Clarkson Interdisciplinary Researchers Tackle Critical Challenges in Advancing a Sustainable Power Grid
Collaborative Research Aims to Strengthen Grid Reliability, Capacity, and Sustainability
Clarkson University has announced two new research collaborations with the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) and Avangrid, focused on enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of the power grid in New York and New England.
These industry-sponsored projects will leverage the expertise of Clarkson faculty from multiple disciplines— Leo Jiang, Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Qingran Li, Assistant Professor of Economics and Financial Studies—drawing on knowledge from both the Engineering and Business Schools. Together, the researchers will address critical challenges related to grid reliability, long-term capacity expansion, and real-time situational awareness of operational risks driven by uncertainties in renewable energy resources.
As the electrification of transportation and heating systems accelerates, the power grid is projected to experience significant growth in demand. This rapid increase in load is set to place additional strain on an already congested grid, highlighting the urgent need for expansion. The situation is complicated by the rising adoption of renewable energy sources, which are gradually replacing fossil fuel-based generation to achieve sustainable power grids.
Key questions remain: How to generate and provide robust pricing signals to incentivize the investment in generation resources that ensure reliable grid operations? How can data-driven, optimized decision-making guide investment allocations for effective grid upgrades? And how can an upgraded grid facility support and promote the economic growth of New York and New England while delivering value to electricity customers?
These complex challenges cannot be solved by a single discipline alone. The modernization and expansion of the grid present opportunities for collaboration across multiple fields. Achieving a sustainable electricity system of the future requires not only power engineering researchers, but also experts in economics, energy policy, mathematics, and machine learning working together to find solutions.
“Clarkson’s Power Engineering program has a long history of collaboration with the power industry on grid modernization and expansion. These collaborative projects with Prof. Jiang from Electrical Engineering and Prof. Li from Economics are a welcome addition to our current research program, and further advance Clarkson’s mission of supporting the power industry,” said Dr. Thomas Ortmeyer, Director of Clarkson’s Center of Electric Power System Research.
“We are not only leveraging our interdisciplinary skills to address these challenges but also creating opportunities for Clarkson students to develop interdisciplinary skills that will prepare them as work-ready professionals,” added Jiang.
NYISO Collaboration: Strengthening Grid Reliability and Situational Awareness
The research collaboration with the NYISO explores two key areas: evaluating the Value of Lost Load (VOLL) for New York consumers and developing a real-time risk assessment tool to aid grid operators in making informed decisions for reliable grid operation.
The first research thread focuses on quantifying the economic value of lost load from the perspective of electricity consumers, providing robust pricing signals that can incentivize additional generation capacity to mitigate load loss due to generation shortages.
The second thread aims to develop advanced tools for grid operators to visualize operational risks, including the timing and location of potential load loss events, and to support informed decision-making of remedy solutions, such as recommitting least-cost generation resources to ensure reliable grid operations.
“This collaboration with the NYISO is a thrilling opportunity to integrate economics and power engineering to address real-world challenges,” said Jiang. “Our goal is to offer actionable insights that will enhance the grid’s ability to adapt to dynamic conditions and ensure a reliable power supply for customers across New York State.”
Avangrid Collaboration: Assessing the Social Benefits of Grid Capacity Expansion
The collaboration with Avangrid centers on assessing the value of increasing grid capacity in New York and New England. The project will quantify the social benefits of grid expansion and assist Avangrid in developing a cost-benefit analysis tool to guide future investments in grid infrastructure.
“Expanding grid capacity is not just about meeting growing energy demands; it’s about creating a more sustainable and equitable energy future with a least-cost investment,” said Li. “Our research will provide a comprehensive framework for evaluating the broader impacts of grid investments, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions that balance both economic and social considerations.”
Empowering Future Leaders in Energy and Sustainability
Both projects reflect Clarkson University’s commitment to interdisciplinary research, bringing together faculty from diverse fields to develop innovative solutions for the private sector and to meet societal needs.
The projects will also engage undergraduate and graduate students, providing them with hands-on experience in addressing real-world energy challenges. This collaborative approach not only fosters cutting-edge research but also prepares the next generation of leaders in sustainable electricity systems of the future.
This is not the first time that Jiang and Li have collaborated to leverage interdisciplinary expertise in addressing critical power grid challenges. They initially worked together under Clarkson’s Team Science initiative to explore the intersection of transportation electrification and reliable power grid operation. Team Science is the collaborative effort to address a scientific challenge that leverages the strengths and expertise of professionals trained in different fields.
“Clarkson is renowned for our interdisciplinary research. Dr. Jiang’s and Dr. Li’s collaboration is a showcase of our strong commitment to teamwork across various fields. Collaborations like these foster more robust, creative, and impactful solutions,” said Michelle Crimi, Dean of the Graduate School and Interim VP for Research & Technology Transfer. “Furthermore, our students will have the chance to play a key role in addressing some of the most urgent energy challenges of our time.”
