ENERGY

Orange County Tech PrepRegional Coordination Grant

High School, ROP, and Community College

Faculty/Counselor Externship

Presented by: Janice L. Duzey & Stacy Robison

Summer 2008

Exploring new technologies, imagining new possibilities.

SustainabilityProject Overview

Project Overview:

“Green Energy,” “Green Tech,” “Cleantech,” all buzzwords of a generation, since the passing of Assembly Bill AB 32, which was passed to limit carbon emissions to the 1990 level, and passed market incentives to provide renewable energy companies to provide 20% of the total power in the state from renewable sources. The goal is to reduce carbon emissions GHG’s (Green House Gasses) and our reliance on Foreign Fuel.

SustainabilityProject Overview

From these incentives an entire industry was born and, like the Aerospace Industry in California in the ‘70’s, millions of jobs have and will be created. Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Geothermal Energy, and a place to store it all, have created thousands of jobs to date, and are already assisting in cleaning up the atmosphere.

However, just like any other industry, there are issues that need to be resolved, thus creating more jobs for the problem solvers. Through this project we have had the opportunity to see and interview three of these companies in Orange County that will truly be the leaders in their fields in the future.

Sun Trek Homes

Sun Trek Homes is a part of the Million Roofs Program that Gov. Schwarzenegger is trying to accomplish. They have developed technology that allows homeowners to solarize their homes on a residential consumer level.

                  

                                                 

Solar Trek Homes was recently commissioned to install a model Solar Panel Project at the Long Beach Municipal Airport

in Long Beach, California

City of Irvine

City of Irvine is developing the Great Park with a low water, minimal impact, “smart design,” incorporating all of the latest Green technologies available on a Governmental level.

The Balloon Ride at

The Great Park in Irvine, CA

Power Grid Partners

Power Grid Partners is developing Advanced Energy Storage Systems that will be used in Commercial Industrial arenas and at the Utility/ Grid level to provide Energy Storage for Excess Power from Renewable resources as well as reduce carbon emissions at the Power Generator level.

                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                  Power Grid Partners

Advanced Energy Storage

Features and

Benefits

How will each of these companies impact our

students and their future?

Suntrek Homes:

Solar Power of Three (Solar Electricity, Solar Pool Heating, Solar Hot Water)

Career Opportunities Possible courses leading to

Internships and Jobs

City of Irvine:

Community minimal impact “smart designs”

Greentech Technologies Low Flow Water Career Opportunities Possible Courses leading to

Internships and Jobs

Power Grid Partners

Industrial Applications Global Impact Grid Management Career Opportunities Possible Courses leading to

Internships and Jobs

General Courses

General courses suggested which encompass Business and have a Green Twist, as well as core skills needed for “Green Collar Jobs.”

Accounting Business Administration Government Relations Solar Sciences Construction Management (Green Building, Washington DC

Mall Green Building Competition which features throughout the Mall hundreds of Solar and Wind Powered homes…. Very cool)

Meteorology (Weather and Wind Prediction are the key to renewables)

Conclusion:

Courses in “Green”…… teach our students a different avenue that not only provides a great career but establishes a precedent for a cleaner greener tomorrow for all. Exploring new technologies, imagining new possibilities.