NEOSHO - A $1 million appropriation was secured for the Missouri Alternative and Renewable Energy Technology (MARET) Center at Crowder College, according to a formal announcement by Majority Whip Roy Blunt (MO-7) during a press conference today. The college, due to the success of its solar program, has been designated as the MARET Center by the Missouri legislature. The funds will help build and equip the center.

"Crowder is already nationally recognized for designing energy efficient homes and cars. Crowder College's Alternative Energy Department is taking the next step in meeting the challenge of making practical use of energy efficient conservation practices and applications," Blunt said. "I look forward to working with the new Congress on establishing a national energy plan."

Crowder College has a history of success in alternative energy projects.

1984—designed and built the first solar-powered vehicle to cross the United States

1987—competed in the first World Solar Challenge, Australia; finished second, behind General Motors

1990—competed in the first GM Sunrayce in America; finished fifth.

1990—placed eighth out of 32 international teams in the second World Solar Challenge

1992—traveled to Japan for the Grand Solar Challenge.

1994—finished second in an electric vehicle race in Phoenix, AZ.

1996—working with Upward Bound students, placed third at the Grand Solar Cycle Challenge in Japan.

1998—competed in the first Ethanol Vehicle Challenge.

1999—competed in the World Solar Cycle Challenge in Australia.

2000—placed first in the fuel-efficiency category of the second Ethanol Vehicle Challenge

2001—placed first in class and second overall; Solar Bike Race USA

2002—only community college entry to compete with 13 universities in the 2002 Solar Decathlon project. See previous article.

Crowder’s MARET Center is planned to provide many economic benefits to the region including increased jobs in the renewable energy industry. The Department of Energy estimates that 35.5 jobs are created for every megawatt of solar energy installed. The MARET Center will assist in the acceleration of research and development in the alternative energy market and contribute to the reduction of outflow of Missouri resources expended on energy.

Crowder officials are hopeful that the MARET Center will help create new renewable energy business start-up ventures each year, training for employees in alternative energy practices, certification and degrees for up to 60 students per year, as well as attract thousands of people for annual conferences and seminars.

“We at Crowder College truly appreciate Congressman Blunt's leadership and commitment to expanding renewable energy in southwest Missouri and wish to thank him and his staff for their ongoing efforts to support the MARET Center” said Dr. Steven Gates, Crowder College President. “This appropriation will give us a great start toward securing the funding for equipping the building with the necessary technology to expand instructional programs and services to our community. We hope to provide existing businesses and industries in the renewable energy field with a place to test and develop new products, a place to learn about renewable energy building and design, and to provide support for new business start-ups in the renewable energy field.

The St. Louis architectural firm of Kromm, Rikimaru & Johansen, Inc., is designing the center in collaboration with specialists in renewable energy technologies. The building design, construction, and operation will model best practices in renewable energy technology.

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