The Charlotte region is set to receive a major economic boost after UNC Charlotte secured a $160 million federal award to lead a massive electric grid modernization initiative expected to create up to 20,000 jobs and generate an estimated $2 billion in economic impact across the Carolinas.
The U.S. National Science Foundation selected the Carolinas Grid Engine as one of only 12 Regional Innovation Engines chosen nationwide from nearly 300 competing proposals.
Led by UNC Charlotte, the initiative will receive funding over the next 10 years and serve 36 counties across North and South Carolina with support from more than 100 partners.
“This federal investment will allow UNC Charlotte to continue to bring together partners from across the Carolinas and ensure North Carolina remains a leader in research, manufacturing and industry partnerships critical to advancing the next generation of grid technologies,” said U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson ’96, R-N.C.
The project will focus on modernizing the nation’s electric grid to meet growing demand from artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, data centers, and population growth.
Key priorities include:
- Accelerating grid technology research and commercialization
- Strengthening domestic supply chains
- Supporting startups and entrepreneurship
- Expanding workforce training
- Improving grid reliability and resilience
Major partners include Duke Energy, Dominion Energy, Siemens Energy, Honeywell, Nucor, EPRI, Clemson University, York Technical College, and the North Carolina and South Carolina Departments of Commerce.
Officials say the investment positions Charlotte and the Carolinas as a national leader in next-generation energy technology while creating thousands of high-paying jobs and strengthening the region’s growing advanced manufacturing and technology economy.
