Technology hub led by University of Louisville focused on bringing sustainable energy to city

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A new technology hub led by the University of Louisville is bringing together business, research and government officials for collaboration.

University of Louisville's Regional Energy Business, Education, and Commercialization Convergence Accelerator is focused on Kentucky's role as a hub for innovation in energy including batteries, hydrogen, solar power and biofuels. The group will includes partners at UofL, Transit Authority of River City (TARC), Louisville Metro Government, Clariant and GE Appliances.

The university wants to bring more sustainable energy to Louisville. The group will help TARC introduce extended-range battery buses and GE Appliances will work on a solar power microgrid so power outages could get fixed faster.

"We lose a lot of power through transmission, there is a lot of energy loss," Dr. Sundar Atre said. "So by keeping it local, that can also help increase energy efficiency potentially. So those are the kinds of ideas we are trying to work with."

REBECCA will study the region's energy economy and develop a plan for growth in technology, infrastructure and workforce.

The hub was funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration with a $500,000 grant. Since the group is a phase 1 applicant, REBECCA is eligible to compete for a $75 million grant.

Mayor Craig Greenberg said the hub will bring new jobs and further Kentucky's investment in renewable energy technology.

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