Pueblo Community College

Amy Matthew

August 24, 2018

PUEBLO – Representatives
of Pueblo Community College and NextEra Energy Resources on Thursday announced
an academic partnership that will create a living laboratory for renewable
energy at PCC.

NextEra Energy
Resources will deliver and install 52 photovoltaic solar panels to create a
20-kilowatt solar energy system on PCC’s Pueblo campus. NEER also will provide
training and curriculum to help the college create a pipeline of skilled
workers for the rapidly evolving industry. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics,
solar panel installer is the fastest-growing job in the country.

PCC students will be
able to use the solar energy system as a learning lab as they study how to
operate and maintain the system, as well as analyze its data and build
predictive analysis systems to optimize its operations. 

“This
commitment and generous gift from NextEra to invest in Pueblo, and in
particular Pueblo Community College, is a wonderful opportunity for the
institution to prepare the next generation of a renewable energy-skilled
workforce,” said PCC President Patty Erjavec. “My team has already begun to
explore the realm of educational possibilities this learning lab will afford
our students and we are eager to unleash their creativity and innovative
prowess.”

David
Gil, development director for NEER, said the company is eager to begin its
partnership with PCC. NEER is the world’s largest generator of wind and solar
energy and has nine operational wind and solar projects in Colorado, with seven
more in development.

“At
NextEra Energy Resources, we’re excited to help Pueblo Community College train
the next generation for careers in the growing clean energy economy,” said Gil.
“Colorado has an historic opportunity to expand its investment in renewable
energy and create great jobs in Pueblo if Xcel’s Preferred Colorado Energy Plan
is approved. We look forward to being part of Colorado’s clean energy vision
and helping PCC prepare for that future.”

Ken
Salazar, former US Secretary of the Interior and US senator from Colorado,
joined PCC and NextEra Energy to celebrate the announcement. He also discussed
the importance of solar storage projects in southern Colorado, pointing out
that Pueblo County stands to benefit greatly from Xcel’s proposal. The Colorado
Public Utilities Commission soon will vote on the plan.

“Under Xcel’s Preferred
Colorado Energy Plan, Pueblo County would get a $1 billion investment in solar
and energy storage, would gain 1,000 construction jobs and get an annual
average GDP uplift of almost $10 million,” Salazar said. “This is truly an
historic opportunity for Pueblo.”

PCC is ready to be a vital
partner in developing the industry’s local workforce, Erjavec said, and the
relationship with NextEra Energy Resources is key to making it happen.

“We
are most humbled to partner with NextEra Energy Resources and commit to being
good stewards of their investment in us,” she said.

More information about NextEra Energy Resources may be
found on the company’s website

.