A vision for the renewable energy industry that began two years ago is now materializing in Halifax County with the construction of the Center for Energy Education.

The CEE is a non-profit educational organization that comprises a 5,000 square-feet building and an adjoining 60 acres.

This complex sits adjacent to a 30 MW solar farm constructed by Geenex LLC on the old Halifax County Airport site off Highway 158.

The CEE will become a hub for education, workforce development and research for the renewable energy industry.

The building and associated outdoor learning acreage was donated to the non-profit entity by Geenex, the developer of the solar farm.

The building will be a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified building that offers an excellent location to host conferences or meetings, the center said in statement..

Georg Veit, chairman of the CEE Board of Directors said, "We will provide the people a chance to be involved in this growing industry. To understand it, embrace it and become part of it and thus benefit from the new technologies our CEE offers to everyone."

The venue will be a resource for students, teachers, community leaders, the workforce, and industry specialists.

From kindergarteners visiting the site to learn about sustainability to the higher education of community college students, the center will provide education and energy information for all ages, serving as a hub for the renewable energy industry and for sustainable living.

Positioned to be an economic driver for this community and beyond, the center will provide training for the next generation of workers in the rapidly expanding renewables industry.

Currently, the CEE is partnering with North Carolina State University, Halifax Community College and the local schools to bring about many levels of learning experiences.

James Pierce was recently elected vice chairman of the CEE Board of Directors. "The educational opportunities that it offers our community — especially our youth — is a Godsend,” he said. “We will be on the cutting edge of very exciting new technology right here in Halifax County. The CEE will be the only entity of its kind on the east coast.”

Currently in the design phase are plans for interactive exhibits, an outdoor training ground, indoor meeting and classroom space, a car charging station, a walking and nature trail and picnic areas.

The center was started as a public and private partnership endeavor.

The heart of the CEE will be the educational resources it brings to bear in the areas of renewable energy, especially solar, particularly with the tremendous growth in solar installation that is already underway in North Carolina.

The CEE Board recently hired Pam Ballew as executive director. “I am truly honored to serve the CEE as executive director,” she said. “This project has been so heavily embraced by such a broad range of constituents. As a native of this community, I am encouraged to see just how much we can accomplish, especially as a hands-on facility of learning.”

The CEE for Energy Education is slated to open in late summer 2015.