Projects

Baringa Management Consulting

This project will support Baringa by developing a strategy research piece focused on power markets and utility regulation. The analysis will examine key market dynamics, policy frameworks, and regulatory trends shaping the sector, with an emphasis on their implications for utilities, developers, and investors. The deliverables will provide actionable insights to inform client engagements and may also serve as the foundation for a thought leadership publication.

MCJ

The MCJ Collective project will identify potential start-up investment opportunities across climate-related sectors. Students will select a specific sub-field within climate, develop subject matter expertise, and conduct in-depth research to map the key players, emerging technologies, and market trends. Findings will culminate in strategic recommendations at the end of the semester, helping inform MCJ’s investment decisions and broader mission of advancing climate innovation.

Fervo Energy

Fervo Energy is launching a project to analyze critical equipment within the enhanced geothermal supply chain and develop recommendations to onshore manufacturing, reduce costs, and/or shorten lead times. The analysis will highlight both established and emerging vendors that demonstrate potential to improve on priority performance metrics. In addition, the project may identify opportunities for philanthropic and public funding that could catalyze supply chain localization and innovation. Ultimately, this work will provide a list of vendors to further diligence and engage and an accompanying framework for building high-value supplier relationships, fostering strategic partnerships, and supporting the incubation of an innovative design and manufacturing ecosystem for geothermal technology.

AES Energy

Students will assist AES in exploring the potential use of surplus interconnection to leverage existing infrastructure and support the development of new capacity. Students will research how surplus interconnection functions within the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), examining regulatory requirements, operational constraints, and market opportunities. The analysis will provide insights into how AES can leverage surplus interconnection while ensuring compliance with capacity limits, ultimately informing strategies to expand renewable generation efficiently.

Strata Clean Energy

Strata is seeking support in developing AI-driven solutions for the energy sector, with applications such as predictive maintenance, energy forecasting, supply chain optimization, and interconnection queue analysis. Students will collaborate with Strata’s app development team to prototype AI-powered tools that create measurable value for the company.

NC League of Conservation Voters

Utility companies in North Carolina have sidestepped state climate goals while shifting financial burdens onto residential ratepayers. This project will raise awareness and encourage public engagement through 3–4 tabling events, where community members will be invited to petition the North Carolina Utilities Commission to strengthen oversight of utility rates and advance a rapid transition to clean energy. Participating students will develop familiarity with relevant energy policies and regulations while documenting community feedback and producing a report that summarizes and responds to the questions raised.