Avangrid Partners With Clarkson University To Advance Research On Grid Capacity, and Energy Storage Systems

Avangrid, Inc., a leading energy company and a member of the Iberdrola Group, has announced an ongoing research collaboration with Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York. The partnership is aimed at advancing innovation in electric grid systems and strengthening overall power infrastructure. The research effort focuses on three key areas: improving grid capacity, expanding and optimizing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, and enhancing the performance and integration of battery energy storage systems.

José Antonio Miranda, CEO of Avangrid, emphasized the importance of collaboration in shaping the state’s energy future. He noted that New York’s progress in clean and reliable energy depends heavily on strong cooperation between utilities, academic institutions, and regulators. He also highlighted that the partnership with Clarkson University is part of a broader set of research initiatives across the state that aim to translate advanced academic research into practical tools.

These tools are intended to improve grid reliability while helping communities access more efficient and cost-effective energy solutions.The research program is led by Dr. Leo Y. Jiang, Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Electric Power System Research at Clarkson University. His team is working on applied, data-driven studies designed to support grid planning, electrification efforts, and system resilience.

The initiative is being supported not only by Avangrid but also in collaboration with the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) and the New York Power Authority (NYPA), ensuring that the research aligns with broader statewide energy goals.The partnership includes three major research initiatives. The first is Grid Capacity Analysis, which focuses on identifying where and when upgrades are needed in the electrical grid as demand continues to grow.

By using real-world data and advanced analytical methods, the project helps utilities make more informed investment decisions, ensuring that infrastructure improvements are targeted and effective, ultimately improving overall grid reliability. The second initiative focuses on EV Charging Study. This research examines real-world charging patterns of electric vehicles to provide utilities with better insights for planning charging infrastructure.

The findings help improve the design and placement of charging stations, support smoother integration with the grid, reduce interconnection delays, and lower overall development costs. This also contributes to faster and more efficient expansion of EV charging networks.The third area of research is Battery Energy Storage Systems Analysis. This work evaluates the multiple benefits of battery storage, including their ability to enhance grid reliability, manage peak demand, and reduce congestion across transmission and distribution networks.

The insights from this research help Avangrid determine the most effective deployment strategies for battery systems, supporting a more flexible and efficient grid while also helping control costs for customers.Dr. Leo Y. Jiang highlighted the value of the partnership between Clarkson University and Avangrid, noting that it has significantly contributed to both academic research and education.

He explained that students are given the opportunity to work on real-world energy challenges, gaining hands-on experience that is directly integrated into Clarkson’s power engineering curriculum. This approach helps prepare graduates to take on leadership roles in the evolving energy sector, particularly in areas such as grid modernization and decarbonization. He also emphasized that industry collaboration plays a crucial role in accelerating innovation while equipping students with practical skills needed for the future energy workforce.