As power grids rely more on renewable energy sources like wind and solar, balancing energy supply and demand becomes more challenging. A new analysis shows how water systems, such as desalination plants and wastewater treatment facilities, could help enhance grid stability and create new revenue streams.

They are advancing research that can translate into real world solutions for better batteries, electric grids, wildfire management, and data centers.

The Electrical Reliability Improvements project, part of Stanford’s new Climate Action Plan, will increase the electrical reliability and capacity needed to reach the campus’s net-zero carbon reduction goal.