Ecotech Institute, the only college entirely focused on renewable energy and sustainability training, now has a generator capable of powering 15,000 average America homes. The generator, which is one of the most expensive components in a wind turbine, is a donation from Alstom, the world’s leading energy solutions and transport company. Matt Pevarnik, an account executive for Alstom who serves on Ecotech Institute’s advisory board, spearheaded the donation.
“What’s incredible about this donation is now our students will have hands-on training with the same equipment they’ll encounter in their careers when they graduate from Ecotech Institute,” said Shawn Lamb, Ecotech Institute’s Wind Energy Technology Program Director. “This equipment combined with our 20-ton gearbox, which Winergy donated last year, gives our students training very few people will have before entering their profession.”
Students in Ecotech’s Wind Energy and Power Utility degree programs will use the generator, along with the gearbox, for mechanical training and to practice inspections and tests that are part of a wind turbine’s preventative maintenance program. Students will also have the chance to work on more complicated repairs in the course of their on-the-job training.
“Alstom is proud to see that our 1.7MW generator will help benefit the Ecotech Institute’s wind energy technology program,” said Albert Fisas-Camanes, R&D Director for Alstom Wind North America. “We appreciate the value of hands-on education and believe this generator will serve as a valuable learning tool to students studying for a career in the wind energy field.”
A ribbon cutting ceremony for the generator will take place at Ecotech Institute on Thursday, July 24 at 1 p.m. Ecotech Institute is located at 1400 S Abilene St, Aurora, Colo.
Ecotech Institute currently offers eight associate’s degree programs:
- Facility Management Technology
- Residential Energy Management
- Solar Energy Technology
- Wind Energy Technology
- Renewable Energy Technology
- Electrical Engineering Technology
- Power Utility Technician
- Business Administration – Sustainability.
For more information on Ecotech Institute, visit www.ecotechinstitute.com or like Ecotech Institute on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/EcotechInstitute.
About Ecotech Institute
Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Launched in April 2010 in Denver, Colorado, it offers eight highly practical renewable energy degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers. Classes start once per quarter and applications are always accepted. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.