The $ 10 million LNG Center of Excellence officially opened with a grand opening celebration on April 20 on West Sale Road on the McNeese State University campus in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
The LNG Center of Excellence will serve as a neutral hub where education, industry, government and the community collaborate on LNG-related education, research and best practices. Through education, training, research, technology transfer and K-12 outreach, the center works to develop a diverse, well-informed LNG workforce committed to modern technology and safe operations.
The LNG Center of Excellence is housed in a brand-new building and the first floor of the 23,000-square-foot building includes the administration suite, the GTI Energy office, several training rooms, and a spacious event/conference room.
The second floor of the building is occupied by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) National Center of Excellence for LNG Safety and Recon Management Services (local engineering design and inspection company).
According to the LNG Center of Excellence website, its mission is to enhance the safety characteristics of the U.S. LNG industry through technological advancements, improved practices, modernized process monitoring and robust technology transfer.
“We will also promote environmental safety within the LNG industry while simultaneously educating and diversifying its current and future workforce,” according to the website.
The LNG Center of Excellence stated their vision is to become a place where education, industry, government and the community come together to address LNG related issues.
They will also develop a well-informed LNG workforce using modern technology and safe practices through formal and informal education, training and research.
There will also be an LNG post-baccalaureate certificate, designed for industry professionals who want to learn more about the LNG Industry. The 15-hour certificate is 100% online and very flexible.
Even though it’s based in Lake Charles, this has ripple effects across Southeast Texas. Companies in both states pull from the same talent pool, training programs can improve hiring chances region-wide, and could lead to similar programs or partnerships in Texas.
— Dannie Oliveaux, dannieoliveaux@theexaminer
