The National Energy Technology Laboratory’s (NETL) Regional Workforce Initiative will present a free Energy 101 Webinar at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 28. The on-line event is designed to inform participants about evolving technology solutions related to rare earth elements (REEs) and advanced composites/materials and manufacturing and their potential economic development impact on the Appalachian Region.

The webinar is free, but registration is required. Interested persons can register for the webinar here.

The webinar will present information about technologies being researched at NETL that, if successful, can have positive impacts on the regional and national economy. Participants will learn about the technology thrusts that NETL research covers, as well as an in-depth, non-technical description of some of the specific research and development activities and technologies underway at NETL.

REEs are 17 elements on the periodic table that have significant value for national security, energy independence, and economic growth because they are used in high-technology products such as catalysts, cell phones, hard drives, hybrid engines, lasers, magnets, medical devices, televisions, and other applications. The U.S. has been importing REEs from markets dominated by other countries. The development of an economically competitive domestic supply of REEs from U.S. coal and coal byproducts will help to maintain our nation’s economic growth and national security.  

America’s vast coal resources contain quantities of REEs that can potentially reduce the nation’s dependence on other countries for these critical materials while creating new industries and jobs in regions where coal played key economic roles.

NETL is internationally recognized for its leadership in designing, developing, and deploying advanced materials for use in energy applications. The Laboratory’s advanced composites/materials and manufacturing research focuses on developing cost-effective materials that can withstand a combination of mechanical stress, and corrosive and erosive environments. Research is performed for designing new materials and reducing manufacturing costs.

The webinar will conclude with a discussion of how participants can stay connected to NETL and the Regional Workforce Initiative.

The mission of NETL’s Regional Workforce Initiative is to create a platform for regional stakeholders to engage the Laboratory and other federal agencies in collaborative workforce development efforts. These efforts complement energy and advanced manufacturing innovation and research by addressing the necessary workforce assessments and training.

NETL is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory that produces technological solutions to America’s energy challenges. For more than 100 years, the Laboratory has advanced technology to provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy to the American people. NETL’s mission is to discover, integrate, and mature technology solutions to enhance the nation’s energy foundation and protect the environment for future generations.