Enel North America has developed a $3 billion wind portfolio in Oklahoma since its first wind farm in the state, Rocky Ridge, began operation in 2012. And as the company celebrates the ongoing construction of the 25 Mile Creek and Seven Cowboy projects – Enel’s 12th and 13th wind farms in Oklahoma – Enel also recognizes the importance of equipping and training the future wind workforce.
Recently, 75 attendees celebrated the grand opening of Enel’s brand-new office and training center in Oklahoma City. Located at 525 11th Street in Midtown, this office and training center is a state-of-the-art space designed to support employees, the next generation of wind technicians and the surrounding community.
Local public officials, business representatives and community partners joined Enel employees, including Paolo Romanacci, head of renewables at Enel North America, for a tour and refreshments. The attendees included Ken McQueen, Oklahoma Secretary of Energy and Environment, Victoria Tran, Deputy Secretary of Environment, and Chad Mariska, Secretary of Commerce and Workforce Development.
“We have had a very successful history here in Oklahoma, so I think it’s an important celebration of a step – that is 10 years in Oklahoma, a new office and all the work that we want to do in the future,” Romanacci told those gathered. “This is really the future of renewables.”
“We look forward to your next billion dollars of expenditure and growing your investment here in Oklahoma,” said Sec. McQueen. “Oklahoma is the place where the wind comes sweeping down the plains, and my, haven’t you all taken advantage of that! So, we just want to say congratulations on such a great job well done here in this facility.”
The 9,307 square foot space hosts up to 25 office-based employees, plus classrooms and state-of-the art simulation facilities that will allow new wind workers to simulate the experience of climbing and maintaining a wind turbine. Courses will include topics such as safety, professional development, working at heights, ladder rescues, turbine repair and troubleshooting. Trainees will learn in multiple settings, including classroom discussion, hands-on simulation, and virtual reality.
The buildout of this office space followed the company’s Sustainable Construction Site model to minimize waste and use of resources; the facility features reclaimed wood flooring, recycled carpeting, efficient LED lighting, and smart EV chargers. Keychains and pouches made with upcycled materials from Enel's 25 Mile Creek project site in Oklahoma were given to all event guests.
The benefits of the space aren't limited to Enel employees. As the company creates shared value with its host communities, this new location will allow Enel to better engage with state and local stakeholders from across Oklahoma and host community meetings and events.
For Enel’s Oklahoma team in attendance, the grand opening was a moment to celebrate Enel's strides as well as reconnect with co-workers and meet some new faces.
"It was an awesome opportunity to meet people within the company that I had not had the chance to meet. The new Oklahoma City office and training center really epitomizes Enel's commitment to renewable energy not only in Oklahoma but the surrounding regions as well," said Bradyn Mooter, Assistant Site Supervisor at the Seven Cowboy wind project.