Stony Brook University and the University of Massachusetts Lowell have received a $6.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of the Navy’s Office of Naval Research (ONR) to support energy resilience initiatives for naval operations. The funding will help both universities develop new technologies in energy infrastructure and storage, aiming to improve the reliability and accessibility of power systems used by the Navy on land and at sea.
Andrea Goldsmith, president of Stony Brook University, said, “Stony Brook University has long been a leader in energy innovation for the benefit of Long Island, the state of New York and beyond. Thanks to our continued partnerships, including with the U.S. Navy, UMass Lowell, Brookhaven National Laboratory and our industry partners, Stony Brook and its innovative researchers are driving transformative solutions to ensure the security and reliability of our critical energy infrastructure. This includes research underway at the New York State Center of Excellence in Energy and the Center for Grid Innovation Development and Deployment, two hubs that exemplify our commitment to advancing a sustainable future for New York and the global community.”
UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen stated, “This partnership reflects UMass Lowell’s commitment to advancing research that addresses real-world challenges and strengthens our national security. Working alongside the U.S. Navy, Stony Brook University and our industry partners, our researchers are developing innovations that not only support the nation’s defense but also drive progress in energy resilience and sustainability.”
The collaboration involves 12 projects across four key areas: improved power grid management; structural health monitoring of energy infrastructure; energy storage and materials; as well as fuels and power systems. Industry partners such as National Grid, PSEG Long Island, and Long Island Power Authority are involved in these efforts.
Reliable access to energy is considered essential for naval missions because it ensures continuous operation during natural disasters or other disruptions.
Yacov Shamash, principal investigator on this project at Stony Brook University said: “Resilient energy systems are vital to the Navy’s readiness and operational success. This partnership allows us to bring together cutting-edge research and real-world application to develop innovative solutions that not only benefit the Navy on sea and land but, through our industry partners, strengthen civilian energy infrastructure nationwide.”
Congressional leaders who supported securing this grant highlighted its importance for both national defense goals and technological advancement.
Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) commented: “Our military’s energy grid is only as strong as the investments we make in it. I fought hard to secure this funding, and it’s great to see Massachusetts universities continuing to lead the way in research and the path to energy independence.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) added: “The Office of Naval Research’s investment in Stony Brook University and UMass Lowell represents the best of how federal research partnerships can strengthen our national security and drive innovation. By advancing next-generation energy systems, Stony Brook is helping ensure our Navy has the tools it needs to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.”
