E2Tech eyes students for renewables work force
The Environmental and Energy Technology Council of Maine showcased electric vehicles in a workshop designed to not only tout the alternative fuel vehicles but to attract students into growing technology fields.
The two-day South Portland workshop presented by E2Tech and Maine Clean Communities last week included a presentation detailing a new pilot program used by Central Maine Power Co. to evaluate electric vehicles and a panel discussing different types of EVs.
The 120 attendees, including students from Biddeford Regional Center of Technology, were invited to observe an array of electric vehicles from the Telsa Roadster to a 100% biodiesel vehicle.
Jeff Marks, the executive director of E2Tech, said the organization holds many forums on energy issues, but this was the first that focused solely on alternative fuel vehicles. The goal of this workshop was not just to showcase electric vehicles and compressed natural gas, but also to inform students with an interest in engineering and energy about the newest innovations in alternative fuel and electric vehicles.
"My goal in the next year is to invite more students to our educational forums and expose them to technology sectors and experts in Maine," says Marks. "I want to spark an interest in the innovation work force in Maine."
Marks acknowledged there is a problem with a so-called "brain drain" in Maine as residents choose to pursue an education or career in another state. This workshop drew interest from students from Biddeford, Thornton Academy, Kennebunk, Old Orchard Beach and Massabesic.
Marks says he hopes to interest more students in environmentally friendly technology in Maine and to further promote the use and development of clean energy here.
"We have quite a [number] of schools here, such as the University of Southern Maine, Southern Maine Community College, the University of New England and high schools, and these are the incubators for the next technology work force in Maine, so why not tap into that well of students and expose them to the expertise that we have here?" Marks says.
Those who are interested in clean energy can attend E2Tech's forums in the upcoming months that deal with topics such as geo-thermal energy and climate change adaption.
A full list of these events can be found on the website, www.e2tech.org.
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