Interdisciplinary Education and Training in Smart Grid Paradigm

The electric power grid continues to rapidly evolve into a massive autonomous system with the integration of renewables and distributed energy resources and the adoption of digital technologies. To support the modernized power grid, there is the critical need for a highly-skilled, cross-disciplinary, and inclusive power-grid workforce. The new workforce needs to be trained not only in traditional topics on power engineering but also on information technology, communication, automation, and renewables. In this regard, we bring together experts working on revamping the university education to develop the much-needed expertise specifically in the areas of cybersecurity, data analytics, and information and communication technology to DER integration. The panel will conclude with recommendations for educators as the grid continues to evolve.