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Incubatenergy® Labs

Startups Engaging EPRI And Electric Power Energy Providers In Demonstration Projects

Incubatenergy Labs is built for startups to engage EPRI and electric power energy providers in paid demonstration projects. An energy providers summit and collaborative demonstrations program in one, the program links startup companies leading the advancement of electrification, decarbonization and grid modernization with energy providers from around the world that have the capacity and desire to demonstrate and scale those innovations.

We structured the program to give you maximum exposure to energy providers and ensure that the results of a successful demonstration with one energy provider turns into opportunities with many. 

Startups Apply Now

INCUBATENERGY LABS PROCESS

1

Identify

New Challenge Definition for Members

2

Discover

Application Open/Startup Evaluation

3

Engage

Pitch Day/Project Selection.

4

Activate

Demo Scoping/Contracting.
Demo Execution.

5

Scale

Demo Day Showcase.
Information Sharing.

OUR MISSION

Bridging the gap between entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders by collaborating in rapid demonstrations to solve global energy challenges.

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CHALLENGE
CATEGORIES

We work with our utility members to establish the most pressing innovation needs to advance the future of energy.
This year, we are interested in piloting emerging technologies in the following areas:

    Customer Resilience and Engagement

    To supply consistent power to customers and empower them to make informed energy choices while broaden adoption of clean energy solutions.  

    Supporting energy providers in giving more affordable options to their customers especially in case of natural disasters. This challenge can be addressed through a range of solutions, with some technology areas of interest outlined below. 

    • Residential and mid-market customers are a critical customer segment and are the majority of utility customers. These customers often seek solutions outside of the utility to help solve resiliency needs, primarily through on-site back-up stand by diesel and gas generation. 

    • Direct utility offerings such as local generation and/or storage and customer side transfer switches can improve the cost effectiveness of customer solutions. 

    • Grid configuration (loops vs radials), additional switching, and other hardening efforts can also mitigate customer impact. 

    • On-site backup utility offerings (generators/solar/wind/batteries), grid hardening methods and technologies, and unique targeted solutions to supply customers with power during unexpected outages. 

    • Customer-Centric Data Visualization: Develop user-friendly data visualization tools that provide customers with personalized insights into their energy usage patterns.  

    • AI-powered Engagement: Leverage AI-powered analytics to deliver personalized recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and potential cost savings.  

    • Dynamic Pricing Models: Design innovative rate structures that incentivize energy conservation and promote the adoption of electric appliances. 

    • Advanced data analytics tools and engaging communication strategies. 

    Decarbonization, Sustainability, and Environmental Impact

    To reduce the environmental impact of energy operations. This includes reducing environmental impacts from transmission and greenhouse gas emissions from energy generation and promoting a shift towards low-emission energy sources. 

    This challenge can be addressed through a range of solutions, with some technology areas of interest outlined below. 

    • Monitor, verify, and/or reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

    • Solutions to ensure a safe and efficient coal-to-nuclear power transition. 

    • Proactive mitigation of wildfire risks. 

    • Technologies to mitigate wildlife interaction with grid infrastructure. 

    • Efficient and robust sustainability frameworks for project certification. 

    • Benefits to water quality and/or water use in the context of the water-energy nexus. Minimize water consumption in energy production and energy use in water management. 

    • Combine energy generation with agricultural practices to improve both energy production and land use efficiency (i.e. agrivoltaics) 

    • Remote sensing/monitoring tools for environmental impact assessment. 

    • The preservation of species and/or enhanced biodiversity, regeneration, and other environmental benefits. 

    • Tools to assist in adherence to evolving environmental laws. 

    • Optimize land use and energy production while minimizing environmental impact. 

    Electric Vehicle Integration

    Facilitate the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), particularly for industrial fleets. 

    By empowering customers and improving grid management, utilities can create a more sustainable and efficient transportation future. This challenge can be addressed through a range of solutions, with some technology areas of interest outlined below. 

    • Widespread charging infrastructure with smart technologies for grid integration. 

    • Expand and improve EV charging infrastructure for various locations (urban, rural).  

    • Manage the impact of EVs on grid stability through demand flexibility solutions.  

    • Enhance the efficiency and speed of EV fast charging to reduce wait times.  

    • Alleviate the front-end investment risk for industrial customers. 

    • Fleet analysis tools to assess the feasibility and/or educate customers on the cost-effectiveness of EV adoption.  

    • Managed charging tools to optimize charging schedules and minimize grid impacts. 

    • Leverage business modernization and AI.   

    • Optimize charging times through innovative fast charging solutions.  

    Energy Storage

    Developing tools, approaches, and methods to enable safe, reliable, affordable and clean energy storage deployment.  

    Applications and technologies in this category shall address one or more of the following gaps.   

    • Minimize energy storage related safety risks and hazardous impacts on workers, communities, public and property. 

    • Increase the energy storage performance and reliability that makes it a dependable asset to support grid reliability and resilience.  

    • Improve the economic viability of energy storage technologies through value propositions, costs, and benefits accurately.  

    • Innovations in energy storage planning, procurement, deployment & integration, O&M and decommissioning practices.  

    • Equitable and responsible energy storage life cycle practices and stakeholder engagement  

    • Identify potential Lithium-ion battery substitutes and long duration technology solutions.  

    • Develop strategies and solutions for optimal deployment and operation of utility-owned energy storage systems. 

    • Enable long duration energy storage of ten hours or more. 

    Workforce Development and Safety

    Ensure a safe working environment for the utility workforce across all job roles and locations. 

    Solutions should develop, enable, and/or implement comprehensive workforce development and/or safety protocols and procedures.  Solutions can include more traditional or innovative approaches, such as training programs, digital and AI, virtual and augmented reality, robotics, and more. 

    • Equip the utility workforce with the necessary skills and training to maintain and operate the evolving grid infrastructure, including advanced technologies and renewable energy sources. 

    • Effective knowledge transfer from seasoned technical professionals to early- and mid-career professionals as well as younger/emerging generations.  

    • Improve education and training to preserve operational excellence.   

    • Foster a strong safety culture within the organization. 

    • Evaluate risks associated with proposed, existing, and/or ageing assets. 

    • Utilize robotics to perform complex tasks. 

    • Equip the utility workforce with the necessary skills and training to maintain and operate the evolving grid infrastructure, including advanced technologies and renewable energy sources. 

    • Online training modules for new technologies.  

    • Upskilling programs for current utility workers to bridge skill gaps and ensure they are qualified to work with new technologies. 

    • Virtual and augmented reality training simulations for grid operations and maintenance to provide a safe and realistic training environment for complex tasks. 

    • Development of training programs and simulations for the operation and maintenance of autonomous grid systems. 

    Advanced Inspection Technologies

    To apply advanced technologies for accurate real-time inspection and ongoing monitoring of critical infrastructure components across the energy sector, including in harsh environments.   

    Solutions should improve reliability, accuracy, safety, efficiency, and/or cost-effectiveness of inspection, monitoring and repair throughout the energy industry. 

    • Includes development of advanced inspection tools and data analysis methods. 

    • Novel sensors, non-destructive examination techniques —miniaturized robotics for real-time and remote inspections, novel welding repair techniques. 

    • Utilize robotics to perform complex tasks that are not directly accessible to humans. 

    • Machine learning algorithms will analyze inspection data from various sources across the energy sector to detect anomalies and enable predictive maintenance.  

    • Data integration and visualization methods will be crucial for combining data from different technologies and presenting it in a clear format for operators to make informed decisions. 

    • Computational tools for predicting material behavior and designing materials with superior resistance to harsh environments. 

    • Description items can be applied within: 

    • Nuclear Power Plants: Ensure safety and extend operational life. 

    • Power Grids: Enhance reliability and resilience. 

    • Renewable Energy Systems (Wind, Solar, Hydro): Monitor and/or optimize performance and minimize downtime. 

    • Small-Bore Piping Systems: Improve inspection efficiency. 

    • Turbines (Gas, Steam, Wind, Hydro): Test, monitor, and/or optimize performance. 

    Grid Modernization, Resilience, and Load Growth

    Develop affordable solutions to modernize the ageing grid infrastructure, ensuring reliable power quality and stable delivery. 

    Electric operating companies need solutions to manage a rapidly growing and increasingly dynamic grid with increased loads and inverter-based resources (e.g., solar, wind). This challenge can be addressed through a range of solutions, with some technology areas of interest outlined below. 

    • Advanced grid management systems, AI-powered predictive maintenance, and cybersecurity solutions for connected grid devices. 

    • Online condition monitoring. 

    • Integrate advanced technologies such as AI and data analytics for better management and security.  

    • Predictive maintenance for grid assets and advanced grid management systems with real-time data integration. 

    • Consistent and reliable power delivery while improving grid resilience against extreme weather events and/or cyberattacks. 

    • Weather stations installed on lines and/or more accurate weather information. 

    • Advanced power quality monitoring and analytics systems.  

    • Solutions to mitigate power quality issues like voltage fluctuations, power surges, and outages. 

    • Increase the capacity and efficiency of power transmission and distribution. 

    • Develop advanced loading/hosting capacity maps to optimize grid planning and integration of new resources by providing a clear picture of where additional capacity can be accommodated. 

    • Streamline line siting: Utilize machine learning and other advanced tools to expedite the planning and permitting process for new power lines. 

    • Vegetation Management: Develop advanced technologies for inspecting, prioritizing, and managing vegetation on or near power lines to enhance grid reliability and safety. 

    • Inspection: Utilize various sensor types mounted on airborne (drones, airplanes), terrestrial (vehicles, robots), and satellite platforms to gather detailed vegetation data for right-of-way assessments. 

    • Prioritization: Integrate AI and machine learning for automated issue recognition and prioritization of vegetation management tasks based on potential risk and impact on power lines. 

    • Mitigation and Control: Develop innovative techniques for vegetation mitigation, control, and long-term management. This could include advanced cutting technologies, targeted herbicide application, or preventive landscaping solutions using low-growing, slow-growing, or pollinator-friendly plant species. 

    Digital Transformation, AI, and Robotics

    Developing digital processes involves not only streamlining operations but also fundamentally reevaluating and transforming business workflows and improving AI integration. 

    Solutions that address these challenges in any energy-related areas are welcome.  Some technology areas of interest outlined below. 

    • Improve integration of AI and digital technologies as applied in an energy system and related operations. 

    • Improve efficiency of operational and/or business processes. 

    • Improved handling, application, and/or delivery of information. 

    • Development of training programs and simulations for the operation and maintenance of autonomous grid systems. 

    • Virtual and augmented reality training simulations for grid operations and maintenance to provide a safe and realistic training environment for complex tasks. 

    Distributed Energy Resources Integration and Grid Edge Technology

    Effectively manage and integrate distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar panels, battery storage, and electric vehicles (EVs) to improve overall efficiency, reliability, and grid flexibility. 

    Solutions will improve overall efficiency, reliability, and customer participation in the energy and flexibility market, while facilitating affordable home electrification. 

    • Grid Integration Technologies: 

    • High-efficiency and scalable power electronics solutions for different voltage levels to handle the variable power output of DERs. 

    • Bi-directional communication protocols to enable seamless communication between DERs and the grid for real-time data exchange and control. 

    • Advanced sensors and monitoring technologies: Real-time data collection and analysis at the grid edge, which can inform grid management decisions and optimize DER integration. 

    • Advanced DER Management Systems: 

    • Advanced DER aggregation and control platforms to optimize grid operations and integrate diverse DERs effectively. 

    • Smart inverter technologies that can intelligently respond to grid signals and optimize energy production and consumption for both the homeowner and the grid. 

    • Develop communication protocols for VPPs & Smart Devices: Manage DERs and improve grid flexibility by enabling seamless communication between devices at the grid edge. 

    • Smart and Electrified Buildings: 

    • Leverage AI-powered tools for homeowner electrification planning, minimizing upfront costs and streamlining the transition to electric appliances. 

    • Financial assistance programs to help customers offset the initial costs of switching to electric appliances. 

    • Cost-effective electrification, demand flexibility and energy efficiency measures for all customer sectors that considers on and off-road transportation and grid integration. 

    • Innovative analysis tools for customer insights, rates, and pricing. 

    • AMI 2.0 / Utility-related Grid Edge Compute:

    • Develop advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) solutions capable of real-time data collection and analysis at the grid edge.

    • Explore the use of edge computing for distributed energy resource management and grid optimization. 

    • Develop cybersecurity protocols and solutions for AMI 2.0 and grid edge devices. 

    • Investigate the potential of AI and machine learning for advanced data analytics and grid management in the context of AMI 2.0. 

    Other

    Do you think we’re missing the boat on something? If you have a relevant technology that doesn’t fit into one of the areas above, we want to hear about it! 

    IN THE KNOW

    In Loving Memory of Jerry Ligrani

    Jerry Ligrani, Program Lead of EPRI’s Incubatenergy Labs program, unexpectedly passed away on December 28, 2024. Jerry was a beloved member of the EPRI Technology Innovation team and a trusted advisor to his colleagues and the innovative start-up companies he worked with.