North Carolina’s energy sector is in a transition phase for power generation and for vehicle transportation. This transition presents many challenges in the development of new technologies and policy changes, but just as importantly represents a major opportunity for the state to plan its energy future.
The North Carolina Collaboratory has been supporting research in the energy field over the last several years, including a ground-breaking energy storage study, efforts to make the grid more resilient, and helping catalyze the emerging electric vehicle battery industry within the state.
In the 2023 state budget (Session Law 2023-134) the North Carolina General Assembly invested $15 million for Next-Generation Energy research. The intent of these funds is to identify and execute research that will assist industry efforts in the energy transition as well as take advantage of the economic development opportunities that come with this transition.
This report is designed to provide a brief update on the Collaboratory’s current activities related to energy issues and outline some future plans to spur on innovation in the energy industry in North Carolina.