The Center for American Rural Energy (CARE) is a consortium dedicated to evaluating and demonstrating emerging innovative energy technologies and approaches. As a rural centric entity, CARE fills an underserved niche whose need for enhanced energy innovation is critical. The consortium includes three academic institutions: Eastern Illinois University Center for Clean Energy Research and Education; University of Illinois Prairie Research Institute; and Lake Land College Technology Division. Together, the institutions provide academic rigor to the studies and projects CARE conducts. A fourth member is Coles Together, a regional Economic Development entity, whose purpose is the economic vitality of the region and who owns the most suitable CO2 sequestration property in the country. The fifth founding member is Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative, an electric distribution cooperative, who provides the platform/test-bed for energy innovation projects conducted by CARE. CARE, a sustainable and on-going project development, is designated a Center of Excellence for Energy Innovation by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).
Charleston Stone Beneficial Electrification
Electric Vehicles in Rural America
Micro-Grid and Grid Reliability
1120 Klehm Hall
217-581-7086
jcloward@eiu.edu