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The Murdoch University-based Australian Co-operative Research Centre for Renewable Energy (ACRE) is to establish an Education, Training and Information Programme to build public confidence in renewable energy systems and products.
 Under the management of Murdoch's Professor Philip Jennings, the Programme will address the need for renewable energy education at all levels, from primary school to continuing professional development.
At the tertiary education level ACRE will draw on Murdoch University's strengths and experience in renewable energy education, and provide funding for the development of a Masters Degree in renewable energy technology. Links are also being developed to international educational agencies to offer university courses and short courses overseas under the ACRE banner.
Outside the formal education system its focus will be on providing information for the community, developing wider awareness and confidence in renewable energy technology.
While ACRE's own research programmes will be a primary source of information for the education programme, Professor Jennings and his colleagues will co-operate with other agencies, particularly energy utilities, in providing information about renewables, energy management and greenhouse issues.
Part of the programme's role will be to publicise the demonstration projects and products of the Centre, and it will assist with the recruitment and training of research students for the technical programmes.
The Programme also will have responsibility for maintaining good, internal communication with ACRE's 22 partners  mainly through the Internet.
The partners, spread across Australia, include industries, power utilities, federal and state government departments and agencies, and universities.
Consistent with the objectives of ACRE, the Education Programme will aim to generate significant income from course fees, grants and the sale of educational materials.
See also
Murdoch secures niche in Japan's solar energy R&D
Practising what he preaches
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