EAST GREENWICH, R.I. — Steven H. Kitchin, vice president of corporate education and training at New England Institute of Technology (NEIT), announced that the university will collaborate with EDP Renewables North America (EDPR) and its planned Number Nine Wind Farm in Aroostook County, Maine to develop and train workers with the knowledge and technical skills required for employment in the wind farm industry. According to Linda Dionne of NEIT, several NEIT students are from the Eagle Times coverage area.
EDPR is a global leader in the renewable energy industry that develops, constructs, owns, and operates wind farms and solar parks. Number Nine Wind Farm will provide clean, zero-emissions electricity to Rhode Island customers at a low, fixed price if selected by National Grid in the upcoming procurement of renewable energy initiated by the State of Rhode Island.
Number Nine Wind Farm would be the largest operating on-shore wind farm in New England and will require a highly skilled workforce to construct and operate the site. NEIT’s mission of preparing its graduates with the technical skills needed to be successful in the ever-changing labor market fits perfectly with the needs of growing and successful renewable energy owners and operators like EDPR. New England Tech faculty are experts in their respective fields, and the university offers relevant coursework and training in its Associate of Science degree program in electrical technology with renewable energy. NEIT’s degree program can afford Rhode Island workers and new, potential EDPR employees the opportunity to learn the necessary knowledge and technical skills used in the fast-growing renewable energy industry….Click to read more