The eLearning Center for B.F. Environmental Consultants, Inc.

This course provides an overview of alternative power technologies that can be used to generate and distribute energy. Over fifteen alternative power technologies covering such topics as; biofuels, geothermal, microturbines, fuel cells, wind, solar, hydropower, and reciprocating engines are covering in this course. Each technology is briefly described to include the system description and concept, representative technologies, and current and future applications. Many of these technologies will be used as renewable energy technologies to meet the growing need set by state Renewable Energy Standards. The need for policy makers, engineers, and technical analysts to be well-informed about alternative power technologies will drive continued study and research in this area.

The study material provides information on new alternative power and renewable energy technologies entering the market. The student is expected to read and review the material contained Chapter 2 (Pages 1-87) in the NREL Document, Power Technologies Energy Data Book, Fourth Edition.

The student must take a multiple-choice and true/false quiz consisting of twenty (20) questions at the end of this course to obtain 4 PDH credits.

State Board Acceptance

This course can be used by professional engineers to fulfill PDH requirements mandated by state and provincial licensing boards. Decatur Professional Development is an approved provider of continuing education in all states that pre-approve course providers. In all other states that mandate continuing education for engineers, it is the individual engineer's responsibility to determine the suitability of activities for PDH credit. The state boards typically accept online* courses that cover technical, managerial** or ethical content and which are relevant to the practice of engineering. The course must have a clear purpose or objective with a content that will maintain, improve or expand the skills and knowledge of the licensee's field of practice. For questions about your mandatory PDH requirements, visit the website of your state licensing board.

*Online courses are accepted by all state licensing boards that mandate continuing education. Other than New York (which limits online courses to 18 PDH) and Iowa (which limits online courses to 6 PDH), there are no limits placed by other states on the number of hours that can be earned through online continuing education. Consult with your state licensing board if you have any questions about the acceptability of online courses.

**The New York State Board of Engineers does not accept general office management courses, but will accept project management courses that are offered by an approved provider and that are technical in nature and contribute to the engineer's professional practice.

Please Note: Continuing Education credits for this course are awarded as PDH (Professional Development Hour Credits).