2005
CONTACT: Peter Sigurdson 842-1522 ext. 3006 phs@nyserda.org
FOR RELEASE: Immediately Thursday, April 27, 2005 Local Educators Receive Training On Fuel Cells, "Hydrogen Economy"
Rochester, NY -- Local middle school educators will take part in a free one-day workshop on technologies, opportunities and challenges associated with hydrogen energy and the emerging "hydrogen economy." The seminar is sponsored by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the Long Island Power Authority, and the New York Power Authority. The Energy Smart Students Program is offering this course as part of a coordinated statewide effort to raise awareness in both teachers and their students.
The H2 Educate workshop will be held at the Rochester Institute of Technology - L. Slaughter Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies (CIMS) on Wednesday, April 27th from 9 am to 3:30 pm.
"Current fuel cell technology and the potential for a 'hydrogen economy' in our future necessitates that our teachers have a solid practical and scientific understanding of hydrogen energy and fuel cell technology," said NYSERDA president Peter R. Smith. "The H2 Educate workshops that are being conducted across New York State, 10 in all, will help lay the groundwork for consistent and ongoing training in the future of hydrogen-based energy in our lives."
The H2 Educate materials are the newest addition to the Energy Smart Students program. The curriculum, which was developed by the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project, in conjunction with Sentech and the U.S. Department of Energy, includes free lessons and hands-on kits for the classroom. NEED was also selected to be the organization to deliver middle-school-level H2 education nationwide.
"The idea behind this multi-discipline effort is that energy is an integral part of our lives, and therefore all educators should benefit from this training," Smith added.
As part of the overall Energy Smart Students Program, NYSERDA is planning a series of training opportunities throughout the state on a wide range of energy-related topics, including training for student teachers, classes on biodiesel and alternative fuels. NYSERDA is also piloting a high-school-level Home Performance vocational course, modeled after the training courses required of contractors participating in the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Program.
Funding for the Energy Smart Students Program is provided through the New York Energy $martSM program, by means of a System Benefits Charge (SBC) paid by electric distribution customers of participating utilities. The programs are available to all electric distribution customers (residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial) of Central Hudson, Con Edison, NYSEG, Niagara Mohawk, Orange and Rockland, and Rochester Gas and Electric. NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation established by law in 1975, administers SBC funds and programs under an agreement with the Public Service Commission.
Additional information about these and other energy-saving programs is available online at www.nyserda.org or www.GetEnergySmart.org, or toll-free at (866) NYSERDA.
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