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    Clean Energy Technology | AC Pathway

    SREB Advanced Career|Clean Energy Technology

    Clean Energy Technology AC Pathway

    The Clean Energy Technology program enables students to apply fundamental science and operating principles of clean energy systems to authentic problems. Such problems involve motors and generators, photovoltaic systems, water and energy conservation, wind turbines, biofuel generation, bioreactors, water power, energy harvesting, fuel cells and nuclear power. Students use an engineering design process to develop solutions to these authentic problems.

    Students master industry-standard simulation and modeling software sourced from the U.S. Department of Energy and related national laboratories as well as National Instruments (NI). Students use Web-based applications, especially those with embedded geographical information systems (GIS) content, to relate geography, climate and terrain with the availability and economics of wind and solar resources.


    Students discover how the perceptions of consumers, manufacturers, technologists and regulators shape and affect the rate and scale of clean energy technology adoption. Students analyze prices in energy markets and how prices communicate the opportunity costs of clean energy systems.

    Students completing the program may become an NI Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD) and may be prepared for earning other relevant industry certifications.

    The Four Courses of Clean Energy Technology

    Clean Energy Technology is for students who want to apply their science and math skills, and engineering processes as they tackle the world’s energy needs within a green point of view.

    Course 1: Clean Energy Systems

    This course exposes students to three sources of renewable energy: wind, solar and biofuels. Working with solar, thermal, chemical and mechanical sources of clean energy teaches students how to apply physics, geography, chemistry, biology, geometry, algebra and engineering fundamentals. Students learn the most efficient and appropriate use of energy production as they explore the relevant relationships among work, power and energy. Students will engage in a wide variety of handson projects and lab activities that both test their knowledge and illustrate the interrelationships between the various forms of clean energy.

    Course 2: Clean Energy ApplicationsThis course builds on the foundation of Course 1 and introduces nuclear power, steam generation, fuel cells, geothermal power, water power, AC/DC power generation, heat transfer and the laws of thermodynamics. In addition, students now use chemical and thermal energy principles to create, store and use energy efficiently to power a variety of mechanical and electrical devices. Students will engage in a variety of hands-on design projects to demonstrate principles using advanced technology hardware and software.
    Course 3: Clean Energy StrategiesStudents in this course utilize applicable skills from the foundational courses to tackle challenges associated with the implementation of clean energy technology. The hands-on projects encountered during this course will require students to address specific issues related to providing portable power in any situation, developing new energy storage systems, increasing the efficiency of the modern home, and designing more energy efficient buildings and homes.
    Course 4: Clean Energy InnovationsThe innovations course is the fourth and final course in the Clean Energy Technology Pathway Program. The course will provide students the opportunity to work independently with open-ended, problem-solving scenarios to create an original solution in the area of clean energy entrepreneurship or clean energy research and development. Students will collaborate with a mentor to conduct applied research around a defined research problem, develop solutions, collect and analyze relevant data, evaluate their solutions, and present their findings in public venues and competitions.

    Fully Developed Pathway Programs

    Advanced Career (AC) encompasses a coherent sequence of four ready-to-implement courses; comprehensive training for teachers; access to tools and technology for project-based learning; and end-of-course assessments. To ensure fidelity from site to site, each course has a syllabus that includes instructional philosophy, instructional delivery and support systems, assessment and a recommended grading system.

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    *Content and images provided by SREB.org/AC