Riverland Community College and EDF Renewables North America officially unveiled the new EDF Technical Training Center with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony today (April 9, 2025), at the Albert Lea Campus, located at 2200 Riverland Drive in Albert Lea. The event included a breakfast, a short program, and the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

The gathering began at 8:30 a.m., with a brief program starting at 9:00 a.m. to introduce EDF Renewables as part of the Riverland Community College Albert Lea Campus. The Albert Lea Freeborn County Chamber Ambassadors lead the official Ribbon Cutting at 9:20 a.m.

The EDF Technical Training Center reflects a significant collaboration between Riverland Community College, EDF Renewables, and the State of Minnesota to support the growing renewable energy sector. The partnership includes a transfer of a section of Riverland’s Albert Lea campus to serve as a state-of-the-art technical training facility for wind energy and renewable energy technicians.

“For over 35 years, EDF Renewables has remained a leader in the renewable energy industry, and this new center ensures that tradition continues by investing in the workforce of tomorrow,” said Kat Linaker, President of Riverland Community College. “This collaboration demonstrates our shared commitment to workforce development, safety, and innovation.”

Since 2022, EDF’s Technical Training Department has trained more than 200 employees in Global Wind Organization (GWO) certifications, including Basic Technical Training (BTT) and Basic Safety Training (BST). In 2025, training expanded to include Control of Hazardous Energies (CoHE), Advanced Rescue Training (ART), Slinger and Signaler (SLS), Bolt Tightening (BT), and Lift User (LU).

The facility is equipped with modern technology and industry-standard tools, including a nacelle installed for technical and advanced rescue training. EDF also provides nationally recognized safety certifications, such as NFPA 70E/70B and OSHA 10, further underscoring their commitment to developing highly skilled professionals.

Mark Johnson, EVP Asset Optimization for EDF Renewables said, “The Technical Training Center is a testament to EDF Renewables and our leadership’s investment in the growth and development of our workforce. By integrating cutting-edge technology and hands-on learning, we are not only enhancing the skill set of our technicians but also ensuring they can navigate their roles with utmost safety and confidence. Our focus on attracting and nurturing top talent is essential for delivering exceptional service to our customers and value to our investors. This strategic investment in our people is the cornerstone of driving innovation and securing our position at the forefront of the renewable energy industry.”

This partnership is a strong example of how Riverland and industry leaders can work together to provide high-quality education and career pathways that meet real-world workforce needs.