EPIC

With the support of local industry that will benefit from its research capabilities, UNC Charlotte dedicated its new Siemens Energy Large Manufacturing Solutions Laboratory Feb. 9.

Researchers from EPIC’s Duke Energy Smart Grid Laboratory working with Waverley Labs conducted a systematic analysis of risks and threats to power transmission systems to identify critical points of failure.

The collaboration has resulted in an innovative risk management solution focused on relationships between cyberattacks and the electrical and physical infrastructures associated with the power grid.

Professional Engineers of North Carolina (PENC) and the UNC Charlotte Energy Production Infrastructure Center (EPIC) will hold the “N.C. Coal Ash Forum I’ from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 4, in the EPIC Building, Room G256. A free public information workshop will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 3, in EPIC, Room G256.

The N.C. Energy Policy Council, chaired by Lt. Gov. Dan Forest (’93, ’94), will meet from 2 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 19, in the EPIC Building, Room 1332.

The Energy Policy Council is a part of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and it is the central energy policy planning body for the state and communicates and cooperates with federal, state, regional and local bodies and agencies to develop a coordinated energy policy.

SineWatts Inc., a clean-tech startup company based in Charlotte, in collaboration with UNC Charlotte’s Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC) as its primary research partner, has been selected for a second Incubator Award from the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative to develop its Inverter Molecule product.  

UNC Charlotte faculty members are among a prestigious group of experts seeking safe and practical solutions for disposing of coal ash. The University has convened a blue-ribbon panel of nationally recognized experts to serve on an independent board that will review Duke Energy’s strategy and procedures for closing its ash impoundments in North Carolina and throughout the nation.

Classes get under way Monday, Aug. 25, at the new Charlotte Engineering Early College, located in the shadow of EPIC. It is the first of its kind for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS).
The inaugural class of 100 ninth-graders from across Mecklenburg County will delve into a curriculum that focuses on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) courses, with a special emphasis on energy and engineering. A new school building was constructed near CRI Deck 1 for this collaboration between CMS and UNC Charlotte.

For the third year, UNC Charlotte is joining in the N.C. Air Awareness “Race to the Beach,” a public outreach and education program from the N.C. Division of Air Quality.
The University’s Energy and Environmental Assistance Office is sponsoring the campus’ participation in this initiative, designed to encourage clean commuting, such as carpooling/vanpooling, riding the bus or LYNX light rail or biking to work.

Clean, green, affordable and reliable – former New Jersey Governor and EPA administrator and current co-chair of the Clean and Safe Energy Coalition (CASEnergy) Christine Todd Whitman espoused the benefits of nuclear power in a talk to more than 200 students, faculty, staff and industry leaders on Thursday, Nov. 14, at UNC Charlotte’s Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC). Alumnus and North Carolina Representative Mike Hager, who serves on several legislative environmental and energy committees, also attended the forum.

Christine Todd Whitman, a former administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and governor of New Jersey, will present “Nuclear Energy and Its Role in America’s Energy Future” at 3 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 14, in EPIC, Room G256.
Currently the co-chair of the Clean and Safe Energy Coalition, Whitman will discuss U.S. energy policy in the free, public event. Prospective attendees are asked to email RSVPs to Marian Lambert at marian.lambert@uncc.edu.