High demand expected for grads with energy efficiency degree

Nevada education officials who launched the nation's first college degree program in energy efficiency say its graduates are likely to be a hot commodity.

The associate's degree in industrial energy efficiency is a new two-year program within the Nevada System of Higher Education. Developed through a U.S. Department of Energy grant, it's a collaborative effort of Sierra Pacific and Nevada Power companies, the Nevada System of Higher Education and the Management Assistance Partnership, better known as MAP.

The program is in its first year, and the sponsors expect it to be popular with working professionals whose employers want to lower their energy costs as well as students that see future employment in this area.

"Building engineers, plant managers, and mining operations managers receive the greatest benefit from these classes," said Doug Prihar, MAP project manager. "They get the opportunity to analyze their existing systems and determine how to make them more energy efficient."

The first year of the course teaches the basics motor systems, math, physics, processes, safety, air conditioning and other aspects of energy operations.

"The second year we delve into specific systems to analyze their efficiency, while covering such topics as energy system measurements, building systems, and industrial processes," said Bret Murphy, dean of applied science at Great Basin College.

The courses developed by Great Basin College are available to students at community colleges across the state via an interactive video link. Classes start August 27.