





About the ELITE Grid Research Lab
Lab Director
Dr. Yunwei (Ryan) Li
Ph.D., P.Eng., IEEE Fellow, CAE Fellow Professor and University of Alberta Senior Engineering Research Chair Chair, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Phone: (780)-492-3333
- Office: 11-224, DICE Building
- Email: yunwei.li@ualberta.ca

ELITE Grid Research Lab News
ELITE Grid Research Lab Hosts Plenary Panel: "Powering AI in Alberta—A Technical Discussion"
Jan. 30th, 2024: We are elated to share that our lab recently hosted a plenary panel discussion titled “Powering AI in Alberta—A Technical Discussion.” This event brought together experts from AI, utilities, and data center operations to explore topics that could potentially benefit Alberta’s data centers in balancing massive power loads while enhancing energy resiliency and sustainability. Key topics included the growth of AI data centers in Alberta, advanced energy storage and cooling systems, AI load modeling and system optimization, among others. The discussion also highlighted how Alberta’s cold climate, abundant natural resources, and competitive energy infrastructure could support the increasing demand for gigawatt-scale AI computing. Finally, the panel emphasized the pressing need for ongoing research and development to keep Alberta at the forefront of adapting to the rapid evolution of AI hardware and the shifting energy markets. We extend our sincere gratitude to our panelists and moderator for their invaluable insights and engaging discussions: Robert (Rob) Baker (Alberta Innovates), Cameron Bush (AESO), Darin DuMontier and James Crossman (PowerHouse Group), Xiaoqi Tian (Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (AMII)), and Yunwei Ryan Li (University of Alberta)!
Research Interests
- Grid Integration of Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Storage Systems.
- Modeling, Control, and Energy Management of Microgrid and Smart Distribution Systems.
- Smart Grid-Interfacing Power Converters.
- High-Power Converters and Industrial Drives.