NSF Grid Modernization Engine Boosts Innovation in the Carolinas

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has named the Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas as one of the 12 new NSF Regional Innovation Engines across the country. In a joint announcement, Governor Josh Stein and North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley celebrated this milestone, highlighting its potential to foster innovation, enhance local manufacturing, and boost economic growth in the Carolinas.

Governor Josh Stein expressed optimism, stating, “The NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas represents an historic opportunity for North Carolina and South Carolina to build on our shared strengths and establish the Carolinas as a global leader in energy innovation.” He emphasized that the project could stimulate economic development and reinforce energy infrastructure crucial for national security.

Spearheaded by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, this initiative will benefit from an initial federal grant of $15 million over the next two years, with the possibility of securing up to $160 million over the next decade as it meets specific objectives.

The Carolinas Grid Engine brings together more than 100 collaborators, including universities, utility companies, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, workforce organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies across North and South Carolina. Their goal is to expedite the advancement, testing, commercialization, and implementation of technologies that will bolster the U.S. electric grid, generating jobs and business prospects in the region.

N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley remarked, “North Carolina’s First in Opportunity strategic economic development plan recognizes that partnerships are essential to innovation and long-term prosperity. The Carolinas Grid Engine brings together the talent, ideas and resources of two states to transform breakthrough research into new companies, high-quality jobs, and lasting economic growth.”

The NSF Regional Innovation Engines program aims to foster regional partnerships that convert cutting-edge research into new technologies, enterprises, and employment. The Carolinas Grid Engine seeks to modernize the U.S. electric grid by promoting research and development, fortifying domestic supply chains, encouraging entrepreneurship, enhancing workforce training, and boosting grid reliability and resilience.

Jennifer Mundt, Assistant Secretary of the N.C. Department of Commerce’s Office of Energy and Infrastructure, addressed the pressing energy issues faced by the nation, stating, “Our two states—and, frankly, the nation—are facing mounting energy-related challenges around availability, reliability and affordability, while also working to deploy generation resources that are increasingly clean. This NSF award meets the moment by hastening the development and adoption of technologies designed to address these challenges head-on.”

This award is the culmination of years of cooperation among public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders across the Carolinas. The N.C. Department of Commerce, through the North Carolina Board of Science, Technology & Innovation, has been instrumental in cultivating the region’s innovation ecosystem alongside research institutions, industry leaders, and economic development organizations.

Dr. John Hardin, Executive Director of the North Carolina Board of Science, Technology & Innovation, stated, “This award validates years of collaboration among our universities, industry leaders, utilities, entrepreneurs, and state partners to build one of the nation’s most competitive innovation ecosystems. The NSF Engines program is about translating world-class research into real economic impact.”

According to UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon Gaber, the designation underscores the power of regional collaboration. “This award reflects years of collaboration across the Carolinas and demonstrates what is possible when higher education, industry, and government work together around a shared vision,” said Gaber.

Dr. John Daniels, Vice Chancellor for Research at UNC Charlotte, emphasized the collaborative efforts required for grid modernization, “Grid modernization cannot happen through isolated efforts. The Carolinas have assembled an unmatched coalition of partners with the expertise, industrial capacity, and collaborative spirit needed to move breakthrough technologies from the laboratory to the marketplace.”

With this significant recognition, North Carolina becomes the only state with three NSF Engines. The other two Engines are the NSF Textile Innovation Engine in Morganton and the NSF Regenerative Medicine Engine in Winston-Salem, both awarded in January 2024.

This initiative not only strengthens North Carolina’s technological leadership but also advances the state’s First in Opportunity Strategic Economic Development Plan, supporting a future-ready workforce and expanding economic potential statewide.

About the N.C. Department of Commerce

The N.C. Department of Commerce is the state’s lead agency for economic, community, and workforce development. The department works with local, regional, and statewide partners to support job creation, strengthen communities, and expand opportunity for all North Carolinians.