FREEDM Systems Center Smart Grid

The Future Renewable Electric Energy Delivery and Management (FREEDM) Systems Center, headquartered on NC State's Centennial Campus, aims to revolutionize the nation's power grid by incorporating alternative energy sources and smart management technologies. In the FREEDM Systems vision, energy users become energy producers by implementing solar panels, wind turbines and other new technologies for personal use.

Snowfall Forecasting

Led by Dr. Baker Perry from Appalachian State, researchers from ASU, NC State and UNC Asheville are collaborating to improve forecasters'ability to predict snowfall in western North Carolina. By building more sophisticated computer models and developing forecasting guidelines, Dr. Perry and his team have vastly improved the ability of the National Weather Service to accurately anticipate snowfall levels in the often unpredictable region.

Alternative Fuels from Biowaste

At NC A&T State University, Dr. Abolghasem Shahbazi and his team are investigating the potential of non-food products as commercial sources for alternative fuels. Their work involves the production of ethanol and biodiesel from corn husks, stalks and other non-edible plant matter. Using these byproducts as a source for biofuel has the added benefit of providing an additional source of income for commodity farmers.

Energy Production and Infrastructure Center

The recently conceptualized Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC) at UNC Charlotte is slated for construction in summer 2009 (an artist's rendering of the center is shown). The center will house a number of research and academic programs, and will focus on training the leaders needed to modernize the current fossil fuel/nuclear energy infrastructure, while facilitating the development of wind, solar and biofuel energy sources and infrastructure.

Wind Energy

Ms. Carolyn Elfland, Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus Services at UNC Chapel Hill, is coordinating a study assessing the potential for wind energy infrastructure at and off the coast of North Carolina. Ms. Elfland and team have determined that most areas of the NC sounds and offshore waters are rated Very Good on the True Wind energy potential scale, indicating that coastal wind energy is a viable consideration for the state.

North Carolina Solar Center

Operated by the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University, under the direction of Steve Kalland (pictured), the North Carolina Solar Center provides a variety of renewable energy programs and information to North Carolinians. The Solar Center conducts technical and policy-based alternative energy research, such as validation for new solar energy capture technologies.

Alternative Sources for Biofuel Production

Dr. Carmelo Tomas and other researchers at UNC Wilmington's Center for Marine Science are examining the potential of marine algae as a source of biofuel. UNCW has an extensive collection of different algae species, many of which have not been previously studied. The team is currently working to assess which species have the most potential for producing oils that can be used as a raw material for biofuels, and will then determine the ease with which these species can be grown on a large-scale.

Improving Estuarine Observing

Drs. Steve Culver (ECU) and Lynn Leonard (UNCW) are leading an effort to coordinate coastal observing networks across the state. North Carolina has a number of different monitoring sites and observation programs in its coastal waters, and Drs. Culver and Leonard are working to strengthen cooperation between these assets, to better foster and enable collaborative coastal and marine research.