Gazette-Times

Oregon State University is one of 26 universities across the country recently identified as regional “industrial assessment centers” by the U.S. Department of Energy.

The centers will employ faculty and students to assist small- to medium-sized manufacturing plants in using energy more efficiently. Based on DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Industrial Technologies Program requirement, anticipated funding could be up to $6 million over the next two years.

“Technologies and best practices are available today to help U.S. industry use energy more wisely while significantly reducing operating expenses,” DOE Secretary Samuel W. Bodman said in a news release. “This program represents a win-win situation for everyone involved — for industry, for the participating students and universities and for America.”

The industrial assessment centers program is intended to train young engineers to better understand the role of energy efficiency and renewable energy in manufacturing and industry. Participating students gain practical experience and training in energy engineering.

The program also helps businesses receive comprehensive energy assessments at no cost.

Universities were selected based on applications.

For more information, see www.iac.rutgers.edu and www1.eere.energy.gov/indu

stry/bestpractices/iacs.html.