Newly Branded Energy Systems Integration Group Joins International Institute for Energy Systems Integration
The world of energy systems integration (ESI) now has a nonprofit, member-based supergroup. The Utility-Variable Generation Integration Group (UVIG) is broadening its reach among the ESI community, joining with the International Institute for Energy Systems Integration (iiESI), and changing its name to the Energy Systems Integration Group (ESIG).
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) managed iiESI since it was established in 2014, with the intention to expand its network of researchers and educators to industry leaders in the energy sector. UVIG, whose focus has tended toward industry, makes an ideal partner to join with iiESI’s network. This integration of iiESI and UVIG reflects a changing industry that emphasizes coordination among a wide range of energy systems.
“Since our group’s inception, we’ve always had a focus on how we can evolve as an organization,” said Mark O’Malley, director of iiESI and a senior research fellow at NREL.
Likewise, UVIG sees opportunity in partnering with iiESI. The international research emphasis of iiESI, as well as its educational resources, will extend ESIG's scope substantially.
"We are extremely pleased to combine ESIG's resources with iiESI and we want to extend a warm welcome to their members as they become part of ESIG," said ESIG Executive Director Charlie Smith.
Prior to ESIG, members of iiESI held global and regional workshops to address ESI challenges, released joint publications on ESI topics, and held educational seminars for Ph.D. students. Beyond participating in ESIG activities, iiESI members will support a new Research and Education Working Group within ESIG and continue to organize workshops globally. O’Malley will serve as chair of the new working group.
"We see this as an amazing opportunity to collaborate," said O'Malley. “With this transition, we will get even more industrial and academic participation, and play a greater role in the future of the energy industry.”
Learn more about the newly branded ESIG by reading the full UVIG news release.