Energy, will be used to train electrical engineers and other members of the industry in the development and application of smart electrical grid technology.
"Through our skilled workforce and strong supply chain, Ohio will lead the nation in the clean energy economy," Brown said. "These funds will ensure that our workers have the training they need to upgrade our energy infrastructure, increase our energy efficiency, and help attract new jobs in the clean energy industry."
The Ohio State University in Columbus has been selected to receive approximately $2.5 million to develop an interdisciplinary curriculum for electric power engineers. This program will include a test platform that will simulate the functions of a real smart grid in an integrative environment. Cuyahoga Community College District was also selected to receive funding that will be used to develop and implement classroom, lab, work-site, and online instruction methods. Ohio will benefit from a $3.4 million training program that will be implemented by Duke Energy. Under the selected project, Duke Energy will provide smart grid training for over 3,100 employees in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky.
