By Alyssa Patrick, Economic Development & External Affairs
SEATTLE – Washington State University was among three finalists for the first CleanTech Achievement award granted by Washington’s CleanTech Alliance on Wednesday.
“Clean technology and WSU’s mission go hand in hand,” said Ralph Cavalieri, associate vice president for alternative energy at WSU. “We are honored by this recognition, which is a testament to WSU’s long history of anticipating and responding to the increasing local and global need for renewable energy and other clean technologies.”
Energy research, leadership
WSU’s strong foundation in engineering and agriculture makes the university a national leader in clean technology. University faculty were impacting energy use as far back as the 1930s, when professor Homer Dana helped the planners of the Grand Coulee Dam understand the region’s energy needs.
Today WSU is addressing energy needs by developing cutting-edge smart grid technology, co-leading nationwide initiatives on developing aviation biofuels, and developing new materials that could reduce energy use. WSU is also home to one of the nation’s first air quality research groups, as well as interdisciplinary water research groups and leading experts in sustainable design.
Clean tech outreach
The university’s land grant mission means WSU takes clean tech beyond research and into communities, both through outreach and technology transfer. Since 2010, WSU filed 69 provisional and full clean tech patents and signed 36 licensing agreements.
Research in clean tech often includes outreach components, such as the $40 million Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance, an aviation biofuels coalition led by WSU that emphasizes fostering energy literacy among young people.
“There is important clean technology development happening at WSU and great people behind it,” said Tom Ranken, president and CEO of the CleanTech Alliance. “Everyone I’ve worked with at WSU is a delight, and it is evident that the university is committed to cultivating relationships that advance clean technology.”
WSU among three finalists
The CleanTech Achievement award was presented to Element 8, a clean tech investment organization, at the CleanTech Alliance’s annual meeting in Seattle. The other finalist was UniEnergy Technologies.
WSU is a member of this trade association that was established in 2007 to facilitate the generation and growth of clean tech-focused companies and jobs, educational programs, research, products and services.
Contacts:
Ralph Cavalieri, WSU associate vice president of alternative energy, 509-335-4854, cavalieri@wsu.edu
Alyssa Patrick, communication coordinator, WSU Office of Economic Development, 206-219-2427, apatrick12@wsu.edu