Peer-Learning Cohort Topics and Resources
Explore topics from Clean Energy to Communities (C2C) peer-learning cohorts, managed by NREL, that have helped communities advance local clean energy progress.
Each C2C peer-learning cohort convenes up to 15 community entities over approximately 6 months to focus on a specific clean energy transition topic within one of four categories: renewable energy and grid, transportation, buildings, and resilience.
Cohort participants attend monthly presentations, engage in clean energy planning exercises, and discuss firsthand experiences and challenges with peers. Topics change each cohort cycle based on input from interviews and events with eligible entities across the U.S. as well as feedback from peer-learning cohort participants.
The following three cohorts will start in January 2025:
- Expanding Capacity for Distributed Wind in Rural and Agricultural Communities
- Planning for Microgrids to Increase Energy Resilience
- Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technologies in Appalachia
Explore current and past cohort topics and summary materials for insights on how to advance local clean energy progress.
Renewable Energy and Grid
C2C's peer-learning cohort topics have ranged from introductory content for communities that are just exploring clean energy options to more focused content relating to financing strategies, procurement strategies, and agrivoltaics implementation.
“This cohort was a perfect blend of informative presentations, peer discussions, and technical assistance. I feel like I am now well equipped with tools and resources to work through our clean energy planning process.” – Pam Adams, Centre Region Council of Governments, Pennsylvania
Implementing an Agrivoltaics Project (Cycle 3, July 2024)
Implementing an On-Site (Municipal) Clean Energy Procurement Strategy (Cycle 1, July 2023)
Summary Presentation: Implementing a Municipal Clean Energy Procurement Strategy
Incorporating Community Voices in Clean Energy Planning and Deployment (Cycle 1, July 2023)
Summary Presentation: Incorporating Community Voices into Clean Energy Planning and Deployment
Peer Learning Helps San Diego Center Community Voices in Clean Energy Plans, NREL News (2024)
Moving From Idea to Implementation: Starting on the Pathway to 100% Clean Energy (Pilot, January 2023)
Unlocking Clean Energy for All: Financing Strategies for a More Equitable Energy Future (Pilot, January 2023)
Transportation
Transportation in the United States accounts for nearly one third of all greenhouse gas emissions, and communities are exploring a wide range of transition options. C2C's peer-learning cohorts have explored strategies including accelerating deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and electrifying municipal fleets, in addition to integrating community priorities into transportation planning.
“My C2C learning experience was pivotal in giving me a clear understanding of the steps my city needs to take to build out our electric vehicle charging infrastructure in ways that are equitable, relevant, and efficient.” – Kim Morrow, Lincoln, Nebraska
Charting a Path to Municipal Fleet Electrification (Cycle 3, July 2024)
Electric Vehicles Grow in the Desert: Peer Learning Helps Sedona Plan for Charging Infrastructure, NREL News (2024)
Integrating Community Priorities into Electric Vehicle Plans and Projects (Cycle 2, January 2024)
Lessons Learned From the Clean Energy to Communities Peer-Learning Cohort Incorporating Community Priorities Into Electric Vehicle Plans and Projects, U.S. Department of Energy Fact Sheet (2024)
Summary Presentation: Incorporating Community Voices into Clean Energy Planning and Deployment
Planning and Funding for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Deployment (Cycle 1, July 2023)
Lessons Learned from the C2C Peer-Learning Cohort on Planning and Funding for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure, U.S. Department of Energy Fact Sheet (2024)
Summary Presentation: Planning and Funding for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment
Accelerating the Deployment of Equitable, Grid-Friendly Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (Pilot, January 2023)
Content from this cohort informed the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation's Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Playbook.
Buildings
Communities across the country are exploring options to lower emissions and improve safety and comfort in residential, commercial, and municipal buildings. C2C's peer-learning cohort topics have focused on strategies for investing in municipal building efficiency and decarbonization as well as programs for making residential buildings more energy efficient.
“These programs are Master Classes for municipal managers to learn and implement best practices in our communities. Other departments and divisions are now seeking out similar programs for their work due to the positive outcomes that I have experienced.” – Bethany Ayers Fisher, Reading, Pennsylvania
Designing and Enhancing Energy Efficiency Programs for Residential Buildings (Cycle 3, July 2024)
Evaluating and Prioritizing Municipal Buildings for Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization Investment (Cycle 2, January 2024)
Lessons Learned From the Clean Energy to Communities Peer-Learning Cohort Evaluating and Prioritizing Municipal Buildings for Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization Investment, U.S. Department of Energy Fact Sheet (2024)
Resilience
Planning for energy resilience is critical for ensuring safety and security during and after adverse situations, including weather-related events or other disasters. C2C's peer-learning cohorts have brought community entities together to explore options for improving resilience of critical municipal facilities, including by investing in solar photovoltaics, battery storage, and microgrid infrastructure.
“The structure, timing, and content in this C2C cohort was great. The NREL/WRI teams were very organized and did a great job breaking down ‘resilience’ into digestible presentations and activities.” – Elias Platte-Bermeo, Santa Monica, California
Enhancing Resilience at Critical Municipal Facilities Through Solar, Storage, and Microgrids (Cycle 2, January 2024)
Lessons Learned From the Clean Energy to Communities Peer-Learning Cohort Enhancing Resilience at Critical Facilities Through Solar, Storage, and Microgrids, U.S. Department of Energy Fact Sheet (2024)
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