Mobile Lab Promotes Energy Education
During a year when fuel prices are up one day and down the next, many Americans are curious about what alternative energies are available to the public and which ones are feasible to bring to everyday life in the next few decades.

The Texas Renewable Energy Education Consortium (TREEC), a collection of post-secondary institutions working together to make sure the next generation graduates with a working knowledge of cheap, environmentally-safe energy, will visit Taylor Friday morning to try and satisfy some of these curiosities.

The TREEC will park its mobile renewable energy demonstration lab at Taylor High School from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to educate students about the possibilities in alternative energy, as well as career opportunities in the field. Non-students may also visit the mobile lab, but students will be given priority.

The mobile lab, a colorfully decorated trailer featuring the logos of several partner institutions in the TREEC, has a collection of technologies inside that are completely run with solar panels attached to the top of the trailer, including a golf cart.

“The main thing is to excite the students’ curiosity about how solar energy works, and that it really works,” said Fred Khozein, director of technical programs at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center (EWCHEC).

Texas State Technical College in Waco, one of EWCHEC’s partner institutions, is also a member of the TREEC consortium, and the arrival of the mobile lab reflects the commitment of partner institutions to the EWCHEC project.

“It’s another step in getting involved in the community outreach program with students in Taylor,” Khozein said.

Beginning technological training in alternative energy with the next generation of college students is a major step toward energy independence and clean, responsible fuel, Khozein said.

“We know that’s where we’re heading,” Khozein said. “We must head that way. And this is another program that is going to strengthen that possibility. We’re very excited about this.”