Northern Maine Community College in Presque Isle has been selected by a national nonprofit organization to host a clean energy forum on March 9, 2011. Since 2008, NMCC has offered an associate-degree level program to train wind power technicians, the first such program in New England. Last year, NMCC decided to install a meteorological tower on campus to measure wind potential. NMCC's interest in wind energy continues to grow; last month, the college’s renewable energy programs got a big boost in the form of a $1.2 million gift from donor Mary Smith; the college will use those funds to establish the Northern Maine Center for Excellence in Alternative Energy Training and Education.
Focus the Nation, a nonprofit whose mission statement focuses on “accelerat[ing] our transformation to a clean energy future by fostering connections between generations, and empowering young people through education, civic engagement, and action”, is sponsoring 22 events this winter across the country. The organization selected NMCC to host the only one of these forums to be held in the Northeast. The “Maine Event” will be held in the Edmunds Conference Center on the Presque Isle campus from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 9.
Former Maine Gov. Angus King will deliver the keynote address, sharing his perspective as a wind energy developer as well as insights from his political service. U.S. Sen. Susan Collins will also speak to participants through a videotaped message. The event will feature presentations by leaders in Maine’s alternative energy industry, as well as an interactive panel discussion on policies, technologies, and challenges for renewable power.
Northern Maine is home to significant interest in clean energy technologies, including wind. NMCC’s event is well-positioned to continue solidifying the college’s leading role in education and training for renewable power.
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