Daniel Cohan

Daniel Cohan, a civil and environmental engineering professor at Rice University, dives into the concept of virtual power plants. He explains how these networks aggregate electricity from homes and businesses to help balance energy supply and demand. As the demand rises, particularly from AI and electric cars, these systems are becoming crucial. Cohan discusses the incentives needed for customer participation and the impact of federal policies like the Inflation Reduction Act on the future of energy solutions.

In this conversation, Daniel Cohan, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Rice University, dives into the innovative world of virtual power plants. He explains how these networks optimize energy by aggregating electricity from local homes and businesses, enhancing grid efficiency. As demand soars due to tech and climate challenges, Cohan highlights the hurdles of engaging participants and the financial benefits for consumers. He also addresses the role of government incentives in advancing this technology and the urgent need for innovation in energy management.