Clean Energy and Sustainability Innovation Program 2025

Clean Energy and Sustainability Innovation Program 2025 is sponsored by University of Connecticut and Eversource Energy. A funded innovation competition for students to propose ideas facilitating clean energy transition, potentially leading to grant-funded research programs.

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On Mobile (iOS/Android) University of Connecticut school of University of Connecticut UConn and Eversource are pleased to announce that the Clean Energy Sustainability Innovation Program is being offered again for Spring 2025. UConn is committed to sustainability and taking the necessary steps to reduce its carbon footprint, foster environmental justice locally and globally, and prepare for climate extremes.

UConn recognizes that these challenges will take innovation and buy-in from the entire university community. To this end, UConn is partnering with Eversource Energy to support students interested in participating in the design of our energy future through a funded innovation competition that could lead to a grant-funded research program.

This is a unique opportunity for teams of undergraduate and/or graduate students to propose their own ideas to facilitate a clean energy transition. Selected student teams will receive summer funding and be paired with mentors from the UConn faculty and Eversource Energy, to support the development of ideas on the real-world dimensions and details of the clean energy transition.

We welcome any and all students across the university to pitch their “grant ideas” to explore local sustainability challenges that matter to them.

The winners of the Clean Energy and Sustainability Innovation Program (CESIP) Student Challenge Award stand onstage with Bill Quinlan, left, president of transmission & offshore wind projects for Eversource Energy, during the Sustainable Clean Energy Summit in the Student Union Theater on Sept. 23, 2024.

(Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo) Through this summer program, students will get to workshop their ideas in both an academic and industry setting and develop the skills to apply critical thinking to their clean energy sustainability ideas.

Teams will present their projects at a university-wide Sustainable Clean Energy Summit on October 27th, 2025 , and be eligible to receive additional funding and support to extend their research and development throughout the 2025-2026 academic year.

Develop your interpersonal communication and critical-thinking skills Receive a summer stipend to work with UConn faculty and Eversource managers to get your team’s idea in development Learn about the ins and outs of research development and problem-solving Access opportunities for research and internship with Eversource Contribute to the decarbonizing efforts of UConn and long-term sustainability goals of Connecticut towns and municipalities.

Connecticut has committed to getting all its energy from zero-carbon sources by 2040 and reducing statewide emissions by 45% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. At the same time, the state has an ambitious Economic Development Plan to attract and retain a growing population, while supporting and generating inclusive economic opportunity within innovative and specialized industries.

Both goals require a modernized electric power grid to integrate new renewable energy sources, meet the increasing electric demand and maintain reliability in the face of climate change. For this challenge, we ask students to either propose a campus-focused initiative (at any of the UConn campuses) or select a Connecticut municipality within which to focus their efforts.

If a student-team chooses to focus on a UConn campus-based project, they will be asked to meet with Stan Nolan, Interim AVP of Facilities Operations, to understand the current energy demands and plans for UConn campuses.

Those focusing on a municipality will need to review the town’s current environmental plans, meet with town managers, and discuss their current energy demands and solutions, and anticipated growth for their municipality. After assessment, students will meet with their Eversource and UConn mentors to highlight their challenges and brainstorm solutions to the future energy demands.

The student teams will then update the UConn campus or municipality’s energy/environmental plans to reflect their new ideas with proposed timelines that correspond with the state’s goals of 2030, 2040, and 2050.

Areas of focus can include legislative and policy updates, economic modeling and analysis of costs to decarbonization or proposed clean energy solutions, rate of growth of renewables and electric load and impact to the transmission and/or distribution electrical grid, integration of new energy/grid modernization technologies to meet anticipated load growth, other approaches to reduce emissions, enhance energy efficiency, affordability, etc. Students are encouraged to work in interdisciplinary teams along with town managers, planning & zoning, local civic organizations, Eversource, and UConn’s Connecticut Institute for Resilience & Climate Adaptation (CIRCA).

UConn and Eversource can assist teams in connecting with local decision-makers. The competition has attracted an impressive group of participants, with five finalist teams comprising 11 students – five undergraduates and six graduates.

These talented individuals represent eight diverse departments and schools: Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Department of Mathematics, School of Business, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and School of Computing.

Fuel Cell as a Catalyst for Local Economic and Environmental Development This project focuses on the Connecticut Fuel Cell Park, located in New Britain. Its primary goal is to explore practical pathways to leverage the Fuel Cell Park for broader community benefits, both economically and environmentally.

Project participants will examine technical and regulatory solutions for enabling direct power distribution from the Fuel Cell Park to nearby facilities. The project will also identify public facilities and private businesses that are particularly sensitive to energy costs and power reliability, ensuring that the solution is tailored for practical implementation.

In addition, the project will evaluate zoning regulations and policy needs to support the integration of clean energy infrastructure and promote new industrial uses, helping to create a sustainable business and environmental feedback loop.

Songyang Zhou, Master’s Student, Data Science Jane Torrence, Undergraduate Student, Real Estate & Urban Economics Kinnard Scholar in Real Estate and Professor, Finance Senior Engineer, Transmission Interconnections & Services UConn’s Wastewater to Bioenergy: Integrated Chlorella Cultivation and Pyrolysis This project aims to develop an integrated system that converts UConn’s wastewater into renewable energy through a two-step process: microalgae-based remediation (to remove nutrients and organic pollutants) followed by pyrolysis (a thermal process that breaks down biomass into usable bio-oil and syngas).

The team will explore the potential for producing clean energy (bio-oil and syngas) as sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels for campus energy use. In collaboration with UConn Facilities and Eversource, the project will assess system design, energy recovery potential, and pathways for real-world implementation.

The long-term vision is to create a replicable model for decentralized waste-to-energy systems that contribute to Connecticut’s clean energy and emissions reduction goals. Azeem Sarwar, Ph. D.

Student, Chemical Engineering Maham Liaqat, Ph. D. Candidate, Chemistry Muhammad Hassan, Ph.

D.

Student, Chemical Engineering Professor, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Associate Professor, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Project Manager, Transmission Dual Characterization of Innovative Hydropower Systems for Sustainable Energy Storage and Generation This project explores the dual characterization of grid-tied microhydropower systems, focusing on a cascaded network of fish-friendly, low-head vortex turbines placed along high-flow sections of the Fenton River.

We are also investigating the feasibility of high-density pumped energy storage systems that can transform small hills into energy reservoirs. The project includes remote sensing for site selection, hydrological modeling using machine learning tools to simulate power output under varying conditions, and a thorough analysis of permitting, regulatory, and economic considerations.

Jonathan Hylton, Undergraduate Student, Electrical Engineering Safiya Crockett, Undergraduate Student, Environmental Science GIS Project Manager, Connecticut Transportation Safety Research Center Project Manager, Regulatory Harnessing Tidal Energy for Shoreside Electrification: A Tool for Sustainable Power in Coastal Connecticut Marine Terminals This project investigates the feasibility of using tidal energy from Long Island Sound (LIS) to support the decarbonization of Connecticut’s port operations by powering shoreside electrification at marine terminals.

It aims to reduce emissions from docked vessels by developing a geospatial computational tool that maps tidal energy density hotspots using NOAA and regional datasets. The tool identifies high-potential sites near ports in New Haven, Bridgeport, and New London for future micro-turbine installations, based on hydrodynamic intensity and proximity to infrastructure.

By integrating energy modeling with electrification demand profiles, the project supports scalable and data-driven clean energy planning. This initiative aligns with Connecticut’s Climate Action Plan and provides a foundation for expanding to other towns and integrating with offshore wind and energy storage systems.

Ultimately, it offers a replicable and timely solution to reduce port emissions and advance the state's clean maritime energy infrastructure. Aryanna Fontanez, Ph. D.

Student, Civil Engineering Yamila Garcia, Master’s Student, Computer Science and Engineering Malaquias Pena Mendez, Ph. D. Associate Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering Associate Planner & Scheduler I, Project Controls Proactive PV Maintenance Using Multi-Modal UAV Imagery This project proposes a drone-based monitoring program for photovoltaic installations at UConn and nearby community sites to detect panel-level defects.

By equipping drones with advanced thermal and visual imaging, we will identify inefficiencies such as hot spots, potential-induced degradation, and short circuits that compromise array performance. We will develop assessment protocols and integrate them into routine maintenance through collaboration with UConn Facilities Operations, community representatives, and Eversource experts.

This scalable solution will optimize energy output and can be extended to additional sites via partnerships with local and utility assessment teams.

Nicholas Bailey, Undergraduate Student, Management and Engineering for Manufacturing & Applied Mathematics Tyler King, Undergraduate Student, Electrical Engineering Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering Director of Undergraduate Studies Senior Engineer, Reliability Compliance Potential Micro-Hydropower Retrofits at Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants The research team will be looking at local wastewater treatment plants to find locations for potential hydropower generation.

They will prepare estimates for costs for a micro-hydropower turbine and potential energy generation. They will also review the permitting needs and other potential impacts on the system or water. The team will propose retrofit locations for proof-of-concept installation projects to show micro-hydropower is viable as a clean energy supply.

Zhiqing Li, Ph. D. Student, Structural Engineering Steven Matile, Master’s Student, Public Administration Meshach Ojo, Ph.

D. Student, Structural Engineering Assistant Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering Associate Director and Program Manager, Eversource Energy Center Senior Engineer, Transmission Interconnections Specialist, Community Relations The Energy Justice Mapping Tool The Energy Justice Mapping Tool is an innovative initiative designed to address energy inequities and promote sustainable energy solutions in Connecticut.

By integrating data on energy access, affordability, socioeconomic factors, and renewable energy potential, this powerful tool empowers communities to visualize and analyze energy-related challenges through an interactive mapping interface. The project aims to identify areas facing energy injustice, to help prioritize targeted interventions, and facilitate the deployment of renewable energy resources.

This groundbreaking tool will equip policymakers, community organizations, and industry stakeholders with data-driven insights and collaborative strategies to drive energy equity, foster renewable energy adoption, and shape a more sustainable and just energy future for all. Umar Salman, Ph. D.

Student, Electrical Engineering Binit Gautam, Ph. D.

Student, Civil Engineering Charitarth Chugh, Undergraduate Student, Mathematics and Statistics Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering Associate Director, Eversource Energy Center Director, Equity and Environmental Justice A Probabilistic Real-Time Controller for Restoration Control Actions During Hurricane Disasters with High Penetration of Renewable Energy This project aims to develop a robust real-time controller capable of deploying restoration control actions to enhance resiliency in power distribution systems with high penetration of renewable energy, particularly during hurricanes.

By leveraging learned-based probabilistic prediction models (PPM) using Bayesian Neural Networks, the project will predict outages, solar panel damage, and irradiance, addressing the lack of historical data through physics-based models. It will also utilize a Deep Reinforcement Learning environment to optimize the control of distributed energy resources and utility devices, enhancing grid resilience toward hurricanes.

The project’s framework can be scaled to community and state levels, supporting decision-making in power dispatch and clean energy transitions, aligning with the Clean Energy and Sustainability Program’s decarbonization goals. Soroush Vahedi, Ph. D.

Candidate, Electrical Engineering Alaa Selim, Ph. D. Candidate, Electrical Engineering Morteza Azizi, Ph.

D. Candidate, Environmental Engineering Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering Associate Director, Eversource Energy Center Manager, System Planning, Transmission Reliability Leading Connecticut Towards a Sustainable Future: Innovative Energy Demand Prediction and Resilience Planning Our proposal aims to tackle the challenges and embrace the opportunities of the renewable energy era head-on.

At the heart of our initiative lies the development of an innovative energy demand prediction model, set to transform how we envision and manage energy consumption in Connecticut. Our model incorporates cutting-edge technological trends such as solar photovoltaics (PVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) while addressing climate change impacts.

Additionally, our model integrates a novel architecture aimed at surpassing traditional demand forecasting methods. We will develop optimal strategies for Connecticut to enhance resilience to demand and climate shocks, reduce system costs, and achieve greenhouse emission targets. Jiwon Kim, Undergraduate Student, Computer Science Buket Sahin, Ph.

D.

Student, Environmental Engineering Assistant Professor in-Residence, Operations and Information Management Lead Engineer, Distribution Planning Integrating Green Hydrogen Production and Transport within a Natural Gas Infrastructure on the Path to Carbon Neutrality Recent advances permit high efficiencies for the generation of hydrogen using electrolytic cells, and a particular method is expected to enable an economically viable conversion of electrical energy (from renewables like solar) to chemical energy (as stored in diatomic hydrogen), such that solar energy can be injected into the state’s energy grid with minimal losses.

The project is multifaceted and includes a focus on both energy production and energy consumption; the latter involves understanding when it ceases to be financially beneficial to consume a hydrogen/natural gas fuel mixture using the current generators. Finally, the project involves simulating a novel hydrogen fuel cell generator setup with waste heat capture systems.

Ava Tobón, Undergraduate Student, Chemical Engineering Alana Marquis, Undergraduate Student, Civil Engineering Associate Research Professor, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Associate Director for Research Infrastructure, Center for Clean Energy Engineering Director, Fleet Operations Enhancing Connecticut’s Green Economy: Optimal Integration of Short-Term Hybrid Solar and Hydropower; Long-Term Implementation of Nuclear Power “Our project proposes a comprehensive two-part strategy for New England's power grids, specifically focusing on the University of Connecticut, to address their heavy reliance on natural gas combustion.

The strategy implements solar PV-thermal hybrid systems and hydroelectric energy to increase power production in the short run, while facilitating a long term transition to nuclear energy. The expected outcome is to diversify UConn’s energy sources through equitable and sustainable financing models.

” Austin Gelinas ’25 (ENG), chemical engineering major Assistant Professor, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Director of Transmission Interconnections and Solutions Pranavi Rebala '25 (CLAS), economics and urban and community studies major Clean Energy Innovations: Revolutionizing UConn's Power Infrastructure “Our research proposal aims to tackle UConn campuses' clean energy sustainability issue.

We plan to retire the current natural gas-based Co-Generation Facility, reduce carbon emissions, and find a comprehensive energy solution for the campus. Our proposed solutions include comparing greenhouse gas emissions between the UConn microgrid and the Eversource grid, implementing load-shaping and demand management techniques, and exploring the use of energy storage solutions.

” Malachi Denton ’24 (ENG), environmental engineering major Assistant Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Associate Director and Manager at Eversource Energy Center Manager of Transmission Strategy and Economic Analysis Malik Francis ’24 (ENG), computer engineering major Kevon Rattigan ’25 (CLAS), chemistry major Associate Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering Addressing UConn’s growing energy demand: Alternative Organic Fuel Sources and Sustainable Energy Consumption “The attainment of sustainability goals at UConn requires the implementation of a comprehensive strategy encompassing both social and technical interventions.

In the technical domain, a plausible solution involves enhancing the Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant to accommodate versatile feedstocks, specifically biomass and solar energy, thereby substituting the conventional use of natural gas.

Complementing this approach, the integration of sensor systems within UConn's buildings can effectively monitor and display real-time energy and water consumption data, fostering increased consciousness among the campus community regarding resource usage practices and the ecological ramifications associated with individual buildings.

” Hasan Nikkhah, doctoral candidate in chemical engineering Associate Professor of Environmental Engineering Education Director of Transmission System Planning Francesco Rouhana, doctoral candidate in civil engineering Assistant Professor, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Dev Barochia ’25 (ENG), chemical engineering major Exploring Solar Canopies and Alternative Solar Panels Options for UConn “Team MEEM will be working on the research surrounding the installation of parking lot solar canopies and the potential to add solar panels to building rooftops by using thin film solar panels or solar shingles as an alternative, lighter-weight option.

Implementing solar as a renewable energy source will help UConn with their carbon footprint because solar power does not produce emissions during the generation process. Examination of life-cycle assessments demonstrate that solar produces a smaller carbon output than traditional ‘cradle-to-grave’ fossil fuels, and will lower UConn's dependence on the traditional electric grid.

” Kevin Howson, energy and environment management master of science program, focusing on law; Chadwick Rittenhouse, Ph. D.

Assistant Professor in Residence, Department of Natural Resources & the Environment Director of Customer Solar Programs at Eversource Energy Jacob Hyler, energy and environment management master of science program, focusing on sustainability Julie Sandberg, energy and environment management master of science program, focusing on geographic information systems Optimization of energy consumption and emissions reduction in UConn campuses through intelligent energy management systems “Our team proposes developing an intelligent energy management system for UConn campuses, starting with the main campus in Storrs, to fulfill the sustainability goals and address local issues.

Leveraging small-scale systems like microgrids and incorporating data analytics, machine learning, and optimization approaches, we aim to reduce energy waste, promote sustainable practices, and compare the costs and emissions reduction characteristics of different projects.

We will explore alternative clean energy sources such as biomass and food wastes, evaluate load-shaping strategies, and create algorithms to forecast the viability and availability of bio-renewable energy resources, ultimately aiming to develop a comprehensive roadmap for UConn's decarbonized and sustainable energy system. ” Anietie W.

Williams, doctoral candidate in chemistry Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Director - Energy Efficiency at Eversource Energy Faith Wariri, doctoral candidate in computer science and engineering A Real-time Behind the Meter PV Generation Forecasting System “In 2022, solar provided 3.

17% of Connecticut electricity, but the stochastic nature of solar PV generation poses significant challenges in reliable and secure grid operations. To address this problem, we will develop a Real-Time behind-the-meter Solar Power Forecasting (RTSPF) system that will use remote sensing to help with power dispatching optimization, overvoltage management, and clean energy transitions.

This project has the potential to support statewide decarbonization and energy equity goals. ” Kexin Song, doctoral candidate in natural resources and the environment Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering Lead Engineer System Planning - Modeling and Forecasting Haoyi Wang, doctoral candidate in electrical engineering Paul Zambrzycki ‘24 (ENG), electrical engineering major