Earth Day: "Has the Economy Outgrown the Planet?"
Join us for a panel and conversation (with a reception to follow) as we celebrate Earth Day 2025. Registration is free.
Research Town Hall - Feb. 27, 2025
The Georgia Tech research community is invited to the virtual Research Town Hall hosted by interim EVPR Tim Lieuwen on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 11 a.m.
Agenda includes a discussion led by Tim Lieuwen and Tanta Myles on how to conduct research collaboratively and securely given the continual shifts in the regulatory landscape for research.
There will be time for Q&A as well.
Zoom link: https://gatech.zoom.us/j/97247122372
Tech Square Microgrid Workshop Sparks Ideas For Energy Resiliency Assets
Feb 04, 2025 — Atlanta, GA

Scott Duncan, Georgia Tech Principal Research Engineer and SEI's Microgrids Initiative Lead provides an overview of the Tech Square Microgrid during the TSMG Workshop.
On Jan. 13, the Georgia Tech Strategic Energy Institute (SEI), Southern Company, and Georgia Power hosted a workshop aimed at imparting new information and sparking innovative ideas around the Tech Square Microgrid (TSMG) and the use of its data in education and research.
Launched in 2021 with a 1.4-megawatt capacity, the microgrid is located on Williams Street, just south of Fifth Street in Tech Square. It is a joint project between Georgia Power and Georgia Tech.
The workshop brought together experts and enthusiasts to discuss the current operations of the TSMG, an essential asset for the energy resilience of Georgia Tech’s High-Performance Computing Center located next to Coda, and to share Georgia Tech studies that use data from the microgrid.
The workshop started with an overview of the microgrid’s current status and capabilities as a resilience resource, provided by Collins Pratt, the TSMG managing engineer from Georgia Power. This was followed by a keynote on TSMG modeling and simulation presented by GTRI research engineer and SEI’s lead on cybersecurity of critical infrastructure initiative, Sam Litchfield, and Adam King, a GTRI research engineer and Ph.D. student. Their insights into the state of the art of microgrid modeling and its role in assessing dependencies between energy grid resources set the stage for the rest of the workshop discussions.
During the panel on “Microgrids and Living Labs,” panelists from academia, Georgia Tech’s Office of Sustainability, and Georgia Power shared their perspectives on microgrid infrastructure and its role in research and education. The discussion emphasized the importance of microgrids as living labs, their potential for wider deployment in distributed energy systems, and the need for skilled graduates in the electrical utility workforce.
To conclude the event, attendees toured the microgrid site across the street. The tour, led by Pratt, provided a firsthand look at the microgrid infrastructure and its operating capabilities.
Reflecting on the significance of the microgrid, SEI’s Interim Executive Director Christine Conwell said, "The data from the microgrid is a vital resource for researchers at Georgia Tech and our metro Atlanta partners. It not only showcases our work in energy resilience but also serves as a living laboratory for developing innovative energy solutions."
Georgia Tech Senior Research Engineer Scott Duncan, who leads the Microgrids initiative at SEI organized the workshop along with Southern Company Principal Research Engineer Andrew Ingram. "The details shared during the workshop have sparked numerous ideas, from an array of perspectives across Georgia Tech, on how we can further utilize the microgrid and the unique data coming from its operations,” said Duncan. “The insights gained today will undoubtedly seed future research and collaborations, pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve in energy resilience."

Workshop Speakers and Panelists at the Tech Square Microgrids Workshop

Keynote by GTRI research engineer and SEI’s lead on cybersecurity of critical infrastructure initiative, Sam Litchfield, and Adam King, GTRI research engineer and Ph.D. student

Panel Discussion on Microgrid and Living labs with Georgia Tech's Scott Duncan, Daniel Molzahn, and Jennifer Chirico and Georgia Power's Sylvester Toe.
Priya Devarajan || SEI Communications Program Manager
Celebrate STEAM | Atlanta Science Festival Launch at Georgia Tech
Members of the Georgia Tech community are excited to welcome the community back to campus for the kickoff event of the 12th annual Atlanta Science Festival. Formerly known as Georgia Tech Science and Engineering Day, Celebrate STEAM will feature hands on activities for participants of all ages. Whether your interests lie in robotics, brains, biology, space, art, nanotechnology, paper, computer science, wearables, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or systems engineering, we have something for everyone.
Andrei Fedorov Selected for International Research Initiative in Big Data and AI for Energy
Jan 24, 2025 — Atlanta, GA

Andrei Fedorov, Associate Chair for Graduate Studies, Rae S. and Frank H. Neely Chair, and professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, will represent Georgia Tech in a new international research initiative. The program, Adopting Sustainable Partnerships for Innovative Research Ecosystem (ASPIRE) for Top Scientists, is funded by the Japan Science and Technology Agency. It will receive approximately $3.2 million in funding over five years.
The award will support a broad spectrum of multidisciplinary research activities by the multinational teams and intermediate to long-term (three months to one year) collaborative visits to global research sites in Japan, Europe, and the U.S. A total of 46 proposals were submitted to ASPIRE for Top Scientists, out of which 14 were selected by expert evaluation. Each project is an international collaboration and the initiative's key focus is advancing science and technology on an international level.
Fedorov will lead a project titled "Construction of International Data and Analysis Platform for Inorganic Power-storage Materials Informatics with Nano/Micro-Structure" that will explore the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Informatics, and Energy. He will represent Georgia Tech as a principal investigator. The planned research will also involve faculty members and graduate students from College of Engineering schools involved in the Strategic Energy Institute.
Read the full story on the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering website.
Chloe Arrington
George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering
Solar Rebound: The Behavioral Economics Behind Increased Electricity Use
Jan 30, 2025 — Atlanta, GA

A recent study by Matthew E. Oliver from the Georgia Institute of Technology and his co-authors, Juan Moreno-Cruz from the University of Waterloo and Kenneth Gillingham from Yale University, delves into the solar rebound effect.
The "solar rebound effect" is a phenomenon where households with residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems end up consuming more electricity in response to greater solar energy generation. This outcome arises because the cost savings from generating their own electricity lead to increased usage. A recent study by Matthew E. Oliver from the Georgia Institute of Technology and his co-authors, Juan Moreno-Cruz from the University of Waterloo and Kenneth Gillingham from Yale University, delves into this effect, providing crucial insights for policymakers and researchers.
The study, titled "Microeconomics of the Solar Rebound under Net Metering," explores how different net metering policies influence the solar rebound effect. Net metering allows households to sell excess electricity generated by their solar panels back to the grid, often at the retail rate. This policy makes solar PV systems more financially attractive but also impacts household behavior.
The authors developed a theoretical framework to understand the solar rebound. They found that under classic net metering, the rebound is primarily an income effect. Households feel wealthier due to the savings on their electricity bills and thus consume more electricity. However, under net billing, where excess electricity is compensated at a lower rate, a substitution effect also comes into play. This means households might change their consumption patterns based on the relative costs of electricity from the grid versus their solar panels.
The study also incorporates behavioral economics concepts like moral licensing and warm glow effects. Moral licensing occurs when people justify increased consumption because they feel they are already doing something good, like generating green energy. Warm glow refers to the positive feelings from contributing to environmental sustainability, which can either increase or decrease consumption depending on the household's values.
One of the key takeaways from the study is the importance of the regulatory environment. Policymakers need to carefully design net metering policies to balance promoting solar adoption while accounting for the possibility that rebound effects may offset the desired outcomes of grid resilience and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, switching from net metering to net billing might reduce the rebound effect, leading to better environmental outcomes.
The welfare analysis conducted by the authors shows that the solar rebound's impact on social welfare depends on various factors, including the cleanliness of the electricity grid and the external costs of electricity production. In cleaner grids, the rebound might be less detrimental, while in grids reliant on fossil fuels, it could negate some of the environmental benefits of solar adoption.
This research underscores the complexity of energy policy and the need for nuanced approaches that consider both economic and behavioral factors. By understanding the solar rebound effect, stakeholders can make more informed decisions to promote sustainable energy use.
For more detailed insights, you can explore the full study by Matthew E. Oliver and his co-authors. Their work provides a robust foundation for future empirical research and policy development in the field of renewable energy.
This article was written with the assistance of Microsoft Copilot (Jan. 27, 2025) and edited by Georgia Tech EPIcenter's Gilbert X. Gonzalez and Matthew E. Oliver.
News Contact: Priya Devarajan || SEI Communications Program Manager
Written by: Gilbert X. Gonzalez, EPIcenter, Matthew Oliver, EPIcenter Faculty Affiliate
From Ideas to Solutions: Georgia Tech's First Energy and Sustainability Hackathon
Jan 28, 2025 — Atlanta, GA
EnergyHack@GT, an inaugural student-run energy and sustainability hackathon at the Georgia Tech campus.
EnergyHack @GT, Georgia Tech’s inaugural student-run energy and sustainability hackathon, kicked off Jan. 17-19, 2025. Organized by the Energy Club at Georgia Tech, the mission of the hackathon was to unite passionate students to tackle critical challenges in the energy industry while fostering innovation and collaboration.
Over the course of 36 hours, participants collaborated in teams to brainstorm, design, and prototype projects that promote sustainable practices based on diverse problem statements, addressing this year’s tracks: energy storage, energy security, and decarbonization. These themes targeted urgent issues, from balancing renewable energy supply and demand to safeguarding infrastructure against cyber threats and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The projects were evaluated by a panel of judges.
Along with showcasing keynote speeches and educational workshops, the event culminated with the top three teams winning cash prizes. With more than 100 registered participants, 17 project submissions, and leaders from some of the biggest energy and tech companies, EnergyHack @GT successfully fostered collaboration and showcased the potential of student-driven solutions for advancements in energy and sustainability.
“The inaugural student-led EnergyHack was a tremendous success, and I am incredibly proud of the committee members for turning this brilliant idea into an outstanding event,” Dan Molzahn, assistant professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and faculty advisor for the Energy Club, said. “Their dedication and hard work truly brought this vision to life, fostering innovation and collaboration within the vibrant Georgia Tech student community.”
The event kicked off with an engaging opening ceremony featuring inspiring keynote speeches that set the tone for the hackathon’s ambitious objectives. Jessica Roberts, assistant professor in the School of Interactive Computing, shared insights into models used to track coal pollution sources and their dispersion across the United States. Steve Hummel, senior vice president at Chart Industries, discussed how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping demand projections and driving diversification in generation portfolios. Following the presentations, participants joined a dynamic team mixer to form diverse, multidisciplinary teams and networked with professionals from Kimley-Horn in a dedicated session.
Throughout the hackathon, participants had access to expert-led workshops and mentorship. A session on "Machine Learning (ML) and AI for Materials Screening and Discovery" by Victor Fung, assistant professor in the School of Computational Science and Engineering, explored the role of AI in advancing sustainable materials. A meet and greet with keynote speakers allowed participants to engage in thought-provoking discussions on energy and sustainability issues.
The energy and creativity peaked during the Project Expo, where 17 innovative solutions were showcased. Representatives from NVIDIA, GE Vernova, and other industry leaders reviewed projects, offering insights and feedback.
The closing ceremony celebrated the participants’ achievements and the event highlights, featuring a keynote by Priya Donti, assistant professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems, and founder of Climate Change AI, on using AI to combat climate change and to build sustainability solutions.
EnergyHack @GT served as a platform for innovation and learning, showcasing the potential of student-led initiatives in shaping the future of energy and sustainability. Awards were presented to the top three projects that stood out for their creativity and impact:
- Best Overall Hack: Watts The Power, a project that predicts the energy and environmental impact of training ML models, earned the team a $250 cash prize.
- Second Place: EcoTokens, a Chrome extension designed to reduce token usage in AI tools to save energy, won a $150 prize.
- Third Place: Eco Charge, an electric vehicle charging optimizer designed to minimize CO₂ emissions, secured a $100 prize.

Energy Club Team Members during EnergyHack@GT

Presentations during EnergyHack@GT

SmartStore, one of the Project Teams at EnergyHack@GT

Roundtable Discussion during EnergyHack@GT
News Contact: Priya Devarajan || SEI Communications Program Manager
Written By: Braden Queen, Tejaswi Manoj, May Ming
Acknowledgments/Contributions by: Victoria Pozzi, Max Zhang, Eli Acree, Radhika Sharma
Russell Dupuis Awarded Japan Prize for Foundational Work in LEDs, Solar Cells, and Other Everyday Tech
Jan 28, 2025 — Atlanta, GA

As you move your computer mouse around the screen or scroll on your phone to read these words, you’re using technology Russell Dupuis helped enable. Same for when you turn on an LED light bulb or scan groceries at the self-checkout.
The underlying technologies for those common devices are compound semiconductors manufactured using techniques Dupuis first demonstrated nearly 50 years ago. His work made it possible to mass produce and commercialize these semiconductors for LEDs, lasers, solar cells, and more.
Now his contributions have been recognized with the Japan Prize, one of a few internationally recognized awards regarded by much of the scientific community as second only to the Nobel Prize.
“Professor Russell Dupuis’ breakthrough led to the commercialization of compound semiconductor production. It has become the foundation upon which our modern information society is built,” the Japan Prize Foundation wrote in announcing Dupuis’ selection.
Joshua Stewart
College of Engineering
Building Toward Community-Owned Resilience Hubs
Jan 23, 2025 — Atlanta

Participants outside of the Frissell Community House at the Penn Center on November 21, 2024. Photo credit - Jennifer Hirsch.
Resilience hubs are trusted, community-serving facilities designed to support residents and coordinate communication and resources in everyday life; and before, during, and after disruptions. Environmental disruptions such as hurricane damage, coastal erosion, flood damage, extreme heat, and wildfire destruction are occurring more frequently and with greater economic costs.
On November 21, 2024, a team from Georgia Tech met with nine other organizations at the Penn Center on St. Helena Island in South Carolina to work towards developing targeted resilience strategies to cope with environmental disaster events. More specifically, the Penn Center workshop’s overall goal was the co-creation of paths toward building community-led and -engaged, scientifically supported resilience hubs, addressing the unique challenges faced by coastal and inland vulnerable communities in the Southeastern United States.
A common definition of community resilience is “the sustained ability of a community to use available resources to respond to, withstand, and recover from adverse situations.”
Part of the process to build these action research partnerships and resilience plans is to bring together community leaders, government representatives, and an interdisciplinary team of researchers—many of whom are from Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech researchers bring expertise from science, engineering, design, humanities, and social sciences.
As part of the workshop, 15 Georgia Tech architecture students presented their design models for a multipurpose 20,000 square-foot building designed for the Penn Center campus which is steeped in African American history.
Some of the researchers at Georgia Tech attending the workshop and supporting the development of Southeastern community-focused resilience strategies included:
- Sofía Pérez-Guzmán, assistant professor in the School of Civil & Environmental Engineering;
- Allen Hyde, associate professor in the School of History and Sociology, and faculty member of the Institute for People and Technology;
- Danielle Willkens, associate professor in the School of Architecture and faculty member of the Institute for People and Technology;
- Alexander Robel, associate professor in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences;
- Jennifer Hirsch, director of the Center for Sustainable Communities Research and Education at Georgia Tech;
- Valerie M. Thomas, Anderson-Interface Chair of Natural Systems and professor in the H. Milton School of Industrial and Systems Engineering with a joint appointment in the School of Public Policy;
- Joe F. Bozeman III, assistant professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering with a joint appointment in the School of Public Policy;
- Russell Clark, lead principal investigator of the Coastal Equity and Resilience Hub and senior research scientist at the Institute for People and Technology;
- Nicole Kennard, assistant director for community-engaged research in the Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems; and
- Jung-Ho Lewe, senior research engineer in the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering.
Participating partner organizations in addition to the Penn Center include:
- 7 Dimensions Outreach
- Atlanta Preservation Center
- Center for Sustainable Communities
- Coastal Conservation League
- Community Church Atlanta
- Furman University
- Gullah Geechee Futures Project
- University of South Carolina: Arnold School of Public Health, the EJ Strong Program, and the Department of Environmental Health Science
- Willson Center for Humanities and Arts at the University of Georgia
This work is supported by a Georgia Tech Sustainability Next research seed grant. The seed grant program is administered by the Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems (BBIS) in collaboration with the Renewable Bioproducts Institute (RBI), the Strategic Energy Institute (SEI), and the Institute for People and Technology (IPaT). The program nurtures promising areas for future large-scale collaborative sustainability research, research translation, and high-impact outreach; provides mid-career faculty with leadership and community-building opportunities; and broadens and strengthens the Georgia Tech sustainability community as a whole.
Walter Rich