CELT Will Bolster Workforce in Geothermal Energy Sector
11/20/2024
The Lowell Sun
By Peter Currier
LOWELL — UMass Lowell is partnering with Boston University and Gov. Maura Healey to launch a new initiative aimed at advancing clean energy and bolstering the workforce in the geothermal energy sector.
The Clean Energy and Environment Legacy Transition Initiative (CELT) was conceived from a trip by the Healey administration and representatives of UML to Ireland last year, where they participated in an energy and sustainability roundtable. The initiative was inspired by a similar model, the Science Foundation of Ireland Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine model.
“Our trip to Ireland focused on forging impactful strategic partnerships and strengthening our economic ties, and with this initiative we are doing just that,” said Healey. “Geothermal energy is a vital step toward reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and achieving our climate goals. With the remarkable talent of our students, we have the innovative spirit to drive transformative change and create a sustainable future.”
The CELT initiative is backed by $5.7 million in Department of Energy Resources funding, and the program will allow university expertise to be leveraged with experienced industry innovation, which is aimed at promoting equity in a growing clean energy and climate industry in Massachusetts.
“Many municipalities struggle with limited resources for energy transition projects, but partnerships with universities can energize local communities and boost Massachusetts’ economy,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “This collaboration provides students with practical training in renewable energy while delivering essential support to municipalities ready to tap into geothermal energy.”
The initiative will place graduate student fellows from UML and BU in municipalities to assist the communities with clean energy planning and implementing projects. Those students can also be deployed in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Office of Energy Transformation to help conduct policy and data analysis.
“We are fully committed to affordability and real clean energy solutions. Geothermal energy offers a reliable, cost-effective way to combat rising energy costs, providing long-term savings for residents,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “This first step is about building the workforce and expanding on successful pilot projects in Lowell and Framingham. Our goal is to make clean energy smarter, more efficient, and accessible to everyone.”
UML Chancellor Julie Chen called the university “uniquely positioned” to use its climate tech and sustainability expertise to help implement a transition to clean energy with a trained workforce.
“Governor Healey’s trade mission to Ireland presented a dynamic opportunity to enhance and strengthen the Commonwealth’s international research and innovation partnerships. UMass Lowell’s long-standing partnership with University College Cork, a recognized global leader in climate, energy, and sustainability, has been integral to our approach with CELT,” said Chen. “We look forward to working in partnership with the Healey-Driscoll Administration and with our partners at Boston University on the implementation of our shared goals at the local, national, and international level.”
UMass President Marty Meehan said CELT will help the state “build a global workforce that will respond to issues and opportunities around climate, energy and sustainability.”
“Thanks to the leadership of Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, UMass Lowell is positioned to help create a more sustainable Commonwealth that will serve as a model across the nation and the world,” said Meehan. “We are pleased UMass is a part of this transformative initiative.”
The initiative will include partnerships with the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness and Green Communities programs to help environmental justice communities with geothermal energy projects.