The University of Vermont and Green Mountain Power, Vermont’s largest power company, signed an agreement Tuesday to jointly develop renewable and energy efficiency programs and business.
The memorandum of understanding signed by the leaders of both institutions calls for the university and Green Mountain Power to work cooperatively to “...advance climate science, understanding of weather impacts on energy usage and related infrastructure, and the private economy....”. Students and faculty of the college will work with the power company’s new Energy Innovation Center in Rutland to develop new energy and technology businesses.
Green Mountain Power President and CEO Mary Powell is excited to see a significant public-private partnership that will lead to new renewable, cost effective energy generation.
University of Vermont President Tom Sullivan says the college has expertise in its Rubenstein School on the Environment, College of Agriculture and Biological Science, and College of Engineering and Mathematical Science, along with a systems analysis center that meshes with the utility’s initiative.
While the initial goal is to study the impact of weather and climate change impact on energy usage, Sullivan believes potential innovations will have far-reaching benefits beyond Vermont’s boundaries.
The University of Vermont and Green Mountain Power are working with Sandia National Lab and IBM in the installation of a cold weather solar technology test center. The college is also cooperating with the utility on small wind installation data collection.
