Electricity and grid systems
The global electricity sector produces more GHG emissions than any other sector and it is slated to grow rapidly to supply currently underserved populations and to replace fossil fuel-powered vehicles, appliances, and industrial processes with electric options. While solar and wind power are scaling quickly, the sector is not on track to meet global climate goals and future demand. Solutions are needed across global electricity systems, including generation, transmission and distribution; operation and optimization; storage; policy, regulation and governance; markets, and business models.
Accelerator contacts
Recent news
2025 projects
Five innovative electricity and grid projects were awarded funding in May 2025. These groundbreaking projects encompass a diverse range of technology and policy approaches, showcasing advancements in photovoltaic manufacturing, grid optimization, battery development, microgrid expansion, and utility strategies for wildfire mitigation. The expectation is that these projects will accelerate progress toward zero-GHG, reliable, and affordable electricity for all.
Accelerating the translation of open-air spray-plasma manufactured large-area perovskite solar modules
Fast and accurate state-of-charge estimation for lithium iron phosphate batteries for battery energy storage systems
Hierarchical microgrid for advanced power system resilience and reliability
ML-driven optimization for the Unit Commitment problem in power systems
Optimizing affordable paths to utility wildfire safety across the U.S. and beyond
Development of NiTi alloys for energy-efficient elastocaloric applications through nanostructural analysis
Previously funded projects
In 2022, the Stanford Sustainability Accelerator funded 31 research teams. Several of these multidisciplinary projects advanced sustainability solutions in electricity and grid systems.
24/7 carbon-free electrified campus fleet
Buildings in the energy transition
CLEAR Decarbonization: Collaboration and learning for equitable and rapid decarbonization
Data commons for climate, energy, and sustainability
Elastic energy storage proof of concept and scalability
Feasibility study of an evaporative cooling (with water recovery) for energy efficient and sustainable operation of edge data centers
Partnering with domestic and international players for more effective energy-transition policies and financing in Indonesia and Vietnam
Water electrolyzers for green hydrogen production from impure water sources
