About

Thank you for your interest in the University Clean Energy Alliance of Ohio (UCEAO). The organization was founded in April 2007, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by the presidents of the 15 major research institutions in the state.

The formal agreement was preceded, however, by considerable deliberation on how best to accomplish the goal of collaboration among universities conducting research in the clean energy arena. It was decided that, by forming an alliance, those members of the faculty and staff committed to advancing the cause of alternative energy in Ohio would be able to leverage their respective resources, share expertise and, as a result, become more competitive in the quest for research funding. In addition, the concept of collaboration was extended to include other academic institutions, private sector entities, agencies of the state and federal government, and non-profit organizations with an energy portfolio. This outreach effort continues to expand, in recognition of the fact that without active participation by all stakeholders, UCEAO’s ultimate goal of the deployment of new technologies cannot be accomplished.

Although very important, the research enterprise is not the exclusive focus of UCEAO. Since our formation, a number of important projects with associated goals have been undertaken.

To facilitate meaningful dialogue on critical energy issues: We have sponsored three Annual Conferences, the most recent entitled “Putting the Pieces Together: The New Energy Paradigm in Research, Education, Business and Public Policy” April 2008. Over 275 participants attended the conference to hear speakers on a wide variety of topics and visit with exhibitors from across the spectrum of green energy activities.
To improve the business-university collaborative experience: We received a grant from the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) to host a series of regional workshops investigating how universities can better assist businesses. The report, issued in June, is entitled "Connecting Ohio’s Businesses and Universities: Assets in Ohio’s Energy Future." Implementation of recommendations contained in the report can facilitate the strengthening
To share information on resources available in Ohio: In collaboration with the Ohio Board of Regents, we are in the process of developing a database of research expertise, technical capabilities, facilities and equipment, academic programs, and centers and institutes focused on energy at each of our member universities and government partners. This “knowledge bank” will enable the academic community, government agencies and businesses to quickly locate Ohio’s talent and expertise in advanced energy areas.
To ensure the availability of a well-trained “Green Energy” workforce: We received a 3-year award from the National Science Foundation Partnerships for Innovation Program for a proposal entitled "An Innovative Model for a New Advanced Energy Workforce" with a focus on wind, solar and advanced nuclear. Partners on this project include three UCEAO member universities, four community colleges, and a number of private sector companies.

UCEAO is uniquely positioned to build on the foundation established by state, federal and private initiatives, and to address the challenges through collaboration on technical research, graduate and undergraduate education and economic development.

We invite you to join us in pursuit of those goals and to use us a resource in your important work. Please contact Jane Harf to learn more about participation in the University Clean Energy Alliance of Ohio.