ELITE Grid Research Lab

About the ELITE Grid Research Lab

The ELITE Grid Research Lab is led by Prof. Yunwei (Ryan) Li. The lab’s objectives are to develop key technologies and train highly qualified personnel (HQP) for Canada’s next-generation electric grids. We aim at developing grids with high percentages of renewable energy generation; highly efficient transmission and distribution structures; reliable and efficient power electronic interfaces to integrate renewable energy and high efficiency loads; and the highest cyber security and system reliability.

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

ELITE Grid Research Lab News

ELITE Grid Research Lab Hosts Plenary Panel: "Powering AI in AlbertaA 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

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