UNC Charlotte is making a major push to become a national energy leader as electricity demand surges across America. The university is launching a first-of-its-kind School of Energy focused on modernizing and expanding the nation’s electrical infrastructure.
The new school will operate within UNC Charlotte’s William States Lee College of Engineering. University officials say it will be the nation’s first school dedicated exclusively to modern electrical infrastructure challenges.
“Establishing the School of Energy is the next deliberate step in UNC Charlotte’s larger energy strategy,” said Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber in a press release. “Our strength as an R1 research university, the momentum of the Carolinas Grid Engine and our location in one of the nation’s leading energy hubs give us an extraordinary foundation to build upon. Together, we are strengthening Charlotte’s ability to move energy technologies from research to use while preparing the people who will design, build and operate the nation’s next-generation power systems.”
The announcement follows UNC Charlotte’s selection to lead the NSF Grid Modernization Engine in July. The National Science Foundation could invest up to $160 million over 10 years in that initiative.
Electricity demand is rising rapidly as AI data centers, advanced manufacturing and electrification place increasing pressure on America’s power grid.
UNC Charlotte plans to train workers in critical areas including grid automation, transmission-line design and energy-component manufacturing. The school will also develop programs covering grid modernization, energy policy and regulation.
Initial degree programs include:
- B.S. in Electromechanical Engineering Technology
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology
- M.S. in Applied Energy and Electromechanical Engineering
UNC Charlotte’s Energy Production and Infrastructure Center, known as EPIC, will anchor the school and serve as its research arm.
Founded in 2008, EPIC has helped establish Charlotte as a nationally recognized center for applied energy research.
Robert Cox, EPIC’s executive director and Duke Energy Distinguished Scholar, will serve as the school’s founding director.
