Power Shift: How CMU Is Leading America’s Energy Evolution

In the heart of Pittsburgh, a quiet revolution is underway.

Jul 11, 2025

1 min

Carnegie Mellon University, long known for its prowess in computer science and engineering, is now emerging as a key innovator within America’s energy landscape. As AI models grow more powerful, so too does their appetite for energy, straining an aging and outdated grid and prompting urgent questions about infrastructure, security and access. From reimagining AI data centers to modernizing and securing the electric grid, CMU researchers are working on practical solutions to pressing challenges in how the U.S. produces, moves and secures energy.

Learn what CMU experts have to say about their Work That Matters.

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Zico Kolter

Associate Professor and Director of Machine Learning

Zico Kolter researches how to make deep learning algorithms more robust, safer, and understand how data impacts how models function.

Articifical IntelligenceAI ModelsMachine LearningDeep LearningNeural Networks

Dimitrios Skarlatos

Assistant Professor, Computer Science

Dimitrios Skarlatos is redesigning AI data center infrastructure to improve energy efficiency.

Data Center DesignAritficial IntelligenceSystemsSecurity and PrivacyComputer Architecture

Granger Morgan

University Professor

Granger Morgan's research addresses problems in science, technology and public policy.

Quantitative Policy AnalysisRisk AnalysisEnvironmental SystemsClimate ChangeAdoption of New Technologies

Audrey Kurth Cronin

Trustees Professor of Security and Technology Director, Carnegie Mellon Institute for Security and Technology

Audrey Kurth Cronin's research explores how governments and private actors use accessible technologies.

National and International SecurityTechnology and SecurityInnovationTerrorism

Vyas Sekar

Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Vyas Sekar seeks to develop more rigorous foundations for securing tomorrow’s electric energy grid

Network Monitoring and MeasurementCybersecurityInformation NetworkingSecurity and SystemsNetworking

Larry Pileggi

Department Head Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Larry Pileggi is a specialist in the automation of integrated circuits, and developing software tools for the optimization of power grids.

Integrated CircuitsPower SystemsSecure HardwareEnergy Grid Security