NYPA, UB launch AI fellowship to accelerate clean energy innovation

Inaugural projects explore harnessing AI to improve operation & efficiency of New York’s power system

New York Power Authority press release

The New York Power Authority and the University at Buffalo today celebrated the launch of a joint fellowship program that immerses UB students in real‑world, grid modernization and clean energy projects leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and data science.

Local public and private sector leaders welcomed the AI fellowship program’s first cohort of nine students who will work alongside NYPA experts and UB researchers to address key challenges facing the state’s clean energy industry.

NYPA’s board of trustees approved an $832,000 workforce development funding award in December 2025 to support the design, operation and administration of the fellowship program. Developed in collaboration with UB’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (IAD), the fellows will be embedded with NYPA teams on quarterly deliverables and receive mentorship from NYPA staff and UB faculty.

“This AI fellowship program puts cutting-edge technology to work on New York’s most urgent clean energy challenges while creating pathways to meaningful careers,” New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said. “By pairing students with Power Authority experts and university researchers, we are providing the next generation of leaders with the hands-on experience needed to excel in the state’s clean energy economy.”

University at Buffalo President Satish K. Tripathi said, “Through this fellowship, the University at Buffalo is strengthening its commitment to advancing AI for the public good by enabling students to apply their expertise to critical clean energy challenges. In partnership with the New York Power Authority, our students will translate research insights into practical solutions that advance a more sustainable and resilient energy future.”

Applied AI fellowship projects

The AI fellowship is designed to build New York’s clean‑energy talent pipeline and accelerate deployment of AI tools that improve planning, operations and market participation across the state’s power system.

Identified scopes-of-work include:

•Accelerating transmission interconnection for renewables: Students will explore how Al can enhance renewable energy systems, leveraging machine learning technology and analytics to identify and prioritize potential transmission interconnection projects.

•Thermal energy load profiling framework: Participants will use an AI-based modeling approach that blends data and system knowledge to deliver accurate, real-time insights for planning thermal networks.

•Battery storage revenue optimization tools: Machine learning technology will be used to measure the performance of energy storage systems. Through simulations, students will explore how those systems behave under different conditions and identify strategies to improve their overall efficiency.

•Virtual power plant intelligence platforms: By using software that integrates distributed energy resources and analyzes energy markets, students will identify cost‑effective approaches for developing and scaling virtual power plants in support of clean energy.

The inaugural cohort will run for one year and conclude with a technical showcase with NYPA experts and UB faculty sharing their learnings with team members and colleagues.

The AI fellowship program established between NYPA and UB adds to UB’s growing portfolio of AI-focused research and educational programs that aim to make improvements to clean energy projects and associated fields. UB’s portfolio includes using AI to strengthen grid resiliency during extreme weather events, forecast wildfire spread, and to build protective measures for key infrastructure.

In addition, the university’s new department of AI and society – supported by $5 million in state funding – is also growing rapidly and preparing students for careers in a range of AI-related fields.

Connecting New Yorkers to opportunities in clean energy

The Power Authority’s support for clean energy workforce training stems from a commitment of up to $25 million annually, as outlined in the 2023-24 enacted state budget. It largely supports the efforts of the New York State Department of Labor to connect workers to job opportunities in the clean energy economy. Many of the upskilling and training initiatives have a focus on serving those who are traditionally underrepresented, especially within disadvantaged communities.

NYPA actively engages with each community training organization to ensure skills training is matched with in-demand positions and participant success through supportive wraparound services. Additionally, the Power Authority advises on the classroom and hands-on technology curriculum.

To date, NYPA has obligated more than $50 million for clean energy training programs, supporting thousands of trainees and more than 39 workforce training organizations statewide.

In December 2025, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced NYPA will provide $40 million in new annual workforce development funding over the next four years to develop the workforce needed to support advanced nuclear energy in upstate New York.

More information on the Power Authority’s support for clean energy training can be found on its workforce development webpage.

NYPA Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer Rob Piascik said, “This AI fellowship is a pivotal opportunity to align advanced analytics with New York’s most pressing clean energy priorities. By partnering with UB’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, we’re equipping students to co-develop solutions with NYPA experts that enhance grid intelligence, strengthen resiliency, improve operational excellence, and accelerate the state’s clean energy transition.”

UB Senior Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Development Venu Gonvindaraju said, “UB's AI fellows will have the opportunity to tackle real‑world challenges while advancing New York state’s clean‑energy future. This important collaboration pairs UB’s leadership in AI with NYPA’s operational scale.”

NYPA Workforce Development Project Director Sandra Bleckman said, “The launch of the NYPA-UB AI fellowship reflects what’s possible when we combine innovation with a commitment to growing New York’s clean‑energy workforce. By embedding UB students directly into real‑world projects at NYPA, we’re building the next generation of talent while accelerating the AI solutions our state needs. We’re grateful to UB and proud of the students stepping forward to deliver impact from day one.”