News

Grid in the Carolinas

New $5 million NSF grant to expand STEM pathways to UNC Charlotte for community college student

UNC Charlotte has received $2 million as part of a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to expand a successful regional partnership that strengthens STEM pathways for academically talented, low‑income students.

March 13, 2026

Duke Energy raises five-year capital expenditure plan to $103 billion as more US data centers sign on

At the same time utilities increase planned spending on power plants, cables and other electrical infrastructure to meet rising demand, concerns are growing about rising customer power bills. Duke said it is leveraging tax credits and deploying special contract terms to try to quell costs to everyday customers.

February 10, 2026

Future Grid 26 January 21-23, 2026 in Charlotte Convened Energy Leaders to Support Grid Innovators

Future Grid 26 highlighted the Carolinas’ unique strength as a hub for advanced grid innovation, combining world-class corporate leadership, deep technical expertise, and a growing startup and research community.

January 24, 2026

Joules Accelerator Announces Cohort 16

We are excited to announce Joules Accelerator’s Cohort 16. This standout group of innovators is building the next wave of electrification, modernization, and resilience solutions for the future grid. Over the coming months, these startups will work closely with our network of utility, industry, capital, research, and startup partners to identify opportunities to pilot, commercialize, and scale.

January 19, 2026

UNC Charlotte captures NCInnovation grants for research expected to drive economic growth through commercialization

Founded to assure North Carolina’s world-class public universities remain national leaders in research and development while accelerating the state’s rate of converting research breakthroughs into commercial success, NCInnovation has to date invested a total of $29 million in research at UNC System institutions that is advancing the state’s innovation ecosystem. This includes $10 million in the latest round of awards approved unanimously by the NCInnovation Board of Directors for 13 projects at 11 North Carolina public universities.

December 15, 2025

SCRA Announces New Member Companies, Grant Funding

“We welcome these new member companies and congratulate those that received funding” said SCRA Interim President and CEO Bill Kirkland. “These new memberships and grants are a testament to our honor of working with our state’s best and brightest innovators.” All SCRA member companies receive coaching and access to SCRA’s member benefits and startup resources, can apply for grant funding, and have the potential to be considered for investment from SCRA’s investment affiliate, SC Launch Inc.

November 5, 2025

UNC Charlotte, Honeywell partner to launch Innovation Hub and fuel the STEM workforce

The investment will transform UNC Charlotte’s Burson Hall into the Honeywell Innovation Hub — a 155,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art learning complex for applied research and STEM education. The gift also supports scholarships for high-achieving students, integrated research opportunities and endowed faculty positions that strengthen research and teaching excellence.

September 22, 2025

South Carolina Utilities Prepare for Hurricane Response

Nearly a year after Hurricane Helene ripped through the South, causing $1.5 billion in damage and leaving hundreds of thousands without power, utility companies are taking lessons learned and bolstering their resilience.

September 8, 2025

A new energy industry partnership accelerates engineering technology students’ workforce readiness

UNC Charlotte’s William States Lee College of Engineering recently announced a partnership with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories. A global leader in energy grid automation and protection, SEL donated state-of-the-art equipment valued at more than $200,000

August 7, 2025

Gov. McMaster Signs Legislation to Secure South Carolina’s Energy Future

A section added to the bill would make it easier for utilities to raise power bills on an annual basis

June 18, 2025

Duke Energy showcases advanced grid technology ahead of hurricane season

Duke’s Power Distribution Center in Charlotte uses high-tech workstations to manage line crews across the Carolinas and restore power without human intervention.

June 5, 2025

With Energy Demand Mounting, South Carolina Leaders Convene on Grid Modernization

The new $134 million facility will produce high-capacity power lines needed to expand the power grid to meet increasing demand from AI data centers and domestic manufacturing growth.

April 7, 2025

Senate passes sweeping energy bill aimed at meeting SC’s growing power needs

A section added to the bill would make it easier for utilities to raise power bills on an annual basis

April 3, 2025

TS Conductor Announces New Manufacturing Facility in South Carolina to Support Grid Modernization

The new $134 million facility will produce high-capacity power lines needed to expand the power grid to meet increasing demand from AI data centers and domestic manufacturing growth.

March 26, 2025

Data center’s rapid expansion putting strain on energy infrastructure

The race to expand data centers is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, creating challenges, industry leaders said at a recent event here in Charlotte.

February 18, 2025

Clemson University and industrial partners team up to keep the electrical grid in SHAPE

The electrical grid could soon get an upgrade to help keep power flowing without interruption, thanks to new research that brings Clemson University together with two industry partners.

January 25, 2025

CESAR Hosts Team-Building Workshop on Grid Energy Security and Future Infrastructure

The Center for Energy Security and Reliability (CESAR) recently held a dynamic team-building workshop focused on grid energy security and the future of energy infrastructure. Led by Dr. Meera Sridhar, Director of CESAR, the event featured prominent experts from academia and industry who shared insights on critical energy issues.

September 28, 2024