SUU receives federal moneys for renewable energy education

CEDAR CITY — Southern Utah University has received federal moneys for renewable energy education.

A $400,000 appropriation from the U.S. Department of Labor is helping SUU’s Business Resource Center and the Southwest Applied Technology College educate the public while training the workforce and laying the groundwork for regional economic development in renewable energy.

Brian Cottam, associate director of the SUU Office of Regional Services, said Southwest ATC has used its portion of the funds to develop the Energy Academy, a workforce training component that the Department of Labor wanted to fund.

The Energy Academy provides courses and certification in wind and solar energy. Southwest ATC is currently training renewable energy professionals.

Cottam said the Business Resource Center portion of the Labor Department appropriation supports the Business Expansion and Retention program.

“This money helps the BRC focus on existing renewable energy businesses, as well as businesses that could or already do provide products or services to renewable energy businesses,” he said.