The Outlook
By 2030, as many as 1 out of 4 U.S. workers may be green collar (Link: www.ases.org), employed in the renewable energy or energy efficiency industries.
Here in Ohio, alternative energy made $785 million in 2006, and recent public policy all-but-guarantees the industry’s explosive growth. Senate Bill 221, signed into law May 2008, ensures 25% of the state’s energy will be from alternative sources by 2025.
That’s the kind of aggressive maneuver the American Solar Energy Society forecastswill lead to $220 billion in revenues and over 2 million new jobs by 2030.
Our Alternative and Sustainable Energy Community
Sunpower Inc. is the granddaddy of Athens County’s alternative energy industry. William Beale invented the free-piston Stirling engine in 1964 and went on to found the company in 1974. Sunpower is now a world leader in those engines, plus coolers and linear compressors.
Over the years, Sunpower has stayed at the top of its game while inspiring innovation, birthing Stirling Technology Inc. and Global Cooling.
Athens County also boasts two booming renewable energy installers. Dovetail Solar & Wind is one of Ohio’s oldest and largest. Third Sun Solar and Wind Power Ltd.recently completed installation of 72 solar panels on a local insurance office, making it one of the 10 largest solar arrays in the state.
But we don’t just install; we invent. American Hydrogen Corporation holds the exclusive worldwide license to commercialize a breakthrough ammonia-to-hydrogen electrolyzer developed by Ohio University. The technique significantly reduces the cost of harvesting energy-rich hydrogen – and that could spell the end of high gas prices!
Building and Designing Green
Local architectural firm, Panich & Noel, specializes in LEED (Leadership in Environmental Engineering and Design)design and designed the first LEED-registered building in Southeastern Ohio for the Athens Real Estate Co..
Tom Lovdal takes pride in his work because of his passion and respect of the environment and nature. Tom’s company T.H. Lovdal and Company has emphasized “energy efficiency, green building, and use of local materials since 1982.”
Research, Education & Workforce Training
Research, education and training are the future of any industry, and Athens County continues its innovative, applied research into renewable and efficient energies. Ohio University’s Consortium for Energy, Economics and the Environment brings together all the major players in our country’s battle for economic growth with environmental sustainability.
One CE3 member, the Ohio Coal Research Center, leads the way in development of “clean coal” technologies.
And in 2009, be on the lookout for the Hocking College Energy Institute. It will be Ohio’s first LEED Platinum Certified building – a great addition to a college that already offers 2-year programs in Alternative Energy & Fuel Cells and Automotive Hybrids & Fuel Cells. 
