The Energy Innovation Coalition represents local and regional partners with the common interest of driving clean energy innovation. We meet quarterly to share current projects, latest research and opportunities, and build alignment. Partners have the freedom and autonomy to work independently, but also often collaborate on efforts to better leverage resources and talents for collective growth.
Coalition partners provide data on a regular basis to help assess and demonstrate the impact of efforts across the coalition using the following metrics:
- The percentage of energy used in Lewis County from renewable sources
- The percentage of energy used in Washington State from Lewis County renewable sources
- Average Lewis County wages
- The number of clean energy jobs in Lewis County
- The amount of tax revenue provided to Lewis County and Lewis County municipalities through clean energy projects
Our partners include:
- Chehalis Airport
- City of Chehalis
- City of Centralia
- Port of Chehalis
- I-5 Toyota
- Centralia College
- Pacific Northwest Center of Excellence for Clean Energy
- Economic Alliance of Lewis County
- Twin Transit
- City of Toledo
- Town of Pe Ell
These entities represent a cross section of representation across the following sectors:
Government
Private Sector
Education
The coalition is following the collective impact framework developed by Harvard Business School Professor Michael E. Porter and Mark Kramer. This model promotes collective impact while keeping participating organizations autonomous.
Coalition objectives are slated to take place over the course of a two-phase timeline:
Phase 1: 2021
January-February
Secure funding for phase one
March
Conduct discovery process
Gauge interest, support
April
Expand community engagement
Establish vision and goals (sprints)
May & June
Socialize vision
Secure funding for phase two
In phase one, the Energy Innovation Coalition completed a design sprint, under the guidance of area expert, Clarity Consulting Partners, LLC. Sprinters were motivated to see a coalescing vision, which could redefine Lewis County’s brand. Building on the area’s energy production legacy, the region is prepared to emerge as a leader in energy innovation. Soon, Lewis County will become synonymous with energy innovation, much the same way that Leavenworth is associated with Bavarian tourism or Woodinville with Washington wines.
The design sprint developed the following vision, goals, strategies, milestones, and metrics:
Phase 2: 2021-2023
Q3 2021
Develop economic impact plan
Community outreach, legislative prep
Q1 2022
Secure funding and support
Strengthen coalition
Q2 2022
Develop project portfolio
Establish Innovation Center
Q3 & Q4 2022
Project development
Coalition and Center established
Energy Innovation Center
The Energy Innovation Center will be established in Q4 of 2022. This innovative new entity will attract industry, support research facilities, and develop local clean energy projects. The resulting large-scale, high-impact initiatives will position Lewis County and the Pacific Northwest as energy leaders in this rapidly developing landscape. By utilizing federal and state grant opportunities, we will jumpstart renewable energy development for the betterment of our region.
The Energy Innovation Center will provide the following services:
- Government Relations
- Promotion and Marketing
- Education and Outreach (including networking)
- Research and Data
- Financing/Funding
- Permitting Advocacy
Energy Innovation Coalition 