Just as President Barack Obama visited Holland, Mich. last week to
learn more about the advanced energy storage (AES) industry, students
at Grand Valley State University are learning about the technology and
how they can support the growing global industry.
Over the next several years, it is estimated that more than $5
billion will be targeted at advanced energy storage projects to launch
cell, battery and materials manufacturing facilities. Located in West
Michigan, Johnson Controls SAFT and LG Chem will develop the greatest
concentration of lithium-ion cell manufacturing facilities for
electrified vehicles in North America.
Grand Valley is responding to the expansion of the industry by
developing AES-specific courses and curriculum. “Our approach is not
to introduce an entire major that focuses on AES, but to leverage our
current programs by incorporating AES courses. We’ve found that
companies are looking for people with a well-rounded background in
engineering and a specialty in AES,” said Paul Plotkowski, dean of the
Padnos College of Engineering and Computing.
Collaboration and creating a unified relationship with the
community is essential, said Arn Boezaart, director of Grand Valley’s
Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center. “We have started to
approach these AES manufacturers like Johnson Controls and simply ask,
‘How can we be helpful?’ We want Grand Valley to be involved in this
new opportunity for West Michigan,” he said.
Looking ahead, Boezaart said there is a bigger, more long-term
opportunity for the area. “With access to a long coastline along Lake
Michigan, there is opportunity to utilize AES technology for renewable
energies like solar and wind. AES is not limited to automotive use.”
Grand Valley State plays role in rapidly growing AES global industry
Subscribe
Sign up and receive the latest Grand Valley headlines delivered to your email inbox each morning.