Clean & Renewable Energy:
Our Vision of a Healthier World
FAST FACTS
- 40 clean energy businesses (29.0% increase, 2001-2006)
- Roughly 1,300 clean energy workers employed (2006)
- 4th highest clean energy employment concentration in nation
- #1 Innovative/Entrepreneurial Region in U.S. (2005)
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher comprise roughly
40% of the population
- CSU graduated 423 engineering, 773 natural sciences, and 865
business majors, ranging from bachelor’s to doctoral (2006)
- 66 patents issued to CSU alumni in Northern Colorado (2006-07)
- Fort Collins Ranked 1st – Best Places to Live (Money, 2006)
Why Your Company Belongs Here
The impact of Northern Colorado clean energy innovations can be felt worldwide,
from Manila to Denmark. It is also felt right here at home, where world-renowned
innovators are putting their ideas to work in our live proving ground.
The entire Northern Colorado area is committed to clean energy, from utilities
leading the nation in clean energy policies to Poudre School District’s award-
winning energy-saving strategies. Colorado State University (CSU), Fort Collins,
features the world’s largest smart grid simulation and one of the world’s largest
engine labs. CSU collaborates with many companies to develop practical business
applications and commercialization opportunities.
Clean energy activity is concentrated in three areas:
- Engines and low emission technology
- Renewable energy (wind, solar, biofuels, hydropower)
- Smart grid (distributed energy)
Featured Companies
Roughly 40 clean energy companies operate in the area, an increase of 29%
in five years. They range from early-stage startups to established world leaders.
EnviroFit
A product of CSU’s Engines and Energy Conversion Laboratory (EECL),
this tax-exempt company addresses environmental problems in the developing
world.
Solix Biofuels
This start-up has developed a method to produce algae-based biodiesel fuel.
Spirae, Inc.
Specializing in power grid modeling and developing large-scale integration of renewables, Spirae’s clients include Denmark’s forward-thinking Energinet.
Vestas
The world’s leading manufacturer of wind Turbines is establishing its first U.S. blade production facility in Windsor, with the capacity to produce about 1,200 blades per year.
Woodward Governor Company
With facilities in over 10 countries, Woodward chose Fort Collins for its Headquarters. They design and manufacture energy control systems and components for aircraft and industrial engines and turbines.
Partners in Power
This industry cluster is supported locally by the Northern Colorado Clean Energy Cluster initiative- a group that utilizes the power of the region’s collective resources and relationships to facilitate clean energy related projects in Northern Colorado.
The cluster facilitates partnerships and collaboration between the public and private sectors, academic and research institutions, and economic development organizations.
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