CREL
CREL is a hub connecting industry, government, frontline communities, and other educational partners to new and emerging renewable energy technologies across the state.
To help the San Joaquin Valley and the entire state reach its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2045, CREL has created three Centers of Excellence focused on renewable energy research and demonstration projects led by Kern CCD students.
If you’re interested in getting involved with CREL and helping build the future of
renewable energy in the San Joaquin Valley, please email us at CREL@KCCD.edu.
CREL Centers of Excellence
- Clean Energy and Grid Resilience
- Clean Transportation
- CRC Carbon Management Institute
CREL Mission
The California Renewable Energy Lab connects industry, governmental agencies, and workers, including disinvested communities and high-road training partnerships, with the most up-to-date information regarding renewable energy innovations that will shape the regional and statewide economy for decades to come. Some of these innovations include microgrid and energy storage technologies, agrivoltaics, carbon management technologies, and electric/hydrogen-powered vehicles and infrastructure.
CREL History
Since 2011, Kern CCD and Bakersfield College have been bringing energy education to the San Joaquin Valley, starting with our 21st Century Energy Center, which provides training and education in photovoltaic solar installation and other renewable energy careers. During that time, the district also began establishing a relationship with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Boulder, Colorado to develop curriculum around renewable energy education. This relationship, as well as a donation from Valley Strong Credit Union, led to the formation of the Valley Strong Energy Institute, which hosts the Ag/Water/Energy Education webinar series focused on educating our community on a wide range of topics related to the state’s energy transition.
In 2020, the district’s efforts in expanding its relationships with a wide range of stakeholders - including educational partners, government agencies, community-based organizations, environmental justice groups, labor unions, and employers - culminated in Kern CCD securing the first High Road Training Partnership (HRTP) in Kern County, which was focused on developing strategies for transitioning Kern County’s workforce to careers that can provide family-sustaining wages while mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Due to Kern CCD’s relationship with NREL, as well as its willingness to work within the High Road Training Partnership model championed by the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, Kern CCD received $50 million in funding from the state legislature to establish CREL. Around that same time, we also received funding from California Resources Corporation to establish the CRC Carbon Management Institute within CREL. Since founding CREL in 2022, we’ve been focused on launching demonstration projects for Kern CCD students within our three Centers of Excellence.
What We're Doing
In addition to the Centers of Excellence, CREL is focused on the following areas:
Community Education and Engagement
- Webinars
- K-14 Energy Academies
- Conferences
- Outreach
Valley Strong Energy Institute
The Valley Strong Energy Institute is dedicated to keeping San Joaquin Valley residents informed on issues related to renewable energy, climate change, and their impact on the region’s workforce and economy. Through our Ag/Water/Energy Education Series, we’ve presented cutting-edge research from scientists at NREL, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, UC Merced, and more.
Technology Transfer
- CREL is developing mini-demonstration projects which will serve as living labs for students. These projects will incorporate technologies tested by our research partners.
- The Bakersfield College Launchpad provides inventors and energy innovation start-ups with access to a wide range of entrepreneurships and business start-up resources.
Workforce Development
- Career and Technical Programs to prepare students to seek entry-level employment and technical skills upgrading for those currently employed.
- Non-credit, tuition free programs like our Certificate of Completion in Modern Energy.
Who's Involved
