Suniva, Inc. solar panels on the roof of the Carbon-Neutral Energy Solutions Laboratory at the Georgia Institute of Technology. | Photo courtesy of Georgia Tech

Connecting the U.S. southeast innovation ecosystem to Energy Department programs and resources, and helping shape the Department’s strategy to boost U.S. competitiveness in clean energy manufacturing

Clean energy manufacturing is playing an important part in the American manufacturing renaissance we’re seeing today, where more companies are making their products in the United States and, in turn, are bringing good-paying jobs back home. This growth in clean energy manufacturing is not limited to certain states or regions. Take a region like the southeast United States: clean energy manufacturing industries have grown, along with the high quality jobs and stronger local economies that come with them. According to one study, in 2012, the Southeast led the country in manufacturing-related clean energy job announcements with more than 13,700, about 80% of the nation's total.

The Energy Department’s Clean Energy Manufacturing Initiative (CEMI), which was established to better leverage opportunities in clean energy and advanced manufacturing technologies for America, recognizes that collaboration is crucial for realizing continued clean energy manufacturing growth. Accordingly, CEMI is organizing summits all around the country to expand its partnerships and connect stakeholders to its key programs and resources.

On July 9, we will host the CEMI Southeast Regional Summit in Atlanta. At the summit, stakeholders will have the opportunity to engage face to face with Energy Department leaders; inform regional and national strategies for strengthening clean energy manufacturing competitiveness; and learn firsthand about the Energy Department’s work to provide small businesses with affordable and easy access to our national labs’ capabilities.

What are the key facts?

  • The Clean Energy Manufacturing Initiative (CEMI) is hosting a regional summit in Atlanta on July 9 that will focus on the Southeast's successes in and opportunities for clean energy manufacturing.
  • The event will bring the leaders of key Energy Department clean energy and advanced manufacturing initiatives to the summit to have direct conversations with stakeholders.
  • Results will impact the Energy Department’s strategy to boost U.S. competitiveness in clean energy manufacturing.
  • The event is open to the public and free of charge. Go to the Southeast Regional Summit web page for more information. Space is running out—sign-up soon!

Attendees will also learn how to tap into the Energy Department’s and other organizations’ many existing clean energy and advanced manufacturing resources. For example, one panel discussion during the day-long summit will feature leaders from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, NASA, and the Georgia Center of Innovation for Manufacturing, who will highlight federal and local tools for growing clean energy manufacturing businesses. As just another example, one of the summit’s breakout sessions will provide unique insights on how to work with the Department’s national labs.

Additionally, I am honored to be joined by several high-profile clean energy manufacturing leaders in the Southeast. Notably, George P. “Bud” Peterson, President of Georgia Tech, the home of the Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and Jay Rogers, Founder and CEO of Local Motors, manufacturer of the world’s first 3D-printed car, will deliver keynote addresses with their perspectives on how to nurture manufacturing innovation and accelerate commercialization in the Southeast.

This event is open to the public and free of charge, and I encourage you to take part in this important clean energy manufacturing discussion with regional and national leaders. Space is running out to sign up, so visit the CEMI Southeast Regional Summit web page for the full list of attendees, summit details, and how to register.

To learn more about the Clean Energy Manufacturing Initiative, check out our website and sign up for breaking news email alerts.