Salt River Project (SRP) has allocated $2.9 million to fund 37 research and development projects at Arizona State University (ASU), Northern Arizona University (NAU), and the University of Arizona (U of A) for the 2025-2026 academic year. The initiative is part of SRP’s ongoing efforts to support reliable power and water delivery for its customers.
The selected projects are in various stages, ranging from new initiatives starting this semester to those in advanced testing phases. SRP has maintained partnerships with state universities for over four decades, which have resulted in practical tools and educational programs. For example, a previous collaboration with NAU led to a new energy industry course that will be available to students beginning Fall 2025. Work with U of A produced a streamflow forecasting tool now used by SRP’s Surface Water team to help manage reservoirs during seasonal changes.
“Investing in research and education is an investment in SRP’s future and the future of the Valley. We are supporting students, engaging them to think critically about SRP’s innovation challenges and helping SRP prepare for the future,” said Chico Hunter, Innovation and Development Manager, SRP. “This program has seen several successful projects become operational at SRP, and the research these students are doing at every stage is impactful for our industry.”
Project proposals undergo evaluation by both individual project advisors within SRP as well as management teams and subject matter experts from relevant departments. For this funding cycle, 22 projects will be conducted with ASU, four with NAU, and eleven with U of A.
Among the current projects:
– In partnership with ASU, researchers are developing artificial intelligence tools designed to identify causes of power outages more quickly and accurately. This work supports ongoing efforts by SRP to enhance reliability strategies across its distribution grid.
– At U of A, a wildfire risk assessment tool using machine learning is being developed to forecast wildfire threats through 2050 across Arizona. The data aims to help protect infrastructure and support community planning as climate change increases fire risks.
– With NAU, long-term monitoring continues on forest thinning efforts in post-wildfire areas within the Verde watershed. The project measures water benefits tied to improved forest health.
– Another collaboration between ASU and SRP examines whether battery energy storage systems can offer cost-effective solutions for commercial customers participating in demand response programs that reduce peak-hour energy use.
– Early-stage research into atmospheric water harvesting technologies is underway at ASU facilities and select SRP sites. This study evaluates methods that could help meet facility water reduction goals outlined in SRP’s sustainability objectives for 2035.
SRP serves over two million electricity customers throughout metropolitan Phoenix and supplies water for about half of the region’s residents each year while managing an extensive watershed system.
