Colorado State University in Fort Collins is one of 24 universities across the country awarded a slice of more than $30 million from the Department of Energy to train a new generation of energy efficiency experts.

CSU’s total share, spread out over several years is $1,271,558. Universities in 23 states will receive $200,000-300,000 a year for up to five years to train students in energy management through the DOE’s Industrial Assessment Center programm.

The program enables engineering students to undertake energy assessments in a wide range of manufacturing facilities to give students real-world experience, while helping local small and medium-sized industrial and manufacturing firms.

The university-based centers supported by the funds will provide 10-15 engineering students a year with training in industrial processes, energy assessment procedures and energy management principles.

Students will perform around 20 energy assessments a year and undertake follow-on reporting, tracking, implementation and energy management improvements.

“This industrial efficiency training program opens the door to good jobs in a growing, global sector for thousands of energy-savvy students while promoting real, boots-on-the-ground progress toward our transition to a clean energy economy,” said Energy Secretary Steven Chu.