November 17, 2006—With a $1.23 million grant, researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute will be creating a distributed power “test-bed” to study how the electricity distribution grid might be affected by the widespread adoption of clean, renewable energy sources.
The two-year project, which is funded by the New York State Office of Science, Technology and Academic Research (NYSTAR), is designed to help understand the potential effects of meeting New York state’s key alternative energy goal —by 2012, more than 25 percent of power generation through renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and fuel cells.
NYSTAR Executive Director Michael J. Relyea recently presented Rensselaer President Shirley Ann Jackson and members of the research team with the $1.23 million award at an energy forum in Colonie, New York, hosted by Rensselaer ‘s Center for Future Energy Systems (CFES).
As people begin adopting small-scale renewable sources to power homes and businesses, problems in the utility grid could arise because these sources are likely to be connected at the local distribution level.
The award is being made through NYSTAR’s Centers for Advanced Technology Development Program, which seeks to enhance and expand the capabilities of existing Centers for Advanced Technology that have achieved a record of success.
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