About CURENT
CURENT is a graduated National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Research Center that was jointly supported by NSF and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for a ten-year period from 2011 to 2021, with three partner universities: Northeastern University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Tuskegee University. The original name of CURENT was the Center for Ultra-Wide-Area Resilient Electric Energy Transmission Networks, reflecting its initial focus on wide-area measurement and bulk power system resilience.
Following its graduation from the NSF ERC program in 2021, CURENT has transitioned to a self-sustaining center with an expanded research scope covering a broad range of topics in electric power and energy systems. To reflect this broader vision, the center now uses CURENT as its standalone name and brand, rather than the original expanded form, while building upon the strong reputation established during the ERC program.
Today, CURENT includes 10 core faculty members and numerous affiliated researchers from several universities. Together with industry members from approximately 30 companies and organizations across the power and energy sector, CURENT conducts cutting-edge research to advance the future electric energy infrastructure.
Our Vision
CURENT is a model for research centers that is transforming the future of electric energy systems through cutting-edge innovations in power systems, power electronics, transportation electrification, and artificial intelligence, while advancing interdisciplinary solutions for climate change and sustainability. We are dedicated to empowering leadership and collaboration to shape resilient, efficient, and sustainable electric energy systems for a decarbonized future.
Research Scope
- Power generation, transmission & distribution systems
- Power electronics components, converters & systems, motor drives
- Renewable energy, microgrids, distributed energy resources, demand response, energy storage
- Electrification of transportation and e-mobility systems
- Artificial intelligence and cyber-physical security applications for electric systems
- Interdisciplinary study related to energy, climate change, and sustainability
Industry Topics
NSF I-Corp Program: TN Today, South Node