[Federal Register: December 9, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 237)]
[Notices]               
[Page 74712-74713]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09de08-44]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

 
Request for Information: Geothermal Workforce Education 
Development and Retention

AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of 
Energy (DOE).

ACTION: Notice of Request for Information (DE-PS36-09GO39004).

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SUMMARY: The Department of Energy (DOE) gives notice of a Request for 
Information (RFI), seeking innovative ways for industry and educators 
to work together in addressing important challenges in the geothermal 
program; under authorities such as 42 U.S.C. Section 7381(b) of the 
Department of Energy Education Enhancement Act, and the Energy Policy 
Act of 2005, Section 931(a)(2)(C). The Federal government and industry 
must address the growing inadequacy of workforce competencies due to 
the small size of the existing geothermal industry and the competition 
for human resources, as the geothermal industry competes with the oil 
and gas industry for qualified personnel. The limited capability for 
meeting a critical need in qualified personnel is compounded by the 
current lack of formal university degree programs. This RFI seeks input 
regarding future GTP funding, potential initiatives within the industry 
and in the classroom, and with DOE administrative efforts.

DATES: Written comments must be received by January 30, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Send all responses to this RFI to RFI-09GO39004@go.doe.gov 
in Microsoft Word format.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions regarding the content of the 
RFI must be submitted to the following e-mail address: RFI-
09GO39004@go.doe.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The U.S. Department of Energy's Geothermal 
Technology Program (GTP) is working with industry and educators to 
address important challenges in the geothermal program under 
authorities such as 42 U.S.C. Section 7381(b) of the Department of 
Energy Education Enhancement Act, and the Energy Policy Act of 2005, 
Section 931(a)(2)(C). Glitnir Geothermal Research's 2008 United States 
Geothermal Energy Market Report asserts that human capital will be a 
bottleneck to advancing geothermal energy technology and could delay 
development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) technology.
    The limited capability for meeting this need is further illustrated 
by the current lack of formal university degree programs. The Federal 
government and industry, together, must address the growing inadequacy 
of workforce competencies due to the small size of the existing 
geothermal industry and the competition for human resources, as the 
geothermal industry competes with the oil and gas industry for 
qualified personnel.
    Future GTP funding and administrative efforts may focus on the 
following goals:
     Institute program activities affiliated with the 
development and retention of the geothermal-specific competencies.

[[Page 74713]]

     Develop teaming opportunities with universities and 
industry to invest in geothermal education programs.
     Co-sponsor student design competitions with industry 
focused on critical technology challenges for EGS.
    Potential initiatives may include, but are not limited to:
     EGS curriculum--Competitively fund institutions of higher 
education to develop geothermal educational curricula and degree 
programs/minors/specializations.
     Educational scholarship program--Support student 
enrollment in programs with geothermal development and curricula for 
education, research and/or internships. These programs may apply to 
undergraduates, graduate students, and post-docs.
     Vocational training--Develop the next generation of 
skilled workers for widespread geothermal facility construction and 
operation.
     University cooperative education and professional 
internship program.
     University student competition.
     Allow students to solve real-life problems and implement 
solutions in the field.
     Co-sponsor with industry student design competitions 
focused on critical technology challenges.
     Co-sponsor student paper challenges to showcase student 
research in a public forum and make connections to industry.
     K-12 education modules--Provide early exposure to and 
curricula for geothermal energy and technology. This may include 
supplementing the Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) Education 
Web site.
     Pilot education program.
     Day programs/workshops at universities.
     Innovative education models for post-undergraduate 
education.

    Issued in Golden, CO on November 26, 2008.
James P. Damm,
Acting Assistant Manager, Office of Acquisition and Financial 
Assistance, Golden Field Office, U.S. Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. E8-29087 Filed 12-8-08; 8:45 am]

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