Energy initiative details workforce innovation program efforts

(The Center Square) – Louisiana’s Future Use of Energy Louisiana initiative is expanding its workforce development efforts statewide, with representatives touting promising results from early projects funded under the National Science Foundation’s $160 million “innovation engine” grant.Lacy McManus, FUEL’s director of Workforce Development, told members of the Louisiana Clean Hydrogen Task Force on Tuesday that the program is focused on scaling proven initiatives that prepare students and workers for clean energy careers.“I made the strategic decision to take the resources at my disposal and really look to scale what was already working in Louisiana,” McManus said, noting that about $1 million in grant funding has already been distributed across 14 workforce projects statewide.Six months into those projects, McManus said interim reports show “tangible results” in education and training.“We were thrilled to see the K-12 students we were able to reach over the summer through intensive programming, the graduate and higher ed students we engaged, and the many K-12 teachers we were able to influence as well,” McManus said.The goal, she added, is to expose more young people and educators to opportunities within Louisiana’s evolving energy ecosystem – a key step toward retaining local talent as the state’s energy industry diversifies.“This was just the tip of the iceberg that we were able to achieve in the last year,” McManus said.Looking ahead, McManus said FUEL expects to announce another $45 million in National Science Foundation funding over the next three years, covering the next phase of the grant.“Our mission for the next phase is to ensure we’re preparing an innovative energy workforce from all Louisiana communities to participate, benefit and contribute to our energy ecosystem,” McManus said.The upcoming phase — covering years three through five of the NSF grant — will focus on three core areas, beginning with education and training partnerships across all levels, from K-12 to higher education and technical programs.The FUEL initiative, led by Louisiana State University and supported by more than 50 public and private partners, is one of several federally funded “regional innovation engines” across the country. It is designed to accelerate energy research, commercialization, and workforce development while supporting local economies.As part of that broader effort, Louisiana Economic Development previously committed $67.5 million in matching funds to the NSF’s grant – one of the state’s largest single investments in energy innovation.“LED’s support through matching funds for the FUEL partnership is a strategic investment in Louisiana’s economic future,” said Josh Fleig, the agency’s chief innovation officer. “Energy has long been the backbone of Louisiana’s economy, and by investing in technologies and research that keep us on the leading edge, we’re ensuring our state remains a global industry leader for generations to come.”