California Construction News staff writer
California State University, Bakersfield broke ground Thursday on a three-story Energy Innovation Building that university officials say will serve as the campus hub for energy research and workforce development.
The 56,000-square-foot facility will be built south of the Science III building and is expected to open in 2027.
The Energy Innovation Building will house the California Energy Research Center as well as Extended Education and Global Outreach. Plans call for more than 10,000 square feet of teaching laboratories, more than 8,000 square feet of research space, 20 offices for faculty and administrators, student collaboration areas and a 240-seat hall for conferences, research symposiums and academic events.
CSUB President Vernon B. Harper Jr. said the project reflects a long-term investment in the university and the region’s energy sector.
State Sen. Shannon Grove said students trained in the facility will support the future workforce of Kern County’s energy industry.
The project is the result of more than a decade of planning and advocacy by the university and community leaders. CSUB secured $83 million in state funding for the building through an allocation from Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature in the 2022–23 state budget.
College of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering Dean Jane Dong said the groundbreaking marked a major milestone made possible through collaboration with local partners.
Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh said the Energy Innovation Building is expected to support innovation in energy production while preparing students for long-term careers in the field.
